Flip books are often illustrated books for children, but may also be geared towards adults and employ a series of photographs rather than drawings. With the advent of web cameras and other digital camcorders, flip books have become easier to create while capture a special moment in time.

Flip books are not always separate books, but may appear as an added feature in ordinary books or magazines, often in the page corners.

Most people remember flip books from their third grade math class. While not part of the academic curriculum, most students remember making flip books to entertain themselves to pass the time.