Softcover Perfect Binding Setup Guide

To create a perfect bound softcover, a single sheet of card is wrapped around the inside pages of your book. Therefore, your file should be formatted as a single spread.

Before preparing the cover file, please consult your account manager to determine the spine width. The spine width depends on the number of sheets and the type of stock used.

Ensure that the "Page Height" and "Page Width" measurements match those of the inside pages of your book.

Similar to the inside pages, include a 3mm bleed around the edge of your design to account for trimming. Keep all critical text and graphics at least 10mm away from the trim line.

Inside Front and Back Covers Guidance

In perfect bound books, the book block is glued into the cover, leaving an 8mm area on the inside covers that adheres to the first and last text pages. If an image or graphic spans from the inside front cover to the first page, or from the inside back cover to the last page, this 8mm hidden area must be taken into account.

Ensure no images or graphics are placed within 5mm from the right edge of the inside front cover (accounting for 3mm bleed), and 5mm from the left edge of the first text page. Similarly, avoid placing images or graphics within 5mm from the left edge of the inside back cover, and from the right edge of the last text page (refer to illustrations below).

1. Consult Spine Width: Contact your account manager to determine the spine width. This is based on the number of sheets and the type of stock used.

2. File Preparation:

   • Format your cover file as a single spread. This means the front cover, spine, and back cover should be laid out together.
   • Ensure the dimensions of "Page Height" and "Page Width" match those of the inside pages of your book.

3. Bleed and Margin:

   • Include a 3mm bleed around the edge of your cover design to account for trimming.
   • Keep all important text and graphics at least 10mm away from the trim line to prevent any content from being cut off during trimming.

4. Inside Covers:

   • The inside front and back covers have an 8mm area that will be glued to the first and last text pages of the book block.
   • If you have images or graphics that span from the inside front cover to the first page, or from the inside back cover to the last page, ensure these account for the 8mm hidden area.

5. Image and Graphic Placement:

   • Avoid placing any images or graphics within 5mm from the edges of the inside front cover (especially the right edge, allowing for the bleed) and the first text page.
   • Similarly, keep images or graphics 5mm away from the edges of the inside back cover (especially the left edge) and the last text page.

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare and create your softcover book using perfect binding, ensuring a professional and polished result.