How Long Does a Photo Book Take to Print? Find Out!

TL;DR

• Most photo books take 7–14 days to print and deliver.
• Printing time depends on the type of book, page count, paper, finishes, and season.
• Page count, size, paper, and customisation all influence production speed.
• Ordering early helps avoid delays during the Christmas or wedding season.
• Peak seasons (Christmas, weddings, graduations) slow things down.
• Express shipping can shave off delivery time once printing is complete.
• At Ex Why Zed, softcovers are ready in 5 working days, hardbacks in 7.

As a professional photographer, you know the importance of presentation. Whether it's a wedding photo album for a client or a portfolio of your best photos in a small photo book, turning digital files into a photo book is the best way to showcase your images. But one big question always comes up: how long does a photo book take to print?

There’s no single answer to how long a photo book takes to print. Timelines depend on the printer, binding style, and season. This blog breaks down every factor so you know what affects production and how to plan your order with confidence.

The Average Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Print a Photo Book?

On average, most photo books take 7–14 days from order to delivery. This includes the time needed for printing, binding, and shipping.

At Ex Why Zed, a perfect-bound softcover photo book is usually ready in around 5 working days, while a hardback version takes closer to 7 working days.

By comparison, large providers like Photobox or CEWE also operate within the 7–14 day range. The difference is that a specialist printer, such as Ex Why Zed, gives you far more choice in formats, paper types, and finishes, making it easier to create something professional and tailored, rather than a standard template product.

Get a free instant quote with Ex Why Zed and enjoy free tracked UK delivery on every photo book order.

What Factors Affect Photo Book Printing Timeline?

When people ask how long does a photo book take to print, the answer isn't the same for everyone. The timeline depends on the choices you make during the design and printing process. Here are some of the key factors that determine the time it takes for your photo book to arrive.

1. Type of Photo Book

Does the type of photo book, like hardcover or softcover, change the printing time? Absolutely. The binding and cover style you choose directly impacts production speed.

Softcover photo books are the quickest to produce since the cover is printed and bound in a simpler process. At specialist printers such as Ex Why Zed, these are often ready within 5 working days.

Hardcover photo books take longer because of additional steps. The printed pages are bound, then cased into a hard cover with glue, followed by pressing and drying time. These usually need around 7 working days before shipping.

Layflat photo books are the most time-intensive option. They use thick, double-page spreads that require specialist binding, typically adding 2–3 extra working days to the schedule.

Beyond cover type, the way your book is printed and bound also affects turnaround.

2. Type of Binding

Different binding styles also change how quickly your photo book can be produced.

• Saddle stitch staples the pages together along the fold line. It’s the fastest option, but it works best for thinner booklets.
• Perfect binding glues the pages to the spine, giving a more polished look. It takes slightly longer but is ideal for medium to large photo books.
• Spiral binding punches holes in the pages and threads a coil through. It’s flexible, sits between the two in terms of speed, and allows books to lie flat when open.

The type of binding style plays a key role in turnaround. A softcover with digital printing and saddle stitch is the fastest option, while premium hardbacks or layflat editions require more time but deliver a truly polished result.

3. Page Count and Size

The more pages your book contains, the longer it will take to print and bind.

• Short books (24–48 pages) are usually processed faster, as they require fewer sheets and quicker binding.
• Medium books (60–120 pages) require an additional production time, especially with thicker paper stocks.
• Large books (150+ pages) naturally take longer, both in printing and binding, because of the volume of sheets.

Size also plays a role. A pocket-sized A6 or A5 book can be produced faster than a large square or A3 format, primarily due to the greater paper requirements and binding complexity.

4. Paper Choice

The type of paper you choose has a direct impact on both the look of your book and the time it takes to produce.

• Standard options, such as silk or gloss-coated papers, are quicker to print on and dry faster.
• Premium, uncoated, or textured papers can take longer, especially if you opt for heavier weights, such as 170gsm or 200gsm. These papers absorb more ink, which may require extra drying time.
• Specialist stocks (such as recycled or coloured papers) can also add time if they need to be specially sourced or set up on the press.

At specialist printers such as Ex Why Zed, you'll find a wide choice of FSC-certified papers, which allows you to balance turnaround times with the look and feel you want for your project.

Not sure which paper works best for your book? Contact us today and get expert advice tailored to your project before you place an order.

5. Cover Finishes

While a simple printed cover is relatively quick, adding extra finishes extends the production schedule. These details elevate your book's presentation but require additional steps in the bindery.

• Lamination (with either matte or gloss film applied to the covers) adds protection but requires additional curing time.
• Foiling or embossing (with gold, silver, or debossed text) involves specialised equipment and hand-finishing, which adds one to two days.
• Spot UV or gloss highlights also introduce additional production stages to create the raised or shiny effect.

These finishes are worth the wait if you're producing a wedding album, professional portfolio, or gift book. But if speed is your top priority, sticking to a simple softcover or laminated hardback will be quicker.

6. Colour and Print Method

The printing method used can also affect the time it takes to produce your book.

• Digital printing is best suited for short runs (under 500 copies) that utilise toner. It's faster because there's minimal setup, making it ideal for one-off photo books or small projects.
• Litho printing is better for larger print runs (500+ copies). While it takes longer to set up, it's more cost-effective for bulk orders and produces consistent colour quality across many copies.

Vibrant colour choice matters too. A standard full-colour CMYK book is straightforward, but if you're using special inks or Pantone colours, it can add time to the process. At Ex Why Zed, both HP Indigo digital and Heidelberg litho presses are available, providing flexibility according to your needs.

Ready to print your book with the right method for your project? Order now and get started today.

7. Level of Customisation

The more personalisation you add, the longer the production timeline becomes.

• Custom endpapers (such as coloured or patterned opening pages) require extra setup.
• Insert pages like vellum overlays or foldouts add additional steps in binding.
• Unique design requests, such as ribbon markers, belly bands, or custom slipcases, all extend the schedule.

While these features enhance the final product, especially for wedding albums or professional portfolios, they also require additional production time. Your book will take longer to produce than a simple softcover or standard hardback.

8. Seasonal Demand

During peak seasons, printers and couriers face higher demand, which can add extra days to your timeline.

• Christmas is the busiest period of the year for personalised photo books, as they're a popular personalised gift idea to capture your favourite moments. Orders placed in late November or December often take longer than the usual 7–14 days.
• The wedding season (spring and summer) also creates a spike in demand for professional albums and keepsake books.
• Graduation and end-of-year projects lead universities, art schools, and photographers to place bulk orders, which can create bottlenecks.

To avoid delays, it's best to place your order well in advance of key deadlines. Many printers, including Ex Why Zed, publish holiday cut-off dates so you know exactly when to submit your files for guaranteed delivery.

Also Read: Printing Winning Perfect Bound Publications

Which UK Photo Book Provider Offers the Best Turnaround?

If you’re still wondering how long does it usually take to print and receive a photo book from popular online services, here’s a side-by-side look at some of the leading UK providers.

Most providers fall into the 7–14 day range, but the difference comes down to priorities. Services like Photobox and Bonusprint are great for quick, simple projects, while CEWE and Mixbook emphasise design options.

Ex Why Zed sits apart as a specialist printer, delivering professional-grade books with more control over paper, binding, and finishes, without sacrificing efficiency.

What to Expect from Photo Book Delivery?

Getting your photo book printed is only part of the process; delivery speed, courier reliability, and seasonal demand all play a role in when you'll actually receive it. Here's what you should know.

1. Delivery Speed & Reviews: Advertised turnaround times don’t always reflect reality. Check reviews on platforms like Trustpilot for feedback on courier reliability, packaging quality, and whether companies deliver when they promise.

2. Express Printing Options: Same-day or next-day photo book printing is rare, but you can save time by choosing softcovers or simpler formats and adding express shipping, which can cut delivery to 1–2 days after production.

3. International Delivery Considerations: UK delivery usually takes 2–4 working days, while international orders often need 5–10 days depending on location and customs, so plan ahead if your book is tied to a deadline.

4. Tracking & Communication: Reliable printers provide tracking numbers and updates once your book ships. This transparency helps you plan for arrival and gives peace of mind that your order is on its way.

5. Packaging & Protection: Good packaging matters as much as speed. Sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and careful handling ensure your photo book arrives in perfect condition without bends or scratches.

In short, choosing the right provider helps ensure your photo book is delivered on time, well-packaged, and stress-free.

Also read: Beginner’s Guide to Hardback Photo Book Printing

Why Ex Why Zed Is Trusted for Professional-Quality Photo Books?

If you're searching for who prints photo books in the UK, you'll find plenty of options. However, not every service provides the balance of quality, flexibility, and reliability that your project deserves. That's where Ex Why Zed stands out.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Fast, Reliable Turnaround – Softcover books are usually ready in 5 working days, while hardbacks take around 7 working days.
• Professional-grade Finishes – From FSC-certified papers to lamination, foiling, and layflat binding, you have complete control over the final look.
• Free File Check – Every PDF is reviewed before printing, helping you avoid errors and delays.
• Instant Quotes – Plan your project and budget in minutes with our online tool.
• Clear Delivery Schedules – With tracked UK courier services and seasonal cut-off dates, you'll always know when to expect your books.
• Trusted by Creatives – Artists, photographers, and self-publishers across the UK rate us highly for both service and quality.

Whether you're designing a wedding photo book, a hardcover portfolio, or a limited-edition project, Ex Why Zed gives you the tools, materials, and support to bring it to life.

Turn your idea into print with Ex Why Zed. Get a free instant quote and see how easy professional printing can be!

Final Words

So, how long does a photo book take to print, especially considering the various photo book sizes? On average, it takes 7–14 days from order to delivery, depending on the type of book, paper, finishes, and the time of year. Softcovers are usually quicker, while hardbacks, layflat editions, and custom projects take longer to showcase your beautiful photos.

The key is to plan ahead, choose the right options, and set realistic expectations. Whether it’s a wedding album, a creative portfolio, or a personal keepsake, that documents your family history, knowing the process helps you enjoy the anticipation and the final result without the stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track the status of my photo book order?

Most photo book companies provide tracking. After printing and quality checks, you’ll get an email with a tracking number to monitor delivery via the courier’s website or the company’s app.

Do custom photo books take longer to print?

Yes, custom photo books take longer to print. Premium covers, varied formats, special papers, or unique finishes require extra production steps, extending the timeline compared to standard editions.

How can I speed up the printing process for urgent orders?

While it's challenging to expedite the actual rapid printing phase, you can reduce the overall wait time by selecting express shipping. For urgent and expedited orders, choose the fastest shipping option at checkout. This won't make the ink dry faster, but it will ensure your book arrives much quicker once it leaves the printer.

How long does it usually take to print and receive a photo book from popular online services?

Most popular online services take around 7–14 days to print and deliver a photo book; however, express options may shorten this timeframe to 3–5 days, especially when using Google Photos. Turnaround times vary depending on the size, finish, and shipping location.

What’s the fastest type of photo book to print?

Softcover books with standard paper and digital printing are usually the quickest, often ready within 4/5 working days. They’re the best choice when speed matters more than premium finishes.

Does the paper choice affect printing time?

Yes, standard silk or gloss papers dry faster, while heavier, uncoated, or textured stocks add extra time. Choosing lighter papers can help shorten production if you’re on a tight deadline.

Do larger books take longer to produce?

Yes, bigger formats and higher page counts naturally extend printing and binding times compared to smaller, lighter books. Planning ahead is key if you want oversized or high-page-count photo books.