A custom printed front cover, back cover and spine is available for paperback books and hardback books.
Note: for full access to the Cover Tool feature, please use a desktop or laptop. Functionality is limited on mobile and tablet devices.
For Paperback and Hardback Books
To design a spine:
Upload your file and configure your document
Configure your cover (select section 4 on the preview & configure page) and proceed to the Cover Design Tool
Use the Cover Design Tool to design your spine. It is possible to add background colour, images, shapes and text. Note: if your spine width is under 9mm, text cannot be added to the area as it will be unreadable in print.
Click the 'Save & continue' button in the top right corner
Your covers and spine design will be displayed in the cover preview for your approval and select lamination options.
To upload a spine design:
If you have already created your spine artwork, it is possible to upload it as part of a full cover spread. It must be in PDF format, as below.
This option is intended for advanced users only (e.g. graphic designers with access to Adobe software).
Upload your file and configure your document
Configure your cover (select section 4 on the preview & configure page)
Under 'Cover' select 'Upload a cover design'
Ensure your cover and spine artwork adheres to the specified dimensions (including spine width)
Click the 'Upload full cover' button
Your cover artwork will be displayed in the cover preview
Click the 'Confirm' button to return to your full document preview and proceed to checkout using the 'go to basket' button
Minimum page count for designing a spine- Hardback Book
Matt 90 gsm (b&w) - 44 single sided and 87 double sided
Matt 100 gsm (colour) - 48 single sided and 95 double sided
Minimum page count for designing a spine- Paperback Book
Matt 90 gsm (b&w) - 70 single sided and 139 double sided
Matt 100 gsm (colour) - 76 single sided and 151 double sided
For Ring Binders
A custom printed front cover and spine is available for ring binders.
To design a spine:
Upload your file and configure your document
Configure your cover (select section 4 on the preview & configure page)
Under 'Spine Design' select 'Design a spine'
Use the Cover Design Tool to design your spine. It is possible to add background colour, images, shapes and text.
Click the 'Save & continue' button in the top right corner
Your front cover and spine artwork will be displayed in the cover preview for your approval
Click the 'Continue' button to return to your full document preview and proceed to checkout using the 'go to basket' button