When book design is expressed through printing techniques, it must manifest itself in a specific way — through its display. A single point on a plane can generate a sense of spatial tension around it; similarly, when a book is placed on a bookstore shelf, it radiates a kind of spatial tension through its own visual language. When this tension captures the attention of a passerby, the book cover design fulfills its first function — the advertising effect. No object can exist independently of its surrounding space.

Books are generally sold in two ways: laid flat on a counter or displayed upright on a shelf. Since many displays occur on large bookshelves with limited visibility from certain angles, designers must take special precautions to avoid excessive visual distortion or ensure that only a visible portion of the cover does not create a misleadingly positive impression.

The External Spatial Design of Book Printing

From the perspective of portability, the external spatial aspect of book printing design is also influenced by the book’s format. The most commonly used formats in China today are the standard 32mo and large 32mo sizes, though these formats are not particularly scientific. Except for certain classics and reference books, which are usually kept indoors or on desks, most books are general reading materials or leisure-oriented publications.

Of course, the popular book printing formats used today have their historical roots and are widely accepted by readers. In terms of usage, storage, transportation, paper economy, and compatibility with printing and binding equipment, these standards are well established. Switching to other formats could lead to numerous problems — from paper wastage to higher printing and binding costs for non-standard sizes — making such changes generally uneconomical.