How to Print a Colouring Book? A Beginner's Guide

Key Highlights

• Get a step-by-step guide on printing a high-quality colouring book for personal projects or professional publishing.
• Understand page sizing, layout setup, and file preparation for sharp, well-aligned prints.
• Know the difference between home printing and professional printing methods.
• Get outlines of binding choices such as saddle stitch, perfect binding, and spiral binding for ease of use.
• Highlight the need for quality checks before bulk printing to ensure crisp lines and accurate alignment.
• Provides guidance on packaging, distribution, and selling options for colouring books.
• Gain premium materials and fast delivery with Ex Why Zed’s professional printing solutions.

Having trouble figuring out how to print your own colouring book? It can seem daunting, but breaking it down helps. Choose the right paper, lay out your pages well, and pick quality printing options to make your art shine.

Learn precisely how to prepare your pages, select materials, and avoid common pitfalls. Read the full blog to turn your ideas into a professional-quality colouring book that people will love to colour and share.

How to Print a Colouring Book: A Step-by-Step Guide?

Printing book pages on quality colouring book paper is just as crucial as designing them. Poor printing can result in faded lines, smudging, or thin paper that can't handle various colouring tools. Whether for personal use, gifting, or selling, proper printing ensures crisp, high-quality pages with good ink absorption. It enhances colour vibrancy for an enjoyable experience.

Here’s a quick guide to help you along the way.

Step 1: Preparing Your Colouring 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 colouring book sizes are 8.5" x 11" (US Letter) and A4 (8.3" x 11.7"). These sizes give enough space for detailed drawings and are easy to print. For more detailed artwork, you can choose a bigger size. It gives more room for creative colouring and different styles.

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.

Use High-Resolution Line Art

Line quality is the foundation of a great colouring book. 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. Here's how to ensure crisp, clean lines:

1. Save your artwork at 300 DPI (dots per inch) to maintain sharpness.
2. Use vector files (SVG, AI, EPS) for infinitely scalable images without losing quality.
3. If using raster images (PNG, JPG), scan or export them at the highest resolution possible.

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 colouring 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: Selecting the Right Paper

It is essential to use good quality paper with a high paperweight, as low-quality, thin paper can cause the ink to bleed, tear or poor colour blending. Whereas, Glossy or coated papers are not ideal, as they don’t hold pencil or crayon pigment well.

For a smooth, enjoyable colouring experience, choose:

1. For a professional colouring book feel, 120-170 gsm uncoated paper.
2. Heavyweight cardstock (250-300 gsm) if you expect users to colour with markers, gel pens, or watercolours.
3. Colouring books with a matte finish (uncoated inside pages) prevent the colour from smudging, and the friction makes the colouring easier than doing it on glossy paper.

Step 3: 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:

1. 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.
2. Select black-and-white, high-quality print mode in your printer settings.
3. Choose single-sided printing if using wet mediums like markers or watercolour to prevent bleed-through.
4. If printing double-sided, test your paper to ensure minimal show-through when using coloured pencils or crayons.

Using a Professional Printer (Best for Selling or High-Quality Books)

Professional printing allows you to select premium paper, choose advanced binding options, and ensure consistent quality across multiple copies. For larger batches, professional printing offers the best quality and durability.

Here are the options to explore:

1. Local Print Shops: Great for custom jobs and personalised service.
2. Online Printing Services: Websites like PrintNinja and Lulu allow you to upload your PDF and order bulk prints.
3. 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.

Step 4: Choosing a Binding Method

The binding determines how easy the book is to use. If the pages can’t lie flat, it becomes difficult to colour the pages. When you're printing at home, it's best to use a comb binding machine or visit an office supply store for spiral binding services.

The most common binding options for colouring books include:

1. Saddle Stitch (Stapled Binding): Suitable for small booklets with fewer than 64 pages, and is a common choice for lightweight bindings.
2. Perfect Binding (Paperback Book): Provides a professional look to the colouring book.
3. Spiral or Wire-O Binding: The best choice for colouring books, as pages can lie completely flat, making colouring more comfortable.

Step 5: Quality Check Before Printing in Bulk

Making adjustments before printing in bulk can save time and money, ensuring a polished final product. Before committing to a full print run, always print a test copy to check for:

1. Line clarity: Ensure all lines are sharp and not too faint.
2. Page alignment: Make sure all pages are centred correctly and match the intended layout.
3. Paper quality: Test different colouring tools to see how they interact with the paper.
4. Binding durability: If pages fall out or the book doesn’t open properly, reconsider your binding method.

Step 6: Packaging and Distribution (For Selling Your Colouring Book)

If you plan to sell your colouring book, consider how you’ll distribute it:

1. Self-publishing on Amazon KDP, Etsy, or your own website allows you to reach a broad audience without upfront inventory costs.
2. Wholesale printing and selling in local bookstores or craft fairs is an excellent option for independent creators.
3. Adding ISBNs to professionally printed books enables them to be sold in online and physical bookstores.

Local Printers vs. Online Custom Printing Companies: What's the Difference?

Two primary options for printing services are generally available: local printers and online custom printing companies. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a simple and clear comparison table for Local Printers vs. Online Custom Printing Companies. So that you can make the best choice for your publishing dreams:

How To Promote Your Colouring Book?

Once printed, promote your colouring book with a strong strategy. Use social media, eCommerce, and marketing channels to reach your audience and generate interest. Social media offers a cost-effective way to reach a wider audience. Engage with potential customers and raise awareness about your colouring book. Gather firsthand information to better understand their interests via

1. Platform Selection: Pick platforms where your readers spend time. Use quick polls or surveys to get feedback. Instagram works well for visuals and helps you test design styles and detail levels.
2. Content Strategy: Share page previews, coloured examples, and happy customer photos. Post fun colouring contests or challenges to keep people engaged.
3. Paid Advertising: Run small ads for people who like colouring. With good targeting, your book can reach thousands of new readers.

Ex Why Zed offers a social media pack to help share your book release with friends and family. It also helps new readers discover your work. You can also check out our video on printing a colouring book from your illustrations for children to enjoy!

How Can You Boost Your Colouring 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 colouring community for reviews, guest posts. It helps you build credibility while reaching a wider audience.

Make your book stand out online and grow your fanbase!

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 specialised vendor for professional eCommerce distribution to maximise exposure.

What Makes ExWhyZed the Best Choice for Colouring Book Printing?

Printing a colouring book is more than just ink on paper. It’s about using creativity to give readers happy memories. Whether you’re designing detailed books for adults or playful ones for children. At Ex Why Zed, we ensure you get sharp lines, durable pages, and a truly enjoyable colouring experience.

We print high-quality colouring books that look amazing and last long. As specialists in high-quality colouring book printing. We take pride in combining expert craftsmanship with modern technology to make your project stand out.

Benefits of choosing our professional printing services:

• Premium Paper Options: Choose from a range of smooth, durable papers ideal for pencils, markers, or crayons.
• Vibrant, Crisp Printing: Every line and shade appears clean and detailed.
• Professional Binding: From saddle-stitched to perfect binding, your book stays strong and neat.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable printing that’s kind to the planet.
• Fast Turnaround: Get your books printed quickly without compromising quality.

Your ideas deserve to shine on every page. Let’s make it happen together. Reach out to us today!

Conclusion

Making your own colouring book is a fun journey. Every step matters, from drawing your pages to picking the right paper. Try different designs and ask friends what they think. Experiment with layouts and refine your artwork until it feels right.

A good colouring book should be bright, easy to use, and make people happy. With the right design choices and professional printing, your book can truly stand out. It can connect with people and become something special to share and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best paper types for colouring books?

Go for uncoated paper. It holds ink well and works perfectly with pencils. Choose thicker paper, around 120–160gsm, to stop colours showing through and keep pages sturdy.

How can I ensure the highest print quality for my colouring book?

Use a reliable printer with good reviews and modern printing equipment. Save your file as a high-resolution PDF to keep lines crisp and pages clean.

How do I choose between self-publishing and using a publishing company?

Self-publishing gives you more control and higher profits. A publishing company manages design, marketing, and distribution. Choose based on your budget, time, and how involved you want to be.

How much does it cost to print a colouring book?

Printing a colouring book typically costs between $3 and $10 per copy, depending on page count, paper quality, colour options, and quantity ordered. Bulk printing and black-and-white pages usually reduce overall costs.

What is the best print on demand for colouring books?

The best print-on-demand for colouring books includes Lulu, Blurb, and Amazon KDP. These platforms offer affordable pricing, global distribution, customizable print options, and easy setup for creators who want professional-quality colouring books.

What should I know about colouring book printing and choosing colouring books to print?

When planning your colouring book printing, decide if you want colouring book pages to print individually or full colouring books to print in bulk. For older adults or kids, large print colouring books are a great accessible option.

Where can I find butterfly colouring book pages to print and colour book pictures to print?

You can find a wide variety of butterfly colouring book pages to print and other colour book pictures to print from free printable libraries or educational resources, perfect for both kids and adults who enjoy creative relaxation.

What are some options for cheap colour book printing and custom colouring book printing?

You can explore local or online printing services that offer cheap colour book printing for small batches or bulk orders. For personalised designs, custom colouring book printing allows you to choose paper type, binding, and cover style.