Perfect bound books stand out with their professional and refined appearance, making them a top choice when quality and durability matter. Characterized by their glued edges and individual pages, these books boast a sleek, robust spine ideal for a variety of projects, from high-end catalogs and sophisticated magazines to impactful lookbooks and even novels.
This guide is tailored for individuals with a solid understanding of Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, providing a detailed walkthrough of the entire Bound Book Printing process. We’ll cover everything from accurately calculating spine width to ensuring correct page counts and setting up bleeds, empowering you to achieve print-perfect results for your next project.
Understanding the Elegance of Bound Book Printing
Bound book printing, specifically perfect binding, delivers a smooth, contemporary finish. Pages are meticulously glued together at the spine, creating a clean edge that speaks volumes about professionalism. This binding method is particularly well-suited for projects with a higher page count, typically ranging from 48 to 300 pages. The result is a seamless, flat spine that not only looks impressive but also provides ample space for printing titles and author names, enhancing shelf appeal and brand visibility.
Step 1: Mastering Spine Width Calculation for Bound Books
Accurately calculating the spine width is paramount in bound book printing. This measurement is crucial for ensuring your cover fits flawlessly, wrapping snugly around the pages without being too tight or too loose. The spine width depends on two key factors: the total number of pages in your book and the thickness of the paper stock you’ve selected for both the interior pages and the cover.
Utilize this formula to determine the spine width with precision:
Spine Width = ((Total Interior Pages – 4) ÷ 2 × Interior Paper Thickness Per Page) + Cover Thickness (Front and Back combined)
| Formula Breakdown | Explanation |
|---|---|
| (Total Interior Pages – 4) ÷ 2 | Calculates the number of paper sheets excluding the first and last sheet which are partially glued to the cover. Division by 2 because each sheet has 2 pages. |
| × Interior Paper Thickness Per Page | Multiplies the number of sheets by the thickness of your chosen interior paper stock. |
| + Cover Thickness (Front and Back combined) | Adds the combined thickness of the front and back cover stock. |
For your convenience, refer to these tables listing standard paper stock thicknesses for both interior and cover pages:
Interior Page Stocks for Bound Books
| Stock Type | Thickness Per Page (inches) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 70lb Uncoated Text | 0.0052″ | Budget-friendly option for novels, workbooks, and text-heavy books. Offers good printability and opacity. |
| 80lb Uncoated Text | 0.00585″ | A step up in quality, suitable for general books, novels, and publications where a slightly heavier feel is desired. |
| 100lb Uncoated Text | 0.0073″ | Premium uncoated option, ideal for high-quality novels, art books, and publications requiring a substantial feel and excellent print quality. |
| 80lb Gloss Text | 0.005″ | Popular for magazines, catalogs, and promotional materials where image vibrancy and a smooth finish are important. |
| 100lb Gloss Text | 0.006″ | Enhanced gloss finish for superior image reproduction, often used in high-end magazines, marketing materials, and art catalogs. |
| 80lb Silk Text | 0.005″ | Offers a smooth, silky tactile feel with a subtle sheen, excellent for brochures, magazines, and publications aiming for a sophisticated touch. |
| 100lb Silk Text | 0.006″ | Premium silk finish for exceptional print quality and a luxurious feel, ideal for high-end marketing collateral and upscale publications. |
Cover Stocks for Bound Books
| Stock Type | Thickness (inches) | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10pt C1S (Coated One Side) | 0.010″ | Lightweight, glossy on one side for vibrant prints, uncoated inside for gluing. | Cost-effective covers for magazines, catalogs, and softcover books. |
| 12pt C1S (Coated One Side) | 0.012″ | Slightly thicker, enhanced durability with a glossy coated side. | Upgraded feel for magazine and catalog covers, reports, and brochures. |
| 14pt C2S (Coated Two Sides) | 0.014″ | Coated on both sides for premium print quality and durability. | High-quality book covers, premium brochures, and marketing materials. |
| 15pt C1S (Coated One Side) | 0.015″ | Sturdy, substantial feel with a glossy coated side, offering excellent protection. | Durable covers for perfect bound books, catalogs, and directories. |
| 16pt C2S (Coated Two Sides) | 0.016″ | Extra durable and premium coated on both sides for exceptional quality. | High-end book covers, luxury catalogs, and marketing collateral requiring maximum impact. |
| 18pt Mohawk Superfine | 0.018″ | Uncoated premium stock, luxurious tactile feel, known for its archival quality and elegant look. | High-end art books, collector’s editions, and premium publications seeking a sophisticated, uncoated finish. |
Step 2: Popular Bound Book Sizes and Stock Choices
Selecting the right size and paper stock significantly impacts the final look and feel of your bound book printing project. Here are some of the most popular combinations to inspire your choices and guide your spine width calculations:
Common Bound Book Sizes:
- Digest Size (5.5″ x 8.5″): Compact and portable, ideal for novels, manuals, and smaller publications.
- US Trade Size (6″ x 9″): A standard size for paperback books, novels, and general reading.
- Standard Magazine Size (8.5″ x 11″): Perfect for magazines, catalogs, and documents needing a larger format for visual content.
- Square Size (8″ x 8″ or larger): Popular for photo books, portfolios, and visually driven publications.
Example Scenarios for Spine Width Calculation:
Scenario 1: 52-Page Book
- Specifications: 52 pages, 15pt C1S cover, 80lb Uncoated interior stock.
- Calculations:
- Interior Page Thickness: 0.00585″
- Cover Thickness: 0.015″
- Spine Width = ((52 – 4) ÷ 2 × 0.00585″) + (0.015″ × 2) = 0.1404″ + 0.03″ = 0.1704″
- Total Flat Size (for 8.5″ x 11″ page size): (8.5″ + 0.1704″ + 8.5″) x 11″ = 17.1704″ x 11″
Scenario 2: 24-Page Book
- Specifications: 24 pages, 10pt C1S cover, 100lb Silk Text interior stock.
- Calculations:
- Interior Page Thickness: 0.005″
- Cover Thickness: 0.010″
- Spine Width = ((24 – 4) ÷ 2 × 0.006″) + (0.010″ × 2) = 0.06″ + 0.02″ = 0.08″
- Total Flat Size (for 8.5″ x 11″ page size): (8.5″ + 0.08″ + 8.5″) x 11″ = 17.08″ x 11″
Note: These calculations are simplified and may vary slightly based on the specific paper manufacturing tolerances. Always double-check with your printing service for their preferred spine width calculation methods.
Step 3: Setting Up Your Cover Design for Bound Book Printing
Once you’ve accurately calculated the spine width and determined the total flat size, you’re ready to set up your cover file for bound book printing. The flat size encompasses the front cover, the spine, and the back cover laid out side-by-side.
Essential Bleed Area: Remember to incorporate a 0.125″ bleed on all edges of your cover design. This bleed is crucial; it ensures that your artwork extends beyond the trim line, preventing any white edges from appearing after the book is trimmed to its final size.
Incorporating Score Lines for a Professional Fold
To ensure your cover folds smoothly and precisely along the spine, printers often add score lines. These are pre-press creases that facilitate clean folding. Typically, score lines are placed 0.25″ inward from the spine edge on both the front and back cover panels. These score lines are essential to prevent the cover stock from cracking or creasing unevenly when the book is opened and closed.
Step 4: Understanding Pages vs. Sheets in Bound Book Printing
In the context of bound book printing, it’s vital to differentiate between “pages” and “sheets.” Printing is done on sheets of paper, but books are measured and referred to in pages.
- Pages: Each side of a sheet of paper is considered a page. Therefore, a single sheet has two pages – a front and a back.
- Sheets: A sheet is a single piece of paper.
When preparing your files and communicating with your printer, always specify the total page count, not the number of sheets. This ensures clarity and avoids confusion in production. For example, an 88-page book comprises 44 sheets of paper.
Step 5: Page Count and Bleed Settings for Interior Pages
For bound book printing, interior pages are printed on individual sheets. Each side of each sheet counts as a page and must be included in your total page count, even blank pages.
Key Considerations for Interior Pages:
- Even Page Count: Perfect bound books always require an even number of pages. This is because pages are printed on both sides of a sheet, and a book must start and end on a page front or back.
- Cover Pages Separate: Unless you are creating a self-cover book (where the cover uses the same paper stock as the interior pages), the cover pages are not included in the interior page count. The cover is considered a separate component.
- Bleed on All Interior Pages: Just like the cover, each interior page must have a 0.125″ bleed on all sides. This ensures consistent and professional trimming, eliminating any unprinted edges.
Step 6: Preferred File Submission Formats for Bound Book Printing
To ensure the highest print quality and maintain the integrity of your design during the bound book printing process, it’s crucial to submit your files in the correct format.
Recommended File Formats:
- PDF (Portable Document Format): PDF is the industry standard for print submission. It is universally compatible, preserves fonts, images, and layouts, and is easily handled by printing equipment. High-resolution PDFs are essential for professional bound book printing.
- EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): EPS is another vector-based format suitable for print, particularly for graphics and illustrations. However, PDF is generally preferred for comprehensive book projects due to its versatility and broader compatibility.
If you have any uncertainties about setting up your files or choosing the correct format, always consult with your printing service. They can provide valuable guidance to ensure your files are print-ready and optimized for bound book printing.
Experience the Quality First-Hand: Order a Book Sample Pack
To truly appreciate the range of options available for your bound book printing project, we highly recommend ordering a Book Sample Pack. This pack allows you to physically examine different paper stocks, sizes, and binding styles. Seeing and feeling the materials firsthand will empower you to make informed decisions and select the perfect combination for your project’s specific needs and aesthetic goals.
Order your sample pack here: Book Sample Pack.
We’re Here to Assist You with Your Bound Book Printing Needs
Do you have further questions or require assistance in preparing your files for bound book printing? Our expert team is ready to help! Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We are dedicated to ensuring your bound book printing project is a success, from file setup to final delivery.
