How to Prepare and Upload Artwork for BookvaultBespoke Foiling

Bookvault Bespoke allows you to add custom foiling to eligible printed book covers and jackets.

Because foiling requires precise positioning, we strongly recommend ordering a proof copy before placing a larger production order. This gives you the opportunity to check the positioning and appearance of your finished foiling.

What files do I need for foiling?

You'll need to supply two separate files:

1. Foiling PDF

Your foiling artwork should be supplied as a separate PDF with a plain white background. Everything you want to appear in foil should be shown in black.

2. Cover artwork

Your normal printed cover artwork should be supplied separately.

If an element is going to be foiled, such as your book title or a piece of artwork, don't include an identical printed version underneath it unless this is intentionally part of your design.

Your cover artwork and foiling PDF must have exactly the same dimensions so the two files align correctly during production.

How should I prepare my foiling PDF?

Your foiling PDF should contain only black and white artwork.

The black areas indicate where foil will be applied, while everything else should remain white.

Before uploading your file:

Make sure everything you want foiled is black.
Keep the background white.
Don't use grey areas.
Don't use colours or gradients.
Check your artwork for unwanted pixelation.
Make sure the foiling PDF is exactly the same size as your cover artwork.

Keeping your foil artwork clean and clearly defined helps ensure it can be processed correctly for production.

Avoid placing foil directly over printed artwork

There can be some movement between the printed cover and the foiling layer during production.

For example, if your book title is going to appear in foil, it's generally better to remove that title from the printed cover artwork rather than having identical printed text directly underneath it.

This prevents small differences in alignment between the printed and foiled layers from becoming noticeable.

What will the finished foiling look like?

The foiling PDF is used alongside your printed cover artwork to create the finished design.

The example below shows how the separate cover and foil artwork come together on the finished book.

Small differences in positioning can occur during production, so avoid designs that depend on extremely precise registration between printed and foiled elements.

Why has my foiling file failed to upload?

Your foiling artwork needs to meet the required file specifications before it can be used for production.

If your file contains grey, colours, gradients or unwanted pixelated areas, you may need to return to your original artwork, correct the affected elements and export the PDF again.

Also check that:

Your foiling artwork is black and white.
The background is white.
Foiled elements are solid black.
Your foiling PDF and cover artwork have matching dimensions.
Your artwork is clean and doesn't contain unwanted pixels or colours.

Once corrected, export your PDF again and re-upload it to Bookvault.

Where do I upload my foiling file?

When you've added the relevant BookvaultBespoke option to your title, the file management area will provide the additional upload option needed for your foiling artwork.

You'll also be able to access the relevant templates for the additional files required by your chosen Bespoke options.

For more information about supplying files for a BookvaultBespoke title:

How Do I Supply Files for BookvaultBespoke Titles?

Should I order a proof?

Yes. We strongly recommend ordering one copy first when using BookvaultBespoke foiling.

A proof lets you check the positioning, appearance and overall result of the foil alongside your printed cover before placing a larger order.

Where is BookvaultBespoke foiling produced?

BookvaultBespoke products are produced exclusively at our UK print facility.

Bespoke products can still be shipped worldwide or sold through your own store using Bookvault integrations.