Hardcover

Inside block trim size (W x H)

These are the actual dimensions of the block of the finished product. Specify them by indicating the width (W) and height (H). The width (W) is the measurement across the spine, while the height (H) is measured along the spine.

• You can order books from 105 x 145 mm to 297 x 297 mm. Check the calculator to see which formats are available for your project.
  
• If you want to print a book in a horizontal layout (so-called landscape), enter the shorter dimension in the height (H) field.
  

The article "How to prepare?" details possibilities and technical requirements.

Inside block trim size (W x H)

These are the actual dimensions of the block of the finished product. Specify them by indicating the width (W) and height (H). The width (W) is the measurement across the spine, while the height (H) is measured along the spine.

• Click on the icons beside to choose the most popular formats.
  
• You can order books from 68 x 68 mm to 360 x 355 mm. Check the calculator to see which formats are available for your project.
  
• If you want to print a book in a horizontal layout (so-called landscape), enter the shorter dimension in the height (H) field.
  

The article "How to prepare?" details possibilities and technical requirements.

Book size (W x H)

These are the actual dimensions of the finished product. Once the "Inside block trim size (W x H)" field is filled in, they will be determined automatically. The width (W) is measured across the spine, while the height (H) is measured along the spine.

• If you want to centre the graphic to the cover, use the Template Generator.
  
• The visual centre of the book is located at the midpoint of the width (W).
  

The article How to prepare? details possibilities and technical requirements.

The price range of the sizes

This defines the price range for printing based on the dimensions of the finished product. After entering the width (W) and height (H) in the "Inside block trim size (W x H)" field, the system will automatically match the book to the appropriate price range.

• Production costs increase for books larger than 160 x 160 mm due to optimal material usage.
  

The article "How to prepare?" details possibilities and technical requirements.

The price range of the sizes

This defines the price range for printing based on the dimensions of the finished product. After entering the width (W) and height (H) in the "Inside block trim size (W x H)" field, the system will automatically match the book to the appropriate price range.

• Price formats correspond to the most popular standards: A4, B5, A5+, A5, S6, and A6.
  
• For example, if you enter dimensions of 160 x 210 mm, the system will classify the book as being in the price range of the following larger standard format—in this case, B5 (170 × 240 mm).
  

The article "How to prepare?" details possibilities and technical requirements.

Bleeds for inside block

Bleed is an excess area of the graphic that will be trimmed during post-print processing. No essential graphic elements should be placed in this location.

Depending on the project, you can choose one of two options:

• Block without bleed—Select this option if the background and graphic elements do not extend to the edge of the page.
  
• Block with bleed—Select this option if your project`s background or graphic elements reach the edge of the page. In this case, a 3 mm bleed is required, which means that 6 mm (3 mm on each side) must be added to the net format. For example, if the final book format is 148 × 210 mm, the file should have a gross format of 154 × 216 mm (including bleed).
  

The article "How to prepare?" details possibilities and technical requirements.

Quantity

This is the number of copies ordered.

• We print both single copies and large runs.
  
• As the number of copies increases, the unit price decreases.
  

The article "How to prepare?" details possibilities and technical requirements.

Book spine

The spine is between the front and back base case and contains the spine board, a binding board that strengthens the book's structure. Depending on the preferred appearance of the publication, you can choose one of two variants:

Straight spine – has a flat, rectangular shape, giving the book a minimalist and modern look.

• Minimum spine board width: 8 mm.
  
• Maximum spine board width: 90 mm.
  
• Binding board thickness: 2 mm.
  

Rounded spine – the spine is curved in an arch, and its shape is achieved by hot rounding both the spine board and the book block, giving the publication a traditional and elegant character.

• Minimum spine board width: 8 mm.
  
• Maximum spine board width: 90 mm.
  
• Binding board thickness: 0.25 – 0.55 mm.
  

The article How to prepare? details possibilities and technical requirements.

Inside block printing type

This option determines the printing technology used for your book's interior. It does not apply to the cover, endpapers, or dust jacket, as these are separate components. Books Factory offers the following types:

• Standard – High-quality colour (4+4), mono (1+1), and mixed (4+1) printing. Perfect for projects with complex visuals like photo albums, vintage photograph reproductions, or richly inked comics. Features high optical density and extremely sharp edges under magnification. Compatible with all papers we use.
  
• Economical mono – Designed for books mainly containing black text and simple black graphics. It is more cost-effective than the standard option. Best for text-heavy publications or books with simple line illustrations – without solid fills or high contrast. Most cost-effective from several hundred copies, especially large runs. Only for uncoated paper.
  
• Economical colour – Developed for books with colour pages or a mix of mono and colour, this option is more affordable than the standard option. It suits nearly all publications except highly demanding albums with heavy colour fills. It is cost-effective even in low quantities and compatible with most coated and uncoated papers we offer.
  

More information: How to prepare?

The code for coverage analysis

Want full confidence that you've selected the most cost-effective coverage level? We'll provide pricing based on the actual analysis of your file, which may significantly impact your final printing cost, especially for documents with minimal colour use.

• Download and install our application.
  
• Import the PDF block file you want to analyse.
  
• Enter the generated number into the "Ink coverage code" field.

No. of B/W pages

This is the number of grayscale pages in the block. Includes both text-only and grayscale illustration pages.

• A book can contain both B/W and colour pages.
  
• Mono and colour pages may be printed on different types of paper.
  
• The same object printed in both versions may appear differently.
  

More information: How to prepare?

Paper, B/W pages

Choose paper for B/W printing.

• Volume is the ratio of thickness to weight, determined by the paper`s bulk.
  
• For uncoated papers, the standard is 0.1. A "v" followed by a number in the paper name indicates increased volume.
  
• The list displays only papers suitable for the selected printing type.
  

Want to preview results? Order the Sample Book Wire-O. Paper Guide.

No. of colour pages

This is the number of pages printed in colour (CMYK) in the block. Includes pages fully printed with colour graphics, illustrations, or images and those with coloured elements like graphs, diagrams, text, or headings.

• A book can contain both colour and black-and-white pages.
  
• Colour and mono pages may be printed on different types of paper.
  
• The same object printed in colour and mono may differ in appearance.
  

More information: How to prepare?

Paper, colour pages

Choose colour paper (CMYK) printing.

• Volume is the ratio of thickness to weight, determined by the paper`s bulk.
  
• For uncoated papers, the standard is 0.1. A "v" followed by a number in the paper name indicates increased volume.
  
• The list displays only papers suitable for the selected printing type.
  

Want to preview results? Order the Sample Book Wire-O. Paper Guide.

Type pages in colour according to the PDF file (not book pages)

Specify which pages are in colour.

• Provide the page numbers as they appear in the PDF file to correctly place them among the B/W pages.
  
• If colour pages are interspersed with mono pages, list all colour page ranges separated by commas. Example: 1–20, 40–60, 80–100.
  

More information: How to prepare?

Binding methods

Glueing with PUR

• Pages are milled at the spine to expose fibres and ensure an even surface. Fibres embedded in PUR glue create a strong bond.
  
• This is the most common binding method in printing.
  

Sewn binding block

• Sections of folded pages are sewn together before glueing. Each section has a multiple of 4 pages—typically 16, 20, or 24.
  
• It offers superior durability and opens flat.
  
• Making it ideal for liturgical books, sheet music, or cookbooks.
  

Want to preview? Order our Sample Books.

Headband

A type of bookbinding cloth strip with a thickened edge. It's glued to both ends of the spine in hardcover bindings.

• Decorative and strengthens the book`s construction.
  
• Available colours: white, brown, dark blue, red, ecru, green, yellow.
  

Want to see what it looks like? Order the Sample Book. Hardcover.

Ribbon marker

Made of double-sided satin fabric, 6 mm wide. It serves both an aesthetic and practical role.

• It helps readers mark where they left off or highlight a quote.
  
• Hot-cut to prevent fraying.
  
• Available colours: white, brown, dark blue, red, ecru, green, yellow.
  

Want to see it in use? Order the Sample Book. Hardcover.

A thin transparent plastic sheet (coating) applied to usually a thick stock (covers, post cards, etc.) providing protection against liquid and heavy use, and usually emphasize existing colour, providing a glossy (or lens) effect.

Choose the binding board that becomes visible on the edges of the die-cut window – available types: standard (grey) and black (dyed).

We only cut out the window in board with a thickness of 2 mm.

Choose the binding board that becomes visible on the edges of the die-cut window – available types: standard (grey) and black (dyed).

We only cut out the window in board with a thickness of 2 mm.

Block edge printing is done in CMYK with pigment inks.

Prepare the design in three PDF files per the rule: one PDF is one surface. Remember to include 3 mm bleeds and an offset tolerance of up to 1 mm between the cover and the printed edge.

Wrap graphics around the entire book, give an impressive position to the typography or extend the illustration from the cover. Edge printing is a fascinating and unconventional solution that thrills readers.