The Display Book
Professional-looking, protected pages, easy to update — no binding machine required.
What Is a Display Book?
A bound book with fixed clear polypropylene pockets.
- Pages slide in from the top (or side, depending on model) — one page per pocket
- Fixed spine = looks like a real book, NOT a ring binder
- Front cover pocket: slide in your custom cover for an instant professional look
- Lays relatively flat when open — good for music stands
- Also called: presentation book, clear-pocket folder, portfolio book
Shopping Guide: What to Buy
Everything you need to get started.
The Display Book
Paper
- 100gsm recommended for crisp, readable pages
- 80gsm works but can look slightly transparent through the pocket
- For your cover page: use 160–200gsm card stock for a premium feel in the front pocket
Optional Extras
- Colored card stock for chapter divider pages
- A bone folder or ruler to crease the cover page neatly if it's thick stock
- Adhesive spine label (if the display book doesn't have a spine pocket)
Making It Look Professional
Practical tips to elevate from "folder" to "songbook".
Custom cover
Use MakeMySongBook's Cover Builder to design a cover. Print on thick card stock, slide into the front pocket. Instant professional look. Tip: If your display book has a solid (non-transparent) front cover, consider gluing your printed cover on top of it for a truly custom, permanent look.
Chapter dividers
Use the Chapter Divider feature. Print on colored paper (e.g., cream or light blue). These visually separate sections when flipping through.
Back cover
Design a simple back page (or just use colored card stock) for the last pocket. No one wants to see an empty plastic sleeve at the back. If the back cover is solid, glue a printed design onto it for a finished look.
Spine label
Print or write the book title on a small label strip. Slide it into the spine pocket. Now it's identifiable on a shelf.
Consistent paper
Use the same paper weight throughout. Mixing weights looks messy.
Fill empty pockets
If you have unused pockets at the end, slide in blank colored pages rather than leaving empty transparent sleeves.
Orientation
Always slide pages in from the top. Gravity keeps them in place and they won't slide out when you flip pages on a music stand.
How to Print for a Display Book
Step-by-step from the tool to your finished book.
- 1
In MakeMySongBook, choose "Full Book" format
- 2
Print single-sided — each page goes into its own pocket
- 3
The table of contents page numbers match pocket numbers perfectly
- 4
Smart page alignment still helps: multi-page songs stay in adjacent pockets (left + right when the book is open)
- 5
Print your cover page separately on thick paper
- 6
Slide pages in order, cover first
Why Choose a Display Book?
Weigh the advantages and limitations.
Pros
- Pages fully protected from spills, dirt, and wear
- Easy to rearrange or update — just slide pages in and out
- No hole punch, no binding machine, no staples needed
- Looks professional with a custom cover
- Reusable — swap out the entire songbook for a new setlist
- Great for gigging musicians: wipe-clean, durable
Cons
- Slightly thicker/heavier than a bound book
- Can't write annotations directly on pages (use sticky notes or a dry-erase marker on the sleeve)
- Limited to the number of pockets you bought (40–60 typical)
- Pages can shift slightly in pockets if not inserted snugly
Pro Tips
Get the most out of your display book.
For gigs
The plastic sleeves protect against drink spills on stage — a real lifesaver.
For updating
Swap out individual songs without reprinting the whole book.
Anti-glare
If performing under bright lights, look for matte-finish pockets or slightly angle your stand.
Multiple books
Buy several display books in different colors for different setlists or genres.
Dry-erase markers
Write tempo/key notes directly on the plastic sleeve with a dry-erase marker — wipes off clean.