Custom booklet printing produces a short, bound document such as a product guide, manual, program, menu or lookbook, most often saddle stitched with a heavier cover. TBPB prints it from your print-ready PDF with no minimum order, and our price-beat guarantee applies if you bring a written quote for the same specs.
What makes it a booklet
The difference between a booklet and a magazine is mostly length and purpose. A booklet is short, built to be read in one sitting or kept as a reference, and it is usually fastened with staples through the fold. That keeps the cost down and lets it lie open on a table. When the content grows, the spine starts to bulge and the inside pages push out at the edges, which is the point where a perfect-bound book is a better fit. If you are near that line, send the page count and the paper, and we tell you which binding behaves better.
Page count and trim size
Pages come in multiples of four, because a folded sheet makes four pages. Extra blank pages appear if your count is not a multiple of four, so decide in advance whether to use them for notes or cut content. Half-letter, letter and A5-style sizes are common trims. Pick the trim by where the booklet is used: a half-letter fits an envelope or a jacket pocket, while a letter-size booklet suits manuals and diagrams. Whatever you pick, build every page to that trim from the beginning, since resizing later disturbs the layout.
Paper and cover choices
Use a heavier stock for the cover than for the inside pages so the booklet feels finished. For the inside, coated gloss suits photographs, matte reads easily in text-heavy guides and uncoated suits notes and editorial pieces. Cover finishes include aqueous coating, soft-touch lamination and spot UV on a title or logo. Here is a sensible file checklist:
- Build to trim size with about 1/8 inch of bleed
- Keep text about 1/4 inch inside the trim, and give extra room near the center fold
- Supply CMYK images at 300 dpi and embed or outline fonts
- Send the cover as a separate file or clearly labeled pages
- Check that pages run in reading order, as single pages, not printer spreads
Related print products
For a longer, thicker publication, see magazine printing. Product lists with many items suit catalog printing, and quick one-sheet folded pieces are covered by brochure printing. Send your trim size, page count, paper preference and quantity, even if it is one copy, with your PDF, and we quote it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order for custom booklet printing?
No. TBPB has no minimum order. You can order a single copy for approval or a full run for an event. Send the trim size, page count, paper and quantity with your PDF, and we quote it.
What is the difference between a booklet and a magazine?
A booklet is shorter and usually saddle stitched, built for a single reading or reference. A magazine tends to run longer and may be perfect bound with a squared spine. Page count and paper weight decide which fits.
Why must the page count be a multiple of four?
A folded sheet makes four pages, so booklets are built in fours. If your count is not a multiple of four, blank pages are added. Plan them as note pages or adjust the content to fit.
What trim size should I choose?
Half-letter fits a pocket or an envelope, and letter size suits manuals and diagrams. Choose by where it will be used, and build every page to that trim from the start.
How should I set up the file?
Use the trim size with about 1/8 inch of bleed, keep text about 1/4 inch inside the trim and further from the center fold, supply CMYK images at 300 dpi, and embed fonts. Send pages in reading order.
Do you match another printer’s quote?
If you send a written quote for the same size, page count, paper, binding and quantity, we will beat it.
More Custom Retail Packaging
See the full Custom Retail Packaging range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
