Custom Tally Book Design Guide: Print Methods, Layout and Color
The cover of a custom tally book is what most people will see, so it's worth getting right. This guide covers the three ways we print covers, a few designs from real customers, and the mistakes to avoid.
The three print methods
| Silk screen | Full color entrapment | Full color vinyl | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Ink screen printed onto the cover | A full color printed insert sealed behind a clear vinyl window | Printed directly onto the vinyl |
| Colors | 1 or 2 colors, any ink color | Unlimited (4 color process) | Unlimited (full digital color) |
| Best for | Bold logos and simple, high-contrast designs | Photos, detailed artwork, multi-color logos | Full color designs printed right on the cover |
| Notes | Front and back for the same price, on both book sizes. Image can bleed off the edge. PMS color matching at no extra charge | Our most popular custom tally book. A cost-effective way to get full color | Resolution isn't quite as fine as entrapment |
All three come in standard and junior sizes and fit our standard and junior refill pads. We also offer foil stamping. See each option: silk screen, full color entrapment and full color vinyl.
Designs from our customers
Entrapment with color photos. A Texas oilfield equipment manufacturer used entrapment to show off its whole business: an eye-catching logo on white at the top, a lineup of the tools and equipment it makes in the middle, and color photos of its work in action along the bottom. It's a good example of how much one cover can say.
Silk screen simplicity. An Arkansas transportation and hauling company kept it simple: forest green and royal blue on a khaki background. The logo sat in the top third, the middle third was left as white space, and contact information went in the bottom third. Nothing flashy, and it looked sharp.
Wrap-around color vinyl. Full color vinyl is the hardest of the three to pull off, but one drilling company made it work with four photos of its operations on the front and its worldwide locations on the back. Busy, but effective.
Browse more on our projects page.
Five tips for a great cover
- Get the layout right first. A clear layout makes or breaks the book. If you're not comfortable laying it out yourself, our design team will do it at no additional charge.
- Choose colors that read in the sun. Your company colors are usually the right starting point, but test how the cover looks outdoors, because that's where most people will see it. Sometimes a different combination grabs more attention.
- Match the method to the artwork. Simple logo? Silk screen. Photos or detailed art? Entrapment.
- Don't sacrifice function for looks. These books get used hard in the field. Make sure the size, binding and paper suit the job (see what to put inside a custom tally book).
- Proof before you print. Ask to see a proof of your tally book before finalizing the order.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting functionality. A beautiful cover on the wrong book won't get used.
- Leaving out the inside. Custom inserts are one of customers' favorite features. Plan them along with the cover.
- A cluttered layout. Give the logo and contact details room.
- Poor color combinations. Low-contrast colors disappear in daylight.
Let's design yours
Send us your logo, or just an idea, and we'll put together a concept. Contact us or call (800) 715-9255 for a quote. Wondering whether custom books are worth it? Read why custom tally books pay off.