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Why Is There a Blank Page or Barcode at the Back of My Book?
Find out why Bookvault UK may add a barcode or blank page to the back of your book, how the barcode is used during production and how to minimise additional blank pages.
Bookvault UK uses barcode matching as part of its automated production process.
The barcode helps ensure that the correct cover and interior files are matched together during printing and binding. It also gives the production team information that can be used to investigate any issues with a finished book.
Why does Bookvault add a barcode page?
The barcode is used internally during production.
Because Bookvault UK uses automated printing and finishing systems, the barcode helps identify the book and make sure the correct cover and text block are matched together.
It can also help Bookvault trace and investigate production issues if there is a problem with a finished copy.
Can the barcode page be removed?
No.
The production barcode cannot be removed entirely from books produced using this process.
However, you can prepare your files and page count in a way that helps minimise the number of additional blank pages at the back of the book.
How can I minimise blank pages at the back of my book?
The ideal page count depends on the size of your book.
For books that are Royal size (234 × 156 mm) without bleed or smaller, aim for a page count that is one less than a multiple of 12.
Examples include:
11, 23, 35, 47, 59 pages
For books that are US Royal size (229 × 152 mm) with bleed or smaller, the same rule applies:
11, 23, 35, 47, 59 pages
For books larger than these sizes, aim for a page count that is one less than a multiple of 4.
Examples include:
3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27 pages
Why can blank pages appear in a printed book?
Books are printed and bound using groups of pages that need to fit the requirements of the production process.
If your final page count does not fit the required production sequence exactly, additional blank pages may be needed.
Preparing your file using the recommended page counts can help keep those additional pages to a minimum.
Is this the same as the barcode on my book cover?
No.
The barcode described in this article is an internal production barcode used during manufacturing.
It is separate from the ISBN barcode that may appear on the outside back cover of your book.
For information about cover barcodes, see:
Does Bookvault Add a Barcode to My Book Cover?