Diagram A: a Book with a Portrait orientation is taller than it is wide
Prior to laying out the pages and cover, you will have to decide whether a Portrait or Landscape orientation best suits your book project.
A Portrait orientation refers to a book that has a width dimension smaller than its height dimension (see Diagram A). For example, books that measure 8.5" wide x 11" high or 6" wide x 9" high are examples of the Portrait format.
The Portrait format has a vertical shape, which is regarded as the most common choice for printed book projects. It is also known as a "long side bind" or a "long edge bind" because the spine of the book runs along the longer of the two dimensions.
A Landscape orientation refers to a book that has a width dimension larger than its height dimension (see Diagram B). For example, books that measure 11" wide x 8.5" high or 9" wide x 6" high are examples of the Landscape format.
Diagram B: a book with a Landscape orientation is wider than it is tall
The Landscape format has a horizontal shape. A Landscape format is not as common as the Portrait format, but it is still very widely used. It is also known as a "short side bind" or a "short edge bind" because the spine of the book runs along the shorter of the two dimensions.
In addition to Portrait and Landscape, a book could also be created with a Square format, which occurs when the width and height dimension are equal. Of the three book formats, a Square design is the least frequently used-which makes it the most unique.
Formax can create affordable books in Portrait, Landscape or Square designs, including perfect bound, saddle-stitched, or spiral coil bound books. Give us a call - we'll give you some ideas and share various ways to save money on your next book project.
Take care! Rick
