Book Specifications
and Limitations
Unlike other book makers, we do not have preset formatting, and your book can be in any format within our minimum and maximum sizes. We make custom books in 1/4 inch increments from 4" x 4" to 14" wide x 12" high without any cookie-cutter limitations!
Book Size Specifications
Classic Softcover
Min. size: 4”w x 4”h
Max. size: 12”w x 12”h
Min. / max. page count: 20 / 700
Min. page count for spine text: 60
Contents bleed: 0.125" on top, bottom and outside
Cover bleed: 0.25" on all sides
Printed Softcover
Min. size: 4”w x 4”h
Max. size: 12”w x 12”h
Min. / max. page count: 20 / 700
Min. page count for spine text: 60
Contents bleed: 0.125" on top, bottom and outside
Cover bleed: 0.25" on all sides
Printed Wrap / Printed Linen Hardcover
Min. size: 4”w x 4”h
Max. size: 13"w x 11”h
Min. / max. page count: 30 / 700
Min. page count for spine text: 60
Contents bleed: 0.125" on all sides
Cover bleed: 0.8" bleed on all sides
Linen Hardcover
Min. size: 4”w x 4”h
Max. size: 14"w x 12”h
Min. / max. page count: 30 / 700
Min. page count for spine text: 60
Contents bleed: 0.125" on top, bottom and outside
Cover bleed: n/a
Saddle Stitch Booklet
Min. size: 4”w x 4”h
Max. size: 9"w x 12”h
Min. / max. page count: 8 / 80
Page count must be a multiple of 4
Contents bleed: 0.125" on top, bottom and outside
Cover bleed: 0.25" on all sides
To calculate the size of your cover, use our Cover Size Calculator.
Hardcover Dimensions
Unlike softcover books, hardcover book covers are slightly larger than the their contents. This is because the cover extends beyond the trimmed edge of the contents by 0.125" (1/8") as illustrated at left. The result is that all hardcover book covers are 0.25" (1/4") taller and wider than their contents. For example, an 8" x 10" book will have a cover that measures 8.25" x 10.25". Please keep this in mind when creating your files!
Finishing Options
Finishing Options Chart
Laminate
We stock Soft Touch Matte, Semi Matte, and Gloss laminate. These are used on covers, inset images, printed wraps and dust jackets. We cannot laminate interior pages.
Foil Stamping
Max. Foil Stamping size: 5" x 12"
Note: If your foil stamping design will not fit on a single die, it may be necessary to use two dies, which will add cost to your book order.
Spine Foil
Min. page count for spine foil: 60 pages
Max. Foil Stamp height: height of book minus 0.875” on top and bottom
Max. Foil Stamp width: determined by page count
Min. margin of 0.125" on either side of spine stamp
Min. margin of 0.875" on top and bottom of spine stamp
Gray
Red
Matte Silver
Shiny Silver
White
Clear
Colors
Black
Blind Emboss
Blue
Copper
Matte Gold
Shiny Gold
Inset Images
The recessed area of inset images is 0.25" (1/4") taller and wider than the printed image, which results in a 0.125" (1/8") border.
We place inset images on the horizontal center line of the cover, just above the vertical center. If you have specific placement requirements, please send us a PDF mockup of your cover.
For inset images, we accept TIFF, JPEG or PDF files, sized to match one of the preset sizes at 300 dpi with 0.125" bleed.
Available Inset Sizes
(can be vertical or horizontal)
2" x 2"
2" x 3"
3" x 3"
3" x 3.5"
3" x 4"
3.5" x 5"
3.5" x 5.5"
4" x 4"
4" x 5"
4" x 6"
4.5" x 6"
6" x 6"
6.5” x 8.5”
Dust Jackets
Dust jackets have 5 panels (Flap, Back Panel, Spine, Front Panel, Flap)
Flaps: 4" each
Bleed: 0.25" on all sides
Printed Endpapers
Click on images to enlarge
