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A self cover booklet has its cover printed on the same paper as the inside pages, as part of the same set of folded sheets. A separate cover, sometimes called a plus cover, is printed on a different, usually heavier, paper or card and wrapped round the inside pages. All our stapled booklets are self cover: A5 or A4, 8 to 24 pages, printed on 170gsm silk throughout, cover included, from 50 copies.
Self cover and separate cover compared
| Self cover | Separate cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Cover paper | Same as the inside pages | A different paper or card, usually heavier |
| How it is made | The outer folded sheet carries the four cover pages | A cover sheet is printed separately and wrapped round the inside pages |
| Page count | Covers count in the total (8 pages = 4 cover + 4 inside) | Often written as inside pages plus cover, such as 8 pages + cover |
| Feel | Light, flexible, even throughout | Stiffer outside, lighter inside |
| What we sell | Yes, on 170gsm silk | Not at the moment |
Our glossary has a short entry on self cover.
How a self cover works
A stapled booklet is made from sheets printed on both sides, nested, folded in half and saddle stitched with staples through the spine. In a self cover booklet, the outermost sheet carries four pages:
- page 1, the front cover;
- page 2, the inside front cover;
- the last page but one, the inside back cover;
- the last page, the back cover.
The cover is printed in the same run, on the same paper, as everything else. That is why the cover pages count towards the total.
| Booklet | Cover pages | Inside pages | Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 pages | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 12 pages | 4 | 8 | 3 |
| 16 pages | 4 | 12 | 4 |
| 20 pages | 4 | 16 | 5 |
| 24 pages | 4 | 20 | 6 |
The inside covers count even when they are blank, so it is worth using them: a welcome note, contents, a map, sponsors or contact details all fit well there. Our booklet page count guide explains planning pages that do not divide evenly.
Why choose a self cover
- It is light. One paper weight throughout keeps the booklet slim and easy to post or carry.
- Every page is printable. The inside covers are ordinary pages, in full colour like the rest.
- It folds cleanly. The cover bends and opens like the other pages.
- It looks consistent. The cover and inside pages have the same finish and colour.
Our booklets use 170gsm silk paper, which is noticeably heavier than everyday office paper, so the cover has enough body for a programme, a newsletter, a price guide or an order of service. Our glossary explains what gsm means.
When people choose a separate cover
A heavier card cover is often chosen for booklets that are handled a lot or kept for a long time, such as a product catalogue on a trade counter or a manual. We do not print separate or laminated covers at the moment. If you need one, contact us before you order to ask; do not plan your file around one.
Self cover booklets we print
| A5 | A4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Page size | 148 x 210mm | 210 x 297mm |
| Page in your PDF, with 3mm bleed | 154 x 216mm | 216 x 303mm |
| Pages, covers included | 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24 | 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24 |
| Paper | 170gsm silk throughout | 170gsm silk throughout |
| 50 booklets of 8 pages | £54 | £57 |
| 100 booklets of 8 pages | £64 | £82 |
Prices are read from our live price list. Printed booklets are normally zero-rated for VAT where they qualify, so there is no VAT to add (see VAT on printing), and delivery to UK mainland addresses is free. The A5 booklet page and A4 booklet page show every page count, and our A5 booklet and A4 booklet guides go into each size.
Setting up a self cover file
Because the cover is part of the booklet, it goes in the same PDF as the inside pages. Send one PDF of single pages in reading order: front cover first, then the inside front cover, the inside pages, the inside back cover and the back cover last. Each page is the page size plus 3mm of bleed, and the number of pages in the PDF must match the count you order. Do not send the cover as a separate file or as a spread.
Our free booklet templates label every page from front cover to back cover and mark the spine edge. For fewer pages, a folded leaflet gives four or six panels from one A4 sheet. Our saddle stitch guide explains how the booklet is put together.
Questions
What is a self cover booklet? A booklet whose cover is printed on the same paper as the inside pages, as the outer sheet of the same set of folded, stapled sheets. All our stapled booklets are self cover, on 170gsm silk throughout.
What is the difference between self cover and plus cover? With a self cover, the cover is the same paper as the inside and counts in the page total. With a plus cover or separate cover, a heavier cover is printed separately and wrapped round the inside pages. We print self cover booklets only.
Do the covers count as pages in a self cover booklet? Yes. The front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover and back cover are four of the pages. An 8-page self cover booklet has four cover pages and four inside pages.
Is a self cover booklet flimsy? That depends on the paper. Ours are printed on 170gsm silk, noticeably heavier than everyday office paper, which gives the cover enough body for programmes, newsletters and orders of service while keeping the booklet light.
Can I print on the inside covers? Yes. In a self cover booklet the inside covers are ordinary pages printed in full colour. They count towards the page total even if you leave them blank.
Do you offer a card cover on booklets? Not at the moment. Our stapled booklets are self cover on 170gsm silk. Contact us before you order if a heavier cover matters for your project.
How do I supply the cover for a self cover booklet? As pages 1, 2 and the last two pages of the same PDF as the inside pages, all single pages in reading order with 3mm bleed. Do not send the cover as a separate file.
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