Portfolio Books

What is the standard size?

Simply, there is no standard size – we make every product custom so we build the portfolio book or case from the inside out. We start with the print size you give us and construct from there. However, our most popular print size is 14” tall x 11” wide. (vertical presentation)

What does “panels” mean?

Panels are the turned edge lining in all of our portfolios. This extra service is included in the price and it is one of the features that distinguishes our products from our competitors. Not only are the covers turned edge, but the linings are too.

What does “sewn inside works” mean?

Another feature that separates us from our competition is that our inside works (binding) is sewn together instead of glued. This is helpful to keep the book's integrity when it is filled to capacity with prints or whatever else is going inside. The strength of the stitching is one factor that enables our books to last so long.

How is size determined?

Once the size of the insert is known, we add on size for the sheet protectors (jackets) if you are using any. The cover then gets a standard addition in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. All of our products follow strict sizing standards, but we still encourage customers to tell us the desired look so we can make adjustments accordingly.

How does cover size relate to image size?

The cover will be approximately 1” taller than the image and 1 1/2” wider than the image. These numbers are not set in stone – if you want to design cover art, please contact a salesperson to see how your book size will turn out.

What will fit in a Federal Express box?

Our presentation mailer has been specifically designed to fit in a fed ex box. Moreover, we frequently work with photographers who want to fit their portfolio book directly into the fed ex box for shipping. Contact us with your image size and we can make suggestions for a snug fit.

What does “binding first” mean with regard to dimensions?

At Brewer Cantelmo, we always define the size of a book by the sheet size (the sheet protectors – or the images if there are no jackets). In addition, when referring to sizes we always give the binding side first. For example, a 14 x 11 portfolio represents a portrait style book with the binding on the tall side, the 14” side. To us, an 11 x 14 book would be a landscape book since the binding dimension is 11”. This means the 14” side is the non-binding dimension.

What is 2 lip, 3 lip, and 4 lip binding?

The lips are the term we use for the binding. A 2 lip binding would have the screw posts exposed in the front and back (typical for scrapbooks). A 3 lip binding has the screws concealed in the front and exposed in the back (to easily make changes) and the 4 lip binding has concealed screws in the front and concealed screws in the back with a velcro closure (so that the screws can still be changed easily.) Our pricing includes 2 lip or 3 lip binding, but adding a 4th lip will incur a charge.

How is capacity determined? How does type of insert affect this?

Capacity is the measurement of the prints, sheet protectors, and flysheets going inside the binding. Our sheet protectors all have a thickness, and your prints/tear-sheets have a thickness. This combined measurement is critical to make sure everything looks spaced correctly in the book. If you overestimate the capacity, it may look like a skeleton book, and if the capacity is too small, some prints will simply not fit. Please discuss your type and quantity of inserts with our sales team to determine the perfect capacity. Note: we will build the book to the largest capacity you will ever need it – since it cannot be increased nor decreased in the future.