Every publication is different, and so are the production options behind it. Below, we’ve broken down our capabilities in straightforward terms to help editors, publishers, and designers understand what’s possible.
Belly Bands (Wraps)
What it is
A belly band is a printed strip that wraps around the outside of a magazine, typically used for messaging, promotions, or sponsorships.
Why It’s Used
Belly bands are commonly used for:
- Advertiser sponsorships
- Subscription or membership messaging
- Event or anniversary callouts
- Limited-time promotions
Because they sit on the outside of the magazine, belly bands are one of the first things a reader sees.
Design Considerations
- Be mindful that belly bands cover portions of the front and back covers, which may obscure headlines, images, or barcodes
- Plan artwork so key cover elements are not unintentionally hidden
- The glue used to secure the belly band can bleed through the paper over time, especially on lighter-colored designs
- Consider paper choice and artwork placement to minimize visible glue show-through
For setup details, see our Belly Band Specifications Tech Note.
Related Tech Notes
Tip-Ons
What it is
A tip-on is a printed piece (postcard, reply card, flyer, or sample) that is glued directly onto a page of the magazine.
Why It’s Used
Tip-ons are often used for:
- Advertiser promotions
- Reply cards
- Membership or donor appeals
- Product samples or call-to-action pieces
They add a tactile, interactive element beyond the printed page.
Design Considerations
- Consider the overall weight of the piece being tipped on so it can be fed properly into the bindery equipment
- Tip-ons must be placed on the front of a form, so ensure they are assigned to the correct page in the layout
- As with belly bands, the glue used to attach tip-ons may bleed through the paper over time, particularly with lighter artwork
- Avoid placing critical imagery or text in areas where glue will be applied
For placement and file setup guidance, see our Supplied Inserts Tech Note.
Related Tech Notes
Bind-Ins
What it is
A bind-in is an insert that is stitched or bound directly into the magazine, becoming a permanent part of the publication.
Why It’s Used
Bind-ins are ideal for:
- Advertiser inserts requiring longevity
- Sponsored sections
- Donor or member messaging
- Special editorial content
Design Considerations
- Bind-ins must be the same size or smaller than the host publication
- Bind-ins are inserted between forms, so it’s critical they are assigned to the correct page position
- If the bind-in needs to be torn out of a saddle-stitched magazine, expect tearing at the staple points
- If the bind-in is in a perfect-bound magazine and needs to be removed cleanly, a perforation is require
See our Tech Notes below for bind-in specifications.
Barn Door Covers
What it is
A barn door cover features front cover flaps that open outward, splitting down the center, to reveal a larger interior message or image.
Why It’s Used
Barn door covers are often used for:
- High-impact advertising
- Anniversary or milestone issues
- Special editorial features
- Premium brand storytelling
They create a dramatic, interactive first impression.
Design Considerations
Design considerations
- Plan artwork across panels carefully
- Keep important content clear of fold lines
- If the magazine is being mailed, it will need to be poly bagged or the flaps will need to be tabbed shut to meet postal requirements
Detailed fold templates available in our Barn Door Covers Tech Note.
Related Tech Notes
Gatefold Covers
What it is
A gatefold cover opens inward from both sides, revealing a larger image or spread when opened.
Why It’s Used
Gatefolds are popular for:
- Visual storytelling
- Feature reveals
- Advertiser takeovers
- Special edition issues
They allow expanded creative space without increasing page count.
Design Considerations
- Align imagery precisely across panels
- Keep folds free of critical content
- If the piece is mailed, the gatefold must be poly bagged or tabbed closed to prevent opening during mailing
See Tech Notes below for gatefold setup and templates for both saddle and perfect bound magazines.
Barrel Fold Insert
What it is
A barrel fold (also known as a roll fold) is an insert that folds inward panel by panel, creating a compact, layered piece.
Why It’s Used
Barrel folds are commonly used for:
- Step-by-step information
- Event schedules
- Program overviews
- Maps, where content needs to be revealed sequentially
Design Considerations
- Each panel must be slightly smaller than the previous one so the piece can nest cleanly inside itself
- Plan content hierarchy carefully to guide the reader through the fold sequence
- Confirm final folded size early to ensure proper insertion
Panel dimensions and fold specs are available in our Tech Notes below.
Poly and Paper Bag
What it is
We can poly bag magazines or package them in paper bags, allowing inserts to be included with each individual copy.
Why It’s Used
Bagging is commonly used for:
- Multiple loose inserts
- Product samples
- Donor or advertiser materials
- Protection during mailing
Paper bag options provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional poly.
Design Considerations
- Confirm insert sizes, quantities, and thickness early
- Consider overall package weight for mailing
- We can also use opaque poly bags when the contents are private or should not be visible
Mailing and insert specs can be found in our Supplied Inserts Tech Note.
Related Tech Notes
Flip Books (Dual-Orientation Publications)
What it is
A flip book is a single printed piece that contains two magazines merged into one physical publication.
One magazine is oriented normally. When the reader flips the entire piece upside down, the back cover becomes the front cover of the second magazine. About halfway through the publication, the page orientation reverses, allowing each section to function as its own standalone magazine within a single print run.
Why It’s Used
Flip books are commonly used when publishers want to:
- Merge two magazines into one physical piece
- Include a special edition or supplemental publication without producing a separate print run
- Reduce printing and mailing costs while still delivering distinct editorial sections
- Pair related publications (e.g., seasonal editions, regional versions, or themed content)
This format allows publishers to deliver two complete reading experiences in one bound piece.
Design Considerations
- Each section must be designed with opposite orientation in mind
- Covers, spines, and page numbering should be planned early to avoid confusion
- Content placement must account for the point where the magazine flips orientation
- Clear visual cues help readers understand where one publication ends and the other begins
Because of the unique layout requirements, flip books benefit from early coordination between editorial, design, and production teams.
Related Tech Notes
If you have questions about any of these options or want to understand how they might affect pricing, your Cummings Printing sales representative is always happy to help. You can also give us a call at 1-800-647-0035 or click to request pricing.