31+ Sample Bookmarks

Provided above are handpicked bookmark templates and examples that you can use either for your business venture or your personal use. Browse any of these templates and examples and do not hesitate to download anything that meets your impeccable taste.

What Is a Bookmark?

As much as you want to devour an entire book in one sitting, there are some days when you can’t finish it. With the use of a bookmark, you provide yourself a gateway that enables you to return to the last page you’ve read easily. Bookmarks are anchors that help you effortlessly slide in and out of the world inside of a book. Rather than folding a precious page of your books to hold your place, using a bookmark allows you to mark your place without having to produce another unfortunate case of dog-eared books.

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Uses of a Bookmark

Other than marking your place in the book or magazine you are currently reading, bookmarks can serve different purposes. A bookmark is a marketing tool used in schools and libraries to promote reading among students and adults. Do you know that according to the Pew Research Center survey, there are 27% of US adults who haven’t read a single book in 2018? In addition to that, CNBC reports that the lack of basic literacy hinders 32 million American adults from reading. The numbers may not be as alarming as anyone can expect with the technological advancements in print production but this already means a lot considering that reading is a key to success and a vital tool for the improvement of physical and mental health.

Bookmarks are also one of the simple things that you can provide to your loved ones as a keepsake. It will mean a lot if that loved one is a bookworm like yourself. Other than your loved ones, if you run a business, you can also give away bookmarks to your loyal customers as your way of showing gratitude for their patronage. In addition to that, a bookmark is a tool used for Public Relations (PR) campaigns and other campaigns that aim to spread awareness of a worthy cause.

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Attributes of a Bookmark

Whether you buy a bookmark, design a bookmark, or pick a bookmark template, see to it that it possesses the essential qualities that make up a great bookmark. A high-quality bookmark should not be thick enough that it causes deformity to a book. It should be printed on thin but durable material. It is commonly printed on paper but it should not be thin enough that a single fold can ruin it. In printing, the ink used must be of high quality so that a single drop of water can hardly destroy it. An ideal bookmark should be big enough so you can quickly get back to the last page you’ve read. However, it should not be big enough that it sticks out of the book’s edges. If it is smaller than the ideal size, it should have an additional element such as a ribbon that makes it easier for you to notice. However, it should not be too small that it easily gets lost from the bookshelves.

How to Design a Bookmark

One can safely say that in designing a bookmark, the possibilities are endless like that of what lies within the pages of a book. There are no specific rules that you should follow when designing a bookmark; however, your design should be creative at its best. Even though bookmarks are generally small, a bookmark that manages to fit compelling design elements in its limited space can still possibly create an impact. That said, be sure to take notes from these easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Use a Ready-made Bookmark Template

If you are out of bookmark design ideas, why not make use of a ready-made bookmark template? Using a bookmark template saves you not only from creative rut but it also helps you save time and even money. The internet has an endless supply of bookmark templates. Just browse through the web or this very article you’re reading and select a template that fits your standards and style. With a ready-made template, you are guided throughout your bookmark design process especially when it comes to formatting.

Step 2: Plan the Bookmark’s Size and Format

Even with the use of a bookmark template, you have to decide on the size and format. Decide on a size that is not too big or too small for a regular-sized book. There are three standard bookmark dimensions you can choose from: 2″ x 6″, 2″ x 7″, and 2.5″ x 8.5″. If you decided to use a bookmark template, that leaves you with no worries when it comes to formatting the bookmark’s safety lines, bleed guidelines, and cutlines. You will not have a problem in making the bookmark print-ready since most templates are already in its correct color mode for printing which is CMYK.

Step 3: Create a Quality Content

In creating quality content, there are two things you need to deal with: texts and design. You can incorporate quotes or any other compelling messages that motivate you to keep on reading and to create a lasting impression. Make it a point that your bookmark design captures your desired theme. If you are creating a bookmark for business purposes, consider your target user’s interests. For instance, if your target audiences are 13–15-year-olds or those who are in their early teens, see to it that the theme of your bookmark fits their preferences. Don’t go too bright or colorful or else they might think it’s for younger children. Don’t even try minimalist approaches or else they might think it’s for boring adults. If you are designing a bookmark for your personal use, the possibilities are endless for you but it will be ideal to have a theme that conforms to your style.

Step 4: Leave Room for Negative Space

As much as you want to fill the entire space of your bookmark with texts and design elements, it is best to leave room for white or negative space. This space acts as a breather for the eyes. A bookmark filled with unnecessary contents are overwhelming to the eyes and it can even distract the readers from the book they’re reading. When you design, do not only decide on what to include but also think of how you should incorporate all the text and design elements without forgetting to leave room for white space.

Step 5: Finalize

Before printing your bookmark, be sure to proofread the text and check for any grammatical or typographical errors and see to it that the design elements are in the place where it works perfectly. Even if you are only creating a bookmark for your personal use, this does not mean that you should no longer care about its presentation. This step is even more critical to those who are creating a bookmark for business purposes. You surely would not want to risk your business just because of a typographical error or a bad taste of color combination.

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Types of Bookmarks

Now that you already know the uses, attributes, and steps on how to make a bookmark, this is now the time for you to explore the various types of bookmarks that you can make. If you’ve always thought that paper is the only material you can use in printing a bookmark, then you should read on below to know more.

Paper Bookmarks: Paper or cardstock is the most widely used and available material used for bookmarks. With paper, anyone can print a bookmark in seconds since it can you can print it on a home computer. You can also have your bookmark designs printed at the local commercial printing companies that guarantee consistency and professional finish if you are planning to produce bookmarks in bulk.Corner Bookmarks: If you want to think out of a literal box, then why not try making corner bookmarks? Go out your way and skip the conventional rectangle-shaped bookmarks by trying to make corner bookmarks. If you opt for this type of bookmark, you will no longer have to deal with too many design and text elements since it heavily relies on its form. With the use of a quality pretty paper, scissors, and origami skills, you can create a corner bookmark for yourself in no time. However, if you lack skills in the paper folding department, there are ready-made bookmark templates you can find online that already contain guidelines as to where you should fold and cut.Fabric Bookmarks: Into sewing? Try incorporating that skill when making a fabric bookmark type. One advantage you can get when using fabric as your main material for your bookmark is that you can opt for fabrics with ready-made patterns and colors. Consider this as working on a template that already features a design that you can either use as-is or further customize. In adding texts to a fabric bookmark, you can use fabric markers and fabric or puffy paint. You can do hand embroidery and use an appropriate stitch.Felt Bookmarks: This type of bookmark makes use of felt which is a material that you can easily work with due to its soft quality. To make such material sturdier, you can sew two together and create either a corner bookmark or you can get adventurous an create a geometric design and have it laser cut to save time. However, you should not worry about using felt since it has a wool base and has more substance and rigidity than regular fabric. It may be soft and flexible but isn’t it better to bend than to break? Leather Bookmarks: Leather is a versatile material that you can use for your bookmarks. This material is perfect for those with sophisticated tastes since leathers can give off a classic vibe that adults with minimalist but chic design preferences can easily get attracted to. Using leather as your material does not require you to make heavy design since its texture is nearly enough. In adding texts, you can cut, engrave, stamp, and etch with no worries since leather is durable and flexible. Wood Bookmarks: Do you want to create a bookmark that has natural appeal? Use wood as a material for your bookmark. If you are worried about its thickness, you shouldn’t be because there are tools such as lasers that can make precise cuts. Don’t you think it only fits that you use wood for your bookmark for your books that used to be a tree once? It’s like a tree snuggling up with another tree. In designing or adding text for this type of bookmark, it is best if you either engrave it or have it laser cut for more intricate design details.Metal Bookmarks: Do you want to deviate from the conventional materials completely? Then use metal sheets for your bookmark. It may be difficult for you to picture out a metal bookmark but one thing is for sure?metal sure is an attractive material. Producing one can be expensive but this only means that you can sell it for a higher perceived value. Incorporate text and design into a metal bookmark by hand stamping or through laser cutting. Seal it with shine and wax for a clean finish.

The Dos and Don’ts of a Bookmark

Do you want to create a bookmark that will last an entire lifetime of binge-reading books? Then be sure to take some notes from our own set of dos and don’ts of designing, printing, and handling a bookmark.

Dos

1. Do choose a quality material for printing.

Bookmarks are usually printed on high-quality heavy cardstock-like paper. This type of paper is ideal since it can last longer compared to thinner types of paper. In addition to that, you can also use other durable materials such as fabric, felt, leather, wood, and even metal.

2. Do cover your bookmark.

In order to make your bookmark last longer, consider adding a protective covering. If you use cardstock, laminate it if you have the budget, apply epoxy-like liquid gel around the bookmark to keep it in place, or wrap the entire bookmark with wide and clear packing tape. If you use metal, seal it with wax. If you use a wood, coat and finish it with varnish.

3. Do take time brainstorming.

When you come up with the design of your bookmark, you don’t just wing it—you need to brainstorm of possible bookmark design ideas that are worthy of printing. Upon brainstorming, ensure that you thought of your audience especially if you are not making a bookmark for yourself. Think of the materials you need to use, the number of bookmarks you want to make, the time need to complete a single bookmark, and how much you are willing to spend for its completion. Immediately write down any idea that comes into your mind, especially the ones with potential.

Don’ts

1. Don’t underestimate the power of colors.

In selecting a color palette or theme for your bookmark, always keep in mind that whatever you choose can make or break the entire presentation of your bookmark. Upon deciding, do not only focus on what works and blend well together but choose a combination that helps you promote your brand and makes it appealing to your target customers especially if you create bookmarks for business purposes.

2. Don’t craft a poor message.

Another element in your bookmark design that can make or break its presentation is the message that you incorporate in it. Adding lengthy texts may look overwhelming and short ones may look lacking so see to it that you craft a text that hits the spot. Also, make a message that can capture your intended audience’s attention to make a good lasting impression on them.

3. Don’t deprive your personal projects of quality.

You might think that if you are making a bookmark for yourself, you shouldn’t put too much effort into it since it is not meant for other people to see. However, this is an unfavorable practice?why would you want to deprive your self of a high-quality bookmark? That is why if you should think that the bookmarks you create for other people should be eye-catching, see to it that you design yours to be even better than that. There’s no harm in trying to impress your self by your work, right?

Are you now ready to take on an adventure that is crafting what could be your very first bookmark? Be sure to take along with you any of the bookmark templates uploaded in this article to keep you guided.