In the printing industry, two key terms define how a book or booklet is covered: “Self Cover” and “Plus Cover.” Each has its own unique characteristics and applications.
Self Cover: A Seamless Look
“Self Cover” refers to a book or booklet where the cover is made from the same paper as the interior pages. This means there is no distinction between the paper used for the cover and the paper used for the inside pages. The result is a seamless look and feel, which can be aesthetically pleasing.
Plus Cover: Adding a Layer of Distinction
On the other hand, “Plus Cover” describes a book or booklet that uses a different type of paper for its cover compared to the paper used for the interior pages. This creates a contrast or distinction between the cover and the inside pages, which can be a difference in texture, weight, color, or finish. This contrast can add visual and tactile interest to the publication.
Choosing the Right Option
The choice between Self Cover and Plus Cover depends on the desired aesthetic and design goals for the publication. Plus Cover is often preferred for projects that require a thicker or glossier cover, as it adds durability and vibrancy to the ink colors. Plus Cover can also be used with any book binding style.
Economy and Versatility of Self Cover
Self Cover, on the other hand, is more economical. Forgoing the thicker cover stock saves money, and the entire booklet, pages and cover, can be produced in a single production run. Self Cover can also be used with any softcover binding style, though it is most commonly used with the Saddle Stitch binding method.
Applications of Self Cover
Self Cover is a practical choice for multi-page documents that do not require the durability and longevity of a heavier cover. This includes brochures, price booklets, catalogs that change frequently, product instruction manuals, and more. Multi-page newsletters and bulletins are also frequently created as Self Cover documents due to their relatively short life.
Specifications
Here is an example of how to write the specifications for a “Plus Cover” and a “Self Cover” saddle-stitched booklet
Specifications for Plus Cover Saddle-Stitched Booklet
- Booklet Type: 12-Page Plus Cover Booklet
- Pages: 80# White Gloss Text, printed in color throughout
- Cover: 100# White Gloss Cover, printed in color on both sides
- Size: 8.5″ x 11″, Saddle-Stitched on 11″ Dimension
- Quantity: 500
Specifications for Self Cover Saddle-Stitched Booklet
- Booklet Type: 16-Page Self Cover Booklet
- Pages: 80# White Gloss Text, printed in color throughout
- Size: 8.5″ x 11″, Saddle-Stitched on 11″ Dimension
- Quantity: 500
Both Self Cover and Plus Cover have their advantages and applications. The choice between them depends on the specific needs of the project, including the desired aesthetic, durability, and budget constraints.
If you have any questions about printing, feel free to reach out to us at 718-928-6888 or submit our quote request form. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Take care!
Jeff @ New York Printing Center
