Half-binding

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Cover generator

A sophisticated type of hard-case binding: sturdy, durable and really appealing. Different materials are used here for the case boards (the face and the back of the book) and for the spine. It is perfect for stylish and classy publications.

The book block can be either glued or thread-sewn. Additional variants of the cover are available: using two different materials for the case boards and a third one for the spine, or making the corners of the same material as used for the spine.
Extra visual and tactile effects can be obtained by using foam-based cardboard for the cover, which makes it soft and bulgy.

Best use

fiction, poetry, calendars and planners, specialised notebooks, collector’s publications

Find out more

The use of appropriate materials (e.g. wastepaper, non-coated cover materials) and natural components (e.g. cotton or hemp threads) makes the book completely biodegradable. We offer 100% recycled paper, FSC-certified and carrying the EU Ecolabel, manufactured using environmentally-friendly technologies.

Options

Format

min.

148 × 100 mm
max

270 × 380 mm

Book block thickness

min.

8 mm
max

65 mm

Cover materials

Paper, including textured paper, cloth, cork and eco-leather, combined with a cloth, paper or eco-leather spine

Cover extras

We can use different thread colours for the sheets, printed or mass-dyed end papers, and straight or rounded spine (up to 13 mm thickness). Depending on the end use, we also offer band closures, pen holders and colourful ribbon bookmarks.

Read more about the accessories and cover extras here.

Enhancements

We particularly recommend hot stamping with metallized foils and spot varnishing. Additionally, in order to protect the cover and extend its life, we suggest lamination, especially with matte or anti-scratch films.

Read more about the available enhancements here.

Examples

Some examples of our products with this type of binding

Learn about the benefits of working with us.

Frequently asked questions

What is the price difference between a softcover and a hardcover?

It is impossible to provide a definite figure, because a number of factors affect the price, such as format, volume and print run. Assuming some average parameters: B5, 160 pages and 200 copies, a thread-sewn hardcover would be approx. PLN 5.00 (net) more expensive per copy than a perfect-bound softcover.

Can I order a proof from Totem?

Of course! We offer printing proofs of softcover books and so-called labo prints of hardcovers (loose folded sheets without binding). It takes about a week to print and send a proof to the customer, so please consider this in the production timeframe. Proofs are printed for a fee.

What is the soft proof?

It is a production file after a technical verification and checking of its compliance with the order, which includes a software report and any remarks made by the verifying specialist(s).

What is the most economical B5 print size?

The optimal format is 165 x 235 mm, or a popular variation 170 x 240 mm. We strongly recommend not to use sizes close to 176 x 250 mm, as it generates a lot of paper waste and thus increases the costs of production. Also, it has a negative impact on the environment.

How many enhancements can be used in a cover design?

As a matter of fact, as many as will fit on the cover. There are no technological constraints in this respect. We can use a few different types of varnish at the same time, and add hot foil stamping or embossing. However, note that using a lot of enhancements altogether does not necessarily make the final product more attractive or impressive.