How do I create a wraparound print cover?

A wraparound cover is one PDF with back, spine, and front plus bleed. Spine width depends on page count — use the generated template. Here's how.

Last updated 2026-06-15

A paperback cover is a single wraparound PDF: back cover on the left, spine in the middle, front cover on the right — all in one file with bleed.

The key: spine width

The spine's width depends on your page count and paper, so you cannot design it until the interior is final. Use a cover template generator sized to your trim and page count, then design inside its guides.

Building it

Lock your trim size and final page count.
Generate or request the template for those numbers.
Design back + spine + front within the guides; keep text away from the spine edges (give it safe margin) and add bleed all around.
Export as a print-ready PDF (CMYK, fonts embedded) — see print file requirements.

Tips

Put your blurb and (optionally) ISBN/barcode area on the back.
Keep the spine text legible and centred.
If you skip the wraparound, Chiify can fall back to your ebook cover image, but a true wraparound looks far more professional.

Still need help? Open a ticket from your dashboard or email [email protected] — a real person replies.

How does print on demand work on Chiify?

Chiify offers paperback print on demand via IngramSpark. Upload a print interior PDF and a wraparound cover; books are printed and shipped only when ordered.

What paperback trim sizes are available?

Common paperback trims include 5x8, 5.25x8, 5.5x8.5, and 6x9. Pick the standard size for your genre. Here's how to choose and why it matters.

How do I prepare a print interior PDF (PDF/X-1a, CMYK)?

Export your interior as PDF/X-1a in CMYK with embedded fonts, the right trim, mirrored margins, and bleed on full-page images. Step-by-step guide.

How are printing costs and print royalties calculated?

Print cost depends on page count, trim, and colour; your royalty is list price minus print cost and the retailer's share. Here's how the math works.

Print on demand file requirements and specs

For paperbacks you need a print interior PDF (PDF/X-1a, CMYK, embedded fonts, correct trim + bleed) and a wraparound cover PDF. Here are the specs.

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