throwout

A throwout is a single leaf that hinges on one edge of a bound publication, folding out perpendicular to the spine to extend the usable image area. Unlike a full gatefold, which folds in from both sides, a throwout opens in only one direction, typically to the right in right-reading publications. The hinge is glued or stitched along one edge of the binding, and the leaf remains free at its outer edge.

Throwouts appear in magazines, catalogs, and brochures where designers need to show wide images without increasing the standard trim size. A two-column spread becomes three columns when the throwout opens. Common widths are 8.5 to 11 inches beyond the normal page width, depending on the base format. The mechanical strength of the hinge is critical; undersized adhesive or weak stitching will cause the leaf to fail during binding or handling by readers.

Production Considerations

In signature layout, the throwout is typically printed on a heavier stock than body pages, usually 80 to 100 pound (12 to 15 point) cover or text weight, to resist creasing and tearing at the hinge. The leaf must be folded and positioned precisely during bindery work. Collation equipment must be adjusted to accommodate the extra thickness and width. The cost per unit is higher than a standard page because it requires separate die-cutting, folding, and insertion into the gathering sequence by hand or specialized equipment.

The term "throwout" appears in bindery specifications and pagination maps. In digital pagination systems, a throwout is flagged as a special element with a unique trim size and binding method noted in the job specs. Printers distinguish throwouts from gatefolds and tipped-on pages in job estimates because they require different handling at nearly every production stage, from prepress imposition through final binding.