How are hardcover or hardback books made?

‍Like most other book types, hardcover books are made by first printing all the necessary pages and binding, and in this case, the case binding method is used to attach pages to a separate rigid cover (or case). Once book pages are printed, they are gathered and arranged into multiple book sections by thread sewing, where each section is sewn together (by hand or machine) to form the core of your book. The case cover is made using a strong, rigid board material with a thickness ranging from 1mm to 4mm. This cover is cut to the appropriate size and prepped with a cloth-like material (or another chosen material no thicker than 150gsm) in a case-making machine, then pre-printed or directly embossed for finishing. 

To put both pieces together, the book sections are combined and glued to the inside of the case cover spine. The book sections and case cover spine can also be rounded or flat/square-shaped, depending on the look and finish you’d like. Last but not least, endpapers (or endsheets) are adhered to the inside front and back, to connect the case with the first and last page of the inside sections together. This step is essential to keeping the book together, provides a smooth transition from cover to content and also gives you the opportunity to enhance your book's presentation. You can consider adding some flare to your printed endsheets with complementary graphics, author information, or thematic elements that bridge your cover design with interior content.

Dust Jackets vs Direct Cover Printing

‍Traditionally, hardcover books don’t have their cover design printed on the case cover itself, but instead choose a matching coloured cloth-like case cover with a contrasting spine, that can be unveiled under a dust jacket. The dust jacket is therefore a printed and lpaper wrapper that’s easily removable and protects the book from handling damage, moisture, and UV exposure while still showcasing your cover design. Opting for a separate dust jacket provides more flexibility in the book cover's printing and finishing options like foil, spot UV without affecting the underlying case. This style of hardcover book production is still widely used for most trade publications, novels, and retail books where visual impact drives purchasing decisions.

Printing directly on the hardcover case is still a great option and means your cover is printed directly onto the case does eliminate the need to produce a dust jacket, if overcall project costs are a factor and usually means a faster turnaround as there are fewer components for production. Direct cover printing is common and ideal for textbooks, reference materials, corporate publications, and books where durability outweighs elaborate design requirements.

Considerations for Hardcover Book Printing

‍Page Count Requirements: Hardcover binding works best with books containing 48 pages or more. The additional bulk provides proper proportions and structural integrity.
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Spine Width Calculations: During the process, we'll calculate precise spine width based on your page count and paper selection to ensure proper fit and professional appearance.
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Case Materials: You can choose from cloth, paper, synthetic materials, or specialty substrates. Each offers different printing capabilities, durability characteristics, and aesthetic qualities.
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Text Block Paper: Consider paper weight, opacity, and finish. Heavier papers create more substantial spine width, while specialized papers enhance readability and tactile experience.

Print Specifications: Dust jackets will often have to be larger than the actual book size as the hardcover is slightly larger than the internal book block itself. While this can vary, a hardcover is usually 4mm larger on the top, bottom and fore-edge. This also means your dustjacket or direct cover printing file needs to adjust to these measurements and the required bleed measurements depending on your chosen case materials. For precise print specifications, check out our print-ready guide for all the information you need.

Ideal Projects for Hardcover Book Printing

  • Trade Publishing: Novels, non-fiction, and specialty books benefit from hardcover's premium positioning and durability.
  • Corporate Publications: Annual reports, company histories, and presentation materials gain credibility through hardcover construction.
  • Educational Materials: Textbooks and reference works require hardcover durability for repeated use.
  • Commemorative Volumes: Yearbooks, anniversary publications, and memorial books deserve permanent, archival-quality construction.
  • Photography and Art Books: Premium presentation showcases visual content while protecting valuable imagery.

Transform your manuscript into a professional hardcover book that commands attention and respect. Our comprehensive services handle every aspect of production, from initial consultation through final delivery.