Hinge Allowance

What it does

• A case-bound cover needs a hinge gap to open without tearing.
• The gap depends on board thickness and cover material.
• A hinge allowance set at the artwork stage saves a reprint.

How to use it

1. The hinge is a gap, not a fold; do not print a rule across it.
2. Heavy cover material needs a wider hinge than a paper wrapper.
3. Turn-in allowance belongs outside the trim; it is not bleed.
4. Mark the hinge on the cover artwork so the case maker cannot centre it.

Safety notes

• A hinge that is too narrow will tear the cover at the first opening.
• Do not use the text block spine width as the cover spine width without adding board.