Hardback Book Printing
Hardback book printing with reliable UK production and expert support.
At 4edge, we professionally print hardback books with durable casebound covers, ideal for children’s books, journals, notebooks, yearbooks, novels and limited editions. Choose from a wide range of sizes, paper stocks, cover materials and finishing options to create a polished, professional book built to last.
With short print runs available from just 50 copies, expert artwork support and reliable UK delivery, we make it easy to print high-quality hardcover books for authors, publishers and businesses.
The Benefits of Online Hardback Book Printing
Simple quote process
Professional print quality
Expert artwork checking
Personal customer support
Printed in Hockley, Essex
Hardback book sizes available
| Size | Width (mm) | Height (mm |
|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 | 148 |
| A5 | 210 | 297 |
| A4 | 210 | 297 |
| A3 | 297 | 420 |
Cover options available
- 230, 300 or 350 gsm boards
- Matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination
- Ribbon markers
- Head and tail bands
- Bespoke endpapers
Paper types available
- Offset: 80–120 gsm
- White Bookwove: 80 gsm
- Cream Bookwove: 70 gsm
- Silk: 115–170 gsm
- Gloss: 115–170 gsm
Binding options available
- Case bound with sewn sections
- Printed paper cases
- Dust jackets
- Wibalin or faux leather
- Foil blocking
How to Print Your Hardback Books
Files to supply
Please provide two print-ready PDF files:
- Cover file – one complete outer spread containing the back cover, spine and front cover.
- Inner pages file – all pages supplied in reading order as single pages, not spreads.
Please embed all fonts within your PDFs. Contact the 4edge team if your files are too large to send or you need help supplying your artwork.
Colour and image quality
For the best print results:
- Set artwork to CMYK colour
- Use images at 300 dpi
- Set black text to 100% black
- Convert greyscale artwork to greyscale before supplying it
RGB artwork can be converted to CMYK, but some colours may change during conversion.
Inner page bleed and quiet areas
Where artwork runs to the edge of the page, add:
- 3 mm bleed around the outer edges
- A minimum 3 mm quiet area inside the trim edge
- An 8 mm quiet area along the spine-facing edge
Keep text, page numbers and other important content outside these areas.
Preparing Your Hardback Cover
Hardback covers require a different setup from paperback or booklet covers. The artwork must include the back cover, spine and front cover in one continuous spread, with additional space for the hinges and material that wraps around the case.
Cover Bleed
Add 20 mm bleed around every outer edge of the cover artwork. This extra area wraps around the boards and onto the inside of the case.
Spine and hinges
Your cover spread should include:
- 20 mm outer bleed
- Back cover
- 5 mm hinge
- Spine
- 5 mm hinge
- Front cover
- 20 mm outer bleed
Also include 20 mm bleed at the top and bottom.
The correct spine width depends on the number of pages and chosen paper stock. The 4edge team can confirm the required dimensions before you supply final artwork.
Do not provide the spine as a separate file.
Cover quiet area
Keep important text, logos and design elements at least 8 mm inside the finished cover edges, hinges and spine.
Lamination
Matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination can help protect printed paper case covers and reduce the risk of cracking during production.
Endpapers
Endpapers connect the book block to the hardback case. Plain or bespoke printed endpapers may be available depending on your specification. Speak to the 4edge team for artwork guidance.
Before Supplying Your Artwork
Please check that:
- The artwork matches the quoted finished size
- The page count is correct
- Inner pages are supplied as single pages
- The cover is supplied as one complete spread
- All fonts are embedded
- Bleed and quiet areas have been included
- Any required blank pages are present
Please review your proof carefully before approving the book for print.
Need help?
Hardback Book Printers in Essex
4edge has specialised in hardback book printing since 2003.
4edge is a specialist hardback book printing company based in Hockley, Essex.
We print and finish books in the UK, combining professional production with expert support throughout your project. From short runs to larger orders, our team is committed to delivering the quality, durability and finish your hardback books deserve.
Hardback Book Printing FAQs
Should I supply single pages or double-page spreads?
Please provide two print-ready PDF files:
- Cover PDF: One complete outer spread containing the back cover, spine and front cover, with 5 mm hinges and 20 mm bleed.
- Inner pages PDF: All pages supplied in reading order as individual pages, not spreads.
Do I need to supply a separate cover file?
Yes. Your cover should be supplied as a separate PDF containing the back cover, spine and front cover in one continuous spread.
Please include:
- 5 mm hinges on either side of the spine
- 20 mm bleed around the outside edges
- The correct spine width for your chosen paper and page count
The 4edge team can confirm the required cover dimensions.
Do I need to supply a separate spine file?
No. Include the spine artwork within the complete cover spread. Do not supply it as a separate file.
Which file types should I supply?
- Artwork set to CMYK
- Images at 300 dpi
- All fonts embedded
- The correct bleed and quiet areas
Please contact the 4edge team if you need help supplying large files or preparing your artwork.
Can 4edge provide an artwork template?
Yes. The 4edge team can provide the correct artwork dimensions and guidance for your chosen book size, page count, paper and cover specification.
How is the spine width calculated?
The spine width depends on the number of pages and the thickness of your chosen paper.
The 4edge team will calculate the correct spine width and provide the dimensions needed to prepare your cover artwork.
Can I check my hardback book before printing?
Yes. You will receive a proof to review before production begins. Please check the page order, text, images, colours, cover layout and spine carefully before approving it for print.
Printed proofs may also be available where required. Speak to the team when requesting your quote.
What printing process will be used?
The most suitable printing method will depend on your quantity, format and specification.
4edge specialises in high-quality digital short-run printing and will recommend the best production method for your hardback book.
Are sustainable paper options available?
4edge offers a range of responsibly sourced paper stocks for hardback book printing. Speak to the team about the most suitable paper and finishing options for your project.
Do I need to pay before supplying my artwork?
The quotation, artwork and payment process will be confirmed by the 4edge team when you place your order. You can discuss your specification and receive guidance before committing your book to print.
Is VAT charged on hardback books?
Printed books are normally zero-rated for VAT in the UK, provided they meet the relevant requirements. The 4edge team can confirm the VAT treatment for your specific order.