Book Printing: What Is a Book Block?

Stack of printed pages titled Foreword placed on wooden surface with readable text about publishing and reflection.

estimated reading time: 3 minutes

What does "Book Block" mean?

When discussing a book printing project, you may hear someone use the term Book Block. While the term may be unfamiliar, it simply refers to the collection of interior pages that make up a book, before the cover is attached. A book block is also commonly referred to as a Page Block or Text Block.

A Closer Look at the Book Block

A book block is the complete set of interior pages that will eventually be bound together to form a book. Depending on the binding method, those pages may be printed, gathered, folded, trimmed, and assembled in different ways before the cover is applied.

For example, with a perfect bound book, the printed interior pages are assembled into a tight stack. The spine side of the book block is then prepared for an application of hot-melt adhesive. After the adhesive is applied, the cover is wrapped over the book block. Once the adhesive sets, the three open edges of the book are neatly trimmed.

A stack of book blocks sitting on a perfect binding station. — *A stack of thick Book Blocks about to be bound into novels for a self-publisher*

How Is a Book Block Created?

The exact process depends on the type of book and the production method.

With some books, individual pages are printed and then gathered into the correct order before being bound. Other books have the pages printed on larger sheets that are folded into sections called signatures. Those signatures are then gathered or nested together to form the interior of the book.

Regardless of the specific production method, the basic idea is the same: the book block must be properly assembled before being bound within its cover.

Why Does the Book Block Matter?

It's important to note that a book block is more than just a set of printed pages. Its dimensions, paper thickness, and page count all influence the construction of the finished book.

For example, the total page count and paper thickness help determine the overall thickness of the book block, which in turn affects the spine width of a perfect bound book. A cover designed for the wrong page block thickness will not fit the finished book properly.

Now that you know what a "book block" is, it will be easier to communicate with your printing company. If they ask about the page count, paper stock, or finished size of your book block (or page block or text block), you'll know they are asking about the specifications of the interior portion of the book -excluding the cover.

Are You Looking to Have Some Books Printed?

As a full-service printer, Color Vision Printing serves the entire US and Canada.

We have the expertise and equipment to produce a wide range of custom book projects - from training manuals, workbooks, and field guides to novels, comic books, and catalogs.

Our goal is to print affordable books that not only look professional but also meet the practical needs of those using the books. So if you have any questions or are looking for a price quote, we're only a call or click away.

To get in touch, give us a call at 800-543-6299 or use our quick Contact form or Quote Request form.

As always, we look forward to assisting with your next print project.