The function of the overall design of books is to design and arrange the words, images, graphics, tables and other elements of the manuscript with intention, organization and order, and to express the text information of books in a clear, interesting, rhythmic and hierarchical way; Choose appropriate paper and various binding materials, and copy a large number of pictures and texts into a book, so as to ensure proper recording, smooth reading, easy dissemination and easy collection.

1) Integrity: The overall design of books must be closely coordinated with other links in the book publishing process, and this cooperation and coordination should be reflected in the process selection, technical requirements, artistic conception and so on.

2) artistry: not only the overall design is required to fully reflect artistic characteristics and unique creativity, but also a certain artistic style. This style should not only reflect the inherent requirements of book content, but also reflect the characteristics of books of different natures and categories.

3) Practicality: The birth of books is first to spread the reading needs of culture, but also for use. The development and change of book forms, from simplified books in ancient China to scrolls, whirlwinds, folds, butterflies, precious quilts and thread-binding, from clay tablets in western countries to papyrus books, sheepskin books and original books, is a process that is becoming more and more adaptive and practical with the development of society.

4) Economy: It is required that the overall design of books should fully consider the actual effect of reading and appreciating books, and the difference between the two benefits;

First, the difference between the required capital investment and the actual economic benefits;

Second, the book pricing caused by the design scheme is worse than the reader's tolerance and ability.