Template settings and options can be changed at any time by simply clicking the "Template Settings & Options" tab which will then open the settings and options window. (see the Settings & Options Window topic)
Changes made to the template settings will not be saved unless the "Edit Profile" button is clicked and then from the Edit Window the "Save" button is clicked.
The dimensions of the generated templates are calculated from the book information entered from the Template Generator window and the settings from the selected Printer Profile. All Printer Profiles can be edited and the changes saved with the exception of the profile named DEFAULT.
The following diagrams depict the basic types of book covers, below the diagrams are detailed explanations of the parameters and how the calculations for the template dimensions are made.
Parameters common to all the cover types:
Paper Type, from the Template Generator window this is a dropdown selection box, displaying the paper types defined in the Paper Thickness section found in the Settings and Options window. From the Edit window the names of the paper types can be changed as well as the thickness of each of the paper types. Up to eight different paper types can be defined and saved from the Edit window. The "Custom" field is provided for entering a unique paper thickness without having to edit or change any of the predefined paper types. The types of paper and their values for paper thicknesses are defined by the book printer and can either be found on the book printer's website or may be supplied to you by sending them a request for that information. Note that this software uses the actual thickness of the paper,
Number of Pages, this entry defines the number of pages in the manuscript that has been formatted for the desired page or trim size. The entry should reflect the actual number of pages in the manuscript.
Page Size, from the Template Generator window this is a dropdown selection box, displaying the most common trim sizes. If the desired page or trim size is not listed, select the custom option and then enter the values for Page Width and Page Length manually.
Parameters unique to Soft Cover / Perfect Bound books:
Cover Thickness, is the actual thickness of the book cover and is defined by the book printer, it can either be found on the book printer's website or may be supplied to you by sending them a request for that information.
Parameters unique to Hard Cover / Case Bound books and Dust Jackets:
Hinge Width, is the distance from the spine to the inside of the book cover. It is recommended by book printers not to place text in this area. The software offers the option to include this area in the template or not. Additional options include how to fill the area, outline color and fill color and patterns. Consult the book printer for their suggested hinge width.
Width Adder, the width of a Case Bound book is typically wider than the trim or page width of the pages of the book. The Width Adder is the amount required to add to the page width to obtain the overall cover width of the book cover. The value of the Width Adder can vary depending on the book printer, consult the book printer for actual value.
Length Adder, the length of a Case Bound book is typically longer than the trim or page length of the pages of the book. The Length Adder is the amount required to add to the page length to obtain the overall cover length of the book cover. The value of the Length Adder can vary depending on the book printer, consult the book printer for actual value.
Cover Board Thickness, is the actual thickness of the book cover and is defined by the book printer, it can either be found on the book printer's website or may be supplied to you by sending them a request for that information.
Parameters unique to Dust Jackets:
Flap Width, is the width of the flap of the Dust Jacket that folds to the inside of the book cover. Consult your book printer for their requirements. Many book printers offer a range of sizes.
Wrap Around Length, this value is the length required for the Dust Jacket to fold around the edge of the book cover (see diagram above). Consult your book printer for this value or you can calculate a value using the Cover Board Thickness value as follows:
Wrap Around Length = ( π x Cover Board Thickness ) / 2 , where π = 3.1416 (Pi).
Template Calculations:
The following calculations are used by the software to determine the template values. The equations are presented for reference to aid in understanding how the various settings affect the dimensions of the Book Cover Template.
Spine Width = ( paper thickness x ( number of pages / 2 ) ) + ( cover thickness x 2 )
Notes: The paper thickness is selected from the Paper Type drop down box.
If the number of pages is an odd number then an additional page is added ( number of pages + 1 ).
