Soft Cover with Flaps
Folded For Function
Softcover books with flaps offer a polished, versatile cover option that blends the flexibility of a paperback with the added presence of a dust jacket. The extended flaps, which fold into the front and back covers, create extra space for design, author bios, or promotional content, while enhancing the overall look and feel of the book. This format is ideal for titles that need a little extra impact without the weight of a hardcover.
How Is It Made?
Softcover books with flaps are made by printing the cover on heavier stock and folding extended panels into the front and back covers. The cover is scored and trimmed to ensure the flaps fold neatly and align with the book block. The book is then bound, typically using perfect binding, with adjustments made to accommodate the flap layout.
What Are the Key Benefits of Standard Soft Covers with Flaps?
Enhanced Presentation
Flaps give softcover books a polished, upscale look (similar to a dust jacket) without the bulk of a hardcover. They add visual interest and elevate the overall design, making the book feel more premium.
Extra Space
The folded flaps offer additional “real estate” for author bios, marketing messages, reviews, or extended artwork, helping publishers communicate more without altering the main layout.
Improved Durability
Flaps reinforce the cover edges, helping reduce wear and tear from frequent handling.
Helpful Hints
- When a softcover with flaps uses a cover stock thicker than 12pt, the flaps have a tendency to push open, resulting in a book where the cover doesn’t always stay flat. We recommend using a 12pt or thinner stock.
- If you are wanting to add sprayed edge to your softcover with flaps, the flaps must have as little overhang as possible to ensure the correct registration.
- The maximum flap size is 1.5″ less than the book width.
- The maximum width that can be produced is 31.125″.
- Perfect Bound softcovers with flaps cannot be printed on our Digital Toner press.