Hardcover Books

Submission specifications for Hardcover Books

Save your files in uneditable, print-ready file formats.

You can download our guides and templates in the template section. Remember to delete the template layers before exporting your design to PDF. If you already have a design, no worries; we accept other file formats, including JPEG, PNG, or EPS. For photographic content, high-resolution JPEGs are recommended, preferably without compression. For graphics or text-based content, we recommend print-ready, vector-based PDFs. For content that is a combination of graphics and photography, we suggest using print-ready PDFs to ensure the best quality.

Use CMYK as the colour mode.

Prepare your files using CMYK as the colour mode, not RGB. Use colourmode FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for coated papertypes and colourmode FOGRA47 (PSO Uncoated ISO12647) for uncoated papertypes. If you are unsure of the colour mode of your file, don't worry we can always convert this for you. Keep in mind this can cause the colours to differ from the original file.

Resolution of at least 300 dpi.

Make sure the resolution of the images and graphics in your artwork are at least 300 dpi.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

During production, there might be a slight cut deviation. To avoid any issues, we recommend the following:

• Add a 3 mm bleed around all edges of your design.
• Keep important elements 4 mm away from the edge or folding lines.
• Avoid using borders or frames on smaller formats like labels or business cards.

Keep 4 mm safety margin

For this product, the minimum font size is 6 pt. To avoid any issues, we recommend the following:

• Fonts must be embedded or outlined.
• If your design contains small black text, make sure it is 100 % black (Cyan: 0 Magenta: 0 Yellow: 0 Black: 100).

Note that we don't check spelling or typographical errors.

Check line thickness.

Lines should be at least 0.25 pt. Negative lines should be at least 0.5 pt.

Check your artwork on overprint.

Make sure no elements in your artwork are set on overprint unless you want this effect in your design. You can read more about overprint in our Help Centre.

Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Force Colour Images to CMYK with a 260% ink limit (in Photoshop > Convert Colour Profile > Photoshop 5 Default CMYK). Make sure the ink coverage isn't higher than 300%.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hardcover Books

What is this product exactly? And what can I use it for?

• Hardcover Books are booklets with a hard cover and can contain up to 200 pages. The booklet contains the inner pages and the cover, which do not have to be the same. Brochures are available in various types of paper, combinations and number of pages.
• This product can be used:
• • To introduce people to your business
• • Send your message or for giving to customers/clients
• • Provide information

What is the fastest possible turnaround?

• The fastest possible turnaround for Hardcover Books is:
• 5 working days.
• Please note: Only applicable for products which require your design: To make sure that your order is delivered at the indicated time, it is important that we receive your file with your design for the product, on time (also called cut-off time). This way, the product can be moved into production on time. The deadline is always communicated at the final step when putting your product together and in the box on the right which details your entire order.
• The cut-off time for your printed item may vary. This depends on the combination you choose. This has to do with the manufacturing technique and / or the order quantities.
• Please note: The product delivery shifts a day every time the deadline for submission has passed. This is also the case if the file is rejected by us and corrected artwork isn't supplied before the next cut-off time.

Which production techniques do you use?

• For the production of Hardcover Books, we use the following technique(s):
• Digital printing: Uses four colours (CMYK) with toners and inks to print digital files. This option is comparable to a large home printer, and is cheaper than Litho printing for smaller quantities. This is because there are fewer starting costs, fewer components involved, and no ink drying time required.

Is the amount of pages equal to the amount of paper sheets?

• No, this is because the brochures are being folded and printed on both sides. a papersheet gets folded in the middle so it covers 4 pages (2 on the front, 2 on the back).

What materials can I choose from?

• 135gr gloss MC: this material is especially ideal for distribution. They are lightweight, yet half thicker than printing paper. Thickness: 0.11 mm
• 170gr silk MC: this material gives your product a business-look. It is ideal for use at a fair or business-stand. Thickness: 0,17mm
• 200gsm glossy paper is a thicker paper type and has a more luxurious look.

What is the spine width of the hardcover brochures?

• The spine width depends on the number of pages, the material and the thickness of your hardcover books.Check out our guide for an overview, Spine Width Table - Hardcover Booklets

Which carriers are used for the delivery?

• For the delivery of your Hardcover Books we use multiple carriers. We use our most reliable carriers, which in most cases are UPS or DPD.
  We also use DHL and our own courier service. However, these carriers are only used for certain products (depending on the size, the turnaround and the quantity).

I can't find the product I'm looking for. Can I request a quotation?

• If your material type, weight, quantity, size or other specification is not listed, you can request a quotation. It is also possible to request binding in another colour. We will send you our offer within 1 working day. Depending on the complexity, this can take a bit longer.