Printing your own coloring book? Exciting!
Whether you're creating one for fun, business, or a personal project, this guide will walk you through the entire process—choosing materials, designing pages, preparing files, and even promoting the book’s production of your work.
We’ll also cover different coloring book sizes and some must-know printing terms to help you bring your vision to life. Let’s get started!
How to Print a Coloring Book: A Step-by-Step Guide
Printing coloring book pages on quality coloring book paper is just as crucial as designing it. Poor printing can result in faded lines, smudging, or thin paper that can't handle various coloring tools. Whether for personal use, gifting, or selling, proper printing ensures crisp, high-quality pages with good ink absorption, enhancing color vibrancy for an enjoyable experience.
This guide covers everything from file setup to paper selection, printing methods, and binding options, helping you create a durable, professional-looking coloring book that's easy to use and fun to color. It's a great way for people of all ages to get started.
Step 1: Preparing Your Coloring Book for Printing
Before you print a single page of the beloved art form, your file must be correctly formatted to ensure high-quality results and expert design.
Choose the Right Page Size and Layout
The most common page sizes for coloring books are 8.5" x 11" (US Letter) or A4 (8.3" x 11.7"), as they provide ample space for detailed designs and finer details while being easy to print at home or professionally. For more intricate works, you may consider offering a larger size that meets the desired size of your coloring book, allowing for different techniques.
If you plan to publish commercially, research popular sizes in your market, as different print-on-demand platforms may have specific size requirements. For books with multiple pages, ensure that your total page count is in multiples of four if using booklet printing, as this ensures proper page arrangement.
ExWhyZed provides varied page sizes, layouts and paper types to ensure that your book meets the standards required at the time of publishing. If you're interested in learning more, do check it out here.
Use High-Resolution Line Art
Line quality is the foundation of a great coloring book. To ensure crisp, clean lines:
Save your artwork at 300 DPI (dots per inch) to maintain sharpness.
Use vector files (SVG, AI, EPS) for infinitely scalable images without losing quality.
If using raster images (PNG, JPG), scan or export them at the highest resolution possible.
Thin lines may fade or disappear when printed, so make sure all outlines are at least 1 pt thick. If you're creating intricate designs, test print a few pages to check visibility.
Set Up Bleed and Margins
Bleed refers to the extra area beyond the page’s edge that ensures designs print without white borders. If your coloring pages extend to the edges of the paper, add a 0.125-inch bleed on all sides to prevent unintended gaps after trimming.
Margins are equally important, especially if your book is bound. Leave at least 0.5-inch inner margins so that no part of the design is too close to the binding or lost in the gutter of a bound book.
Export as a Print-Ready PDF
Once your designs are complete and formatted correctly, export your book as a high-resolution PDF. This format preserves image quality and ensures that the pages print exactly as intended.
Step 2: Choosing the Best Printing Method
Your choice of printing method depends on your budget, quantity, and the level of quality you want.
Printing at Home (Best for Small Batches and DIY Projects)
Home printing is ideal if you’re making a few copies for personal use, gifts, or testing your designs before professional printing.
To get the best results:
If possible, use a laser printer, as it produces sharper lines and prevents ink from smudging. Inkjet printers work but may cause slight bleeding, especially if using markers.
Select black-and-white, high-quality print mode in your printer settings.
Choose single-sided printing if using wet mediums like markers or watercolor to prevent bleed-through.
If printing double-sided, test your paper to ensure minimal show-through when using colored pencils or crayons.
Using a Professional Printer (Best for Selling or High-Quality Books)
For larger batches, professional printing offers the best quality and durability.
Options include:
Local Print Shops: Great for custom jobs and personalized service.
Online Printing Services: Websites like PrintNinja, and Lulu allow you to upload your PDF and order bulk prints.
Print-on-Demand Services: Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark print your book only when someone orders it, making it a cost-effective option for self-publishing.
Professional printing allows you to select premium paper, choose advanced binding options, and ensure consistent quality across multiple copies.
Looking for top-quality book printing with delivery from our two factories in the United States? Ex Why Zed has you covered! Whether it's a children's book, a stunning picture book, or even a fun coloring book, we specialize in bringing your ideas to life with professional printing. Want to know more about our pricing? Get in touch today—we’d love to help!
Step 3: Selecting the Right Paper
Paper quality significantly affects the coloring experience, especially when considering the best paperweight. Thin, low-quality paper can cause ink bleeding, tearing, or poor color blending.
For a smooth, enjoyable coloring experience, choose:
For a professional coloring book feel, 80-100 lb (160-200 gsm) uncoated paper.
Heavyweight cardstock (120-150 lb or 250-300 gsm) if you expect users to color with markers, gel pens, or watercolors.
Matte finish to prevent smudging and make coloring easier.
Glossy or coated papers are not ideal, as they don’t hold pencil or crayon pigment well.
At Ex Why Zed, we offer premium paper options to give your book the perfect finish! Choose from House Uncoated, Silk, Gloss, and Evolution Uncoated in weights from 100gsm (lightweight) to 350gsm (sturdy card). For zine interiors, we recommend staying under 170gsm, while covers can go up to 350gsm—though 300gsm offers the best balance of durability and flexibility. Want to learn more? Check out this article!
Step 4: Choosing a Binding Method
The binding determines how easy the book is to use. If the pages can’t lay flat, coloring can become frustrating.
The most common binding options for coloring books include:
- Saddle Stitch (Stapled Binding): Suitable for small booklets with fewer than 64 pages and is a common standard choice for lightweight bindings.
Perfect Binding (Paperback Book): Provides a professional look but doesn’t lay flat easily.
Spiral or Wire-O Binding: The best choice for coloring books, as pages can lie completely flat, making coloring more comfortable.
If printing at home, use a comb binding machine or visit an office supply store for spiral binding services.
At ExWhyZed, we offer three top-quality binding options to give your book a professional finish—wire-stitching (saddle stitching), perfect binding, and case binding. Whether you need a sleek paperback or a sturdy hardcover, we’ve got you covered! Explore our binding options and find the best fit for your book here.
Step 5: Quality Check Before Printing in Bulk
Before committing to a full print run, always print a test copy to check for:
Line clarity: Ensure all lines are sharp and not too faint.
Page alignment: Make sure all pages are centered correctly and match the intended layout.
Paper quality: Test different coloring tools to see how they interact with the paper.
Binding durability: If pages fall out or the book doesn’t open properly, reconsider your binding method.
Making adjustments before printing in bulk can save time and money, ensuring a polished final product.
Step 6: Packaging and Distribution (For Selling Your Coloring Book)
If you plan to sell your coloring book, consider how you’ll distribute it:
Self-publishing on Amazon KDP, Etsy, or your own website allows you to reach a broad audience without upfront inventory costs.
Wholesale printing and selling in local bookstores or craft fairs is an excellent option for independent creators.
Adding ISBNs to professionally printed books enables them to be sold in online and physical bookstores.
At ExWhyZed, we don’t just print your book—we help you get it into stores and online platforms too! Our promotion package includes social media support to boost visibility and reach more readers. Plus, we connect you with a specialized vendor for professional eCommerce distribution to maximize exposure.
Ready to share your book with the world? Let’s make it happen!
How To Select a Print Service?
When printing a custom coloring book, look for a provider that offers high quality, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround times—without cutting corners. Make sure they can handle your designs’ size and complexity with precision. Check customer reviews for insights and choose a provider of custom coloring book printing services that understands the unique needs of coloring books. The right choice ensures a stunning final product! Let's check these things in more detail.
Local Printers vs. Online Custom Printing Companies
Two primary options for printing services are generally available: local printers and online custom printing companies. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Printing Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Local Printers | Personal customer service, physical proofs | Generally higher costs, limited options |
Online Custom Printing Companies | Competitive pricing, a wider range of services, fast turnaround times | Less personal customer service |
It's essential to obtain quotes from multiple printers to compare costs and understand what services you're getting at the given price.
Cost & Turnaround: What to Know Before Printing Your Coloring Book
Balancing quality and budget is key when printing a coloring book, especially with multiple pages in mind. Before choosing a printer, get a detailed cost breakdown—including the number of pages, book printing costs, per-unit pricing, setup fees, shipping, and higher production costs. Be wary of cheap rates that may sacrifice quality or hide extra charges.
Turnaround time matters too! If you're on a tight deadline, paying a little extra for faster printing could be worth it.
At ExWhyZed, we offer premium coloring book printing with top-quality paper. Get a quote today and bring your book to life!
How To Promote Your Coloring Book?
Once printed, promote your coloring book with a strong strategy. Use social media, eCommerce, and marketing channels to reach your audience and generate interest.
Using social media effectively
Social media offers a cost-effective way to reach a wider audience, engage with potential customers, and raise awareness about your coloring book, gathering firsthand information to better understand their interests.
Platform Selection: Choose platforms that your target audience frequents, including the option of conducting surveys or focus groups to gather direct feedback. Conduct surveys on Instagram, with its visual-focused platform, as it can provide invaluable insights into showcasing your coloring book and analyzing various complexity levels, especially the complexity of your designs for intermediate colorists, and the level of detail incorporated.
Content Strategy: Share images of your book, sneak peeks of the pages inside, customer reviews, and colored-in page examples. Involve your audience by hosting coloring contests or challenges while implementing effective marketing tips.
Paid Advertising: Consider running paid ads targeting users interested in coloring or related activities. With the right targeting, you can get your coloring book seen by thousands of potential customers.
ExWhyZed offers a social media promotion pack which allows you to spread a word about your book's release with friends and families and allow new readers to take a look at your craft. You can also check out our video on printing a coloring book from your illustrations for children to enjoy!
Boost Your Coloring Book’s Online Presence
Beyond social media, a strong online presence can skyrocket your book’s visibility! Start with a sleek, user-friendly website where readers can explore sample pages and make easy purchases.
Collaborate with bloggers and influencers in the coloring community for reviews, guest posts, or expert tips—building credibility while reaching a wider audience.
Make your book stand out online and grow your fanbase!
Bring Your Coloring Book to Life with Professional Printing from ExWhyZed
Printing a coloring book design isn’t just about putting ink on paper—it’s about creating moments of tranquility and an experience. Whether you're crafting intricate coloring book designs for adults or playful pages for kids, high-quality catalog printing ensures crisp lines, durable pages, and an enjoyable childhood activity coloring experience, similar to what you would expect from professional business cards and promotional materials. But achieving professional results requires the right printing partner.
That’s where ExWhyZed comes in. As specialists in high-quality book printing, ExWhyZed offers vibrant black-and-white printing, premium paper options, and expert binding techniques to make your coloring book stand out. Their attention to detail, fast turnaround, and eco-friendly printing solutions make them the go-to choice for artists, self-publishers, and businesses looking to produce top-tier coloring books.
Whether it’s a small batch or a large-scale release, ExWhyZed has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Email us at hello@exwhyzed.com or give us a call on 01206 766647
Turn Ordinary Paper Into Extraordinary Coloring Book!
Turning an idea into a coloring book is an exciting journey! Now for the fun part, from designing new coloring book projects, pages to choosing materials, every step shapes a fun, engaging experience that captures the hearts and minds of your target audience during this creative process within the coloring book industry. Consider various design elements, experiment with different compositions, test your designs with friends, refine the details, and create a vibrant, shareable work of art that sparks creativity and nostalgia! The final step is to ensure your book connects with people and stands out in the market! Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best paper types for coloring books?
Uncoated paper is commonly used in coloring books because it has excellent ink absorption and gives a better grip for colored pencils. It’s recommended to use a heavier weight ranging from 70 to 100 lbs to prevent bleed-through and enhance durability.
How can I ensure the highest print quality for my coloring book?
Ensuring high quality for your coloring book involves choosing a reliable printing service known for its excellent customer reviews, competitive pricing, and state-of-the-art printing technology. Additionally, it’s crucial to save your file as a high-resolution PDF for high-quality prints.
How do I choose between self-publishing or using a publishing company?
Self-publishing allows more control over your work and often offers higher royalty rates. Conversely, using a traditional publishing company provides professional assistance with design, marketing, and distribution. The choice depends on your budget, time availability, and desire for creative control.