“Yapped” refers to an aesthetic element in book cover design known as yapped edges. This feature extends flaps past the edges of pages or text blocks. It is typically composed of fragile material such as uncoated paper or lightweight cardstock; their edges remain untrimmed during production.
Yapped edges serve both functional and aesthetic functions in books. From a practical standpoint, these extended flaps protect book pages by shielding them from becoming damaged or frayed; when closed, they serve as barriers against potential abrasions from dust and other external elements; furthermore, when carried or stored, these edges help shield corners and sides of text blocks against wear-and-tear damage, helping reduce wear-and-tear over time.
Aesthetically, yapped edges add elegance and originality to a book’s appearance. Their delicate, untrimmed flaps create a refined visual impression, setting your book apart from others on shelves. Furthermore, these edges often display additional information relating to its content, such as author biographies, praise from reviews, or illustrations related to the book’s topic, without crowding the primary cover design with additional textual or pictorial information. This allows publishers to present necessary supplementary materials visually appealingly while remaining true to preliminary cover designs.
Noteworthy is the prevalence of yapped edges on limited edition books, art books, or those of exceptional design. Due to their delicate nature, extra care must be taken when handling these books to prevent creasing or tearing. Nonetheless, they often add an air of elegance and fragility that adds visual flair and dimension.