Products - Frequently Asked Questions

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About Pages

What is the difference between pages and sides?
A page has two sides. A 60 sided book has 30 physical pages.

AsukaBook Photo Book and Album Sides vs Pages

Can I have a variable number of pages/sides?
Our page increments are pre-set and cannot be changed. Most products are available in 2 side increments, others in 10 side increments.

Can I request an album with more than the maximum number of sides listed?
No. All products have set specifications and cannot be changed.

What type of paper is used?
Most of our albums use a standard white paper of various weights depending on the product style. After printing, the pages are laminated with a glossy or matte finish, or a varnish coating is applied for added protection.

Art products use an uncoated ivory or white art paper.

Crystal albums use synthetic white paper.

What page options are available?
Thick Board - The standard white paper is mounted on a thick boad which is approximately ___, and it is offered in the NeoClassic Book, and Curve book.

Medium Board - The standard white paper is mounted on a medium board which is approximately ___, and it is offered in the Heirloom album, Crystal Board album, Vista Layflat Book, DVD Presentation Book, and USB/Keepsake Presentation Book.

Thin - The standard white paper is offered in the Book Bound, Zen Layflat, Crystal album, and Art books.

What page finishes are available?
Not all products are available with all page finishes.

Laminate - The pages are laminated with a glossy or matte finish which makes the pages feel a bit thicker, with slightly more protection from normal wear and tear. The Laminate Glossy finish has a high gloss appearance and is great for images with a lot of bright colors, as it makes the colors pop. The Laminate Matte finish has a soft and smooth finish in appearance and to the touch. We often suggest the Matte finish for black and white images, or if you have a wedding with a very romantic feel.

Varnish - This liquid coating has more of a luster or a satin finish. Many photographers prefer our Varnish option, as it is a happy medium between our Laminate Matte and Glossy finishes.

How many images can I include in my design?
There is not limit to the number of images, text, or any other graphic element you can include in your design.

Can I print on the vellum sheet?
You can add an image, text, or any other graphic element on the white vellum sheet of the Crystal album only.

Can I change the color of the fly-leaf?
No. All products have set specifications and cannot be changed.

Do the books start and end with panoramic spreads?
The Art Soft Cover, Vista Layflat, and Curve books start and end with full spreads. All other products start and end with a single side.

About Covers

What is the difference between Leather and Animal-Friendly Leather?
Books with genuine leather covers offer upscale premium natural hides with some slight variations in the texture and color, adding uniqueness and authenticity to the product. Books with “Animal Friendly” leather covers have the feel of fine leather with a smooth and consistent color; a great synthetic alternative to genuine leather.

What is a Hot Stamp?
Hot stamping is defined as a dry printing process, which uses controlled heat, pressure, and precision timing to transfer a color pigment from foil to surfaces of varied shapes and materials. This process forms a permanent bond between the part and the foil, and creates a dry print. AsukaBook has found gold and silver highlight the text best on our products.

Where is the Hot Stamp placed?
The Hot Stamp is centered within the front cover.

Can my logo be hot stamped on the cover?
No. Only letters and special characters in the Skia font can be used.

Do I have to have a Hot Stamp on the cover?
No. The Hot Stamp is an optional feature.

What is the font and size of the hot stamp text?
The font type is Skia which is a Mac OS standard font. You have up to 30 characters including spaces and only a single line of text. The approximate font size varies for each size of book. For example, a 10x10 is 24pt, an 8x8 is 18pt, a 7x7 is 16 pt, a 5x5 is 13 pt, etc.

Can I add a Hot Stamp to my designable book cover or case?
No. The Hot Stamp can only be applied to animal-friendly leather, other materials, and linen-like cover options.

What are the covers of the Crystal albums made of?
The Crystal Board and Cyrstal have a designable hard cover with metallic sheen and acrylic overlay.

What is laser inscription?
The laser inscription is a colorless imprint into the suede-like cover of the Heirloom Album. Up to 30 characters, including spaces, can be included in the laser inscription.

What is laser engraving?
The laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep mark onto the wood plaque of the Zen Layflat Impact X album. Laser engraving is available in pre-set cursive, serif or sans serif fonts - one or two lines of text with up to 30 characters per line including spaces.

What are the covers of the Heirloom album made of?
The cover features an ivory, suede-like material with a wide colored inset accent band.

What is an embossed frame on the Heirloom album?
Choose from 5 frame designs and 3 font styles to emboss over the colored accent band on the cover.

Can my logo be embossed on the cover of an Heirloom album?
No. Only the preset designs can be used.

Do I have to have an embossed frame on the Heirloom album?
No. The embossed frame is an optional feature.

Is a book jacket included with all albums?
The Zen Layflat EX and Zen Layflat EXD come with a fully designable hard cover which is protected by a matching book jacket with designable flaps.

Can I order an additional book jackets if mine gets damaged?
Yes. Contact Customer Care to purchase additional book jackets.

About Cases

Is a case included with your albums?
Yes. All albums come with a case.

Do cases cost extra?
No. All books include a case in the price.

Can I order an album without a case?
No. All books prices include a case and are sold as a package.

Does AsukaBook provide the DVD or USB for the Media Cases, Presentation Books, or other cases?
A DVD or USB is not included with any of our products.

Can I order an additional case if mine gets damaged?
Yes. Contact Customer Care to purchase additional cases.