The fastest way to turn your PDF into a polished booklet is to let us handle the print – but if you’d like to test on your own printer first, our clear guides below have you covered.
Great, upload your PDF file along and our experts will give it a thorough preflight check. If we notice anything that needs changing, we'll let you know.
Excellent, we have step-by-step guides. We have clear instructions for printing your booklet from PDF in Acrobat, MS Publisher, InDesign and Affinity Publisher.
If you’re considering getting your PDF printed as a booklet professionally, here’s why we at Ex Why Zed stand out:
We’re print perfectionists. Your booklet will be handled by experts who specialise in short-run booklets, zines, and books. We ensure crisp text, vibrant images, and a clean finish that represents you or your brand beautifully.
⚠️ Our team double-checks every PDF so you get a result that a typical home printer just can’t match.
No one likes surprise costs. We offer free delivery on all orders UK-wide, so the price you’re quoted is the price you pay – no extras. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or a small village, your printed booklets will arrive safely at your doorstep without any shipping fee.
Using our Printed Project Builder you can get an instant price for your booklet project. Just input your specs (size, page count, quantity, etc.) and see the price – or use our Booklet Printing product page for guidance on options. When you’re ready, you can upload your PDF using WeTransfer. It’s a smooth, hassle-free experience – no need to email large files or worry about FTP. (And of course, if you prefer a human touch, you can always email us or call – we’re here to help.)
We’re not just a print shop; we’re your printing partners. If you have questions, need a template, or aren’t sure about something, check out our Resources like the File Set-Up Knowledge Base or just reach out. Our friendly team will guide you, as we genuinely want your project to succeed. Printing can be complex, but we make it simple by being available to assist at each step.
In short, we’re passionate about printing and we take pride in helping creators like you. Feel free to get a quote or ask us anything – even if you’re not ready to print just yet. We’re here to provide advice, reassurance, and of course, top-notch printing when you need it.
Printing a PDF as a booklet can feel intimidating to first-timers. You might be worried about page order, margins not fitting, or how to print double-sided without messing up the layout. We get it – these concerns stop many budding authors and creators in their tracks. The good news is that turning your PDF into a real booklet is easier than it seems, and we’re here to walk you through it step by step.
At Ex Why Zed, we speak your language. We specialise in helping novice and self-publishers – from independent authors and artists to community groups and small businesses – get their PDF documents printed as professional booklets. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to print a booklet from a PDF. We’ll cover everything from setting up your PDF correctly, to using common software (Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, and Affinity Publisher) to arrange and print your pages in booklet format, and finally to double-checking technical details like margins, bleed, and printer settings. By the end, you’ll be confident that your booklet will look and feel right.
âś… Expert Tip
If at any point you feel overwhelmed or simply prefer an expert to handle it, we’ve got you covered. All we need is your PDF file – send us your PDF and we’ll do the rest.
You might be wondering what software or tools you can use to create a booklet from your PDF. The answer is: there are several options, from beginner-friendly to professional design programs. Below, we’ll go through four popular methods step-by-step:
Adobe Acrobat or Reader
Great for most users. Acrobat (including the free Adobe Reader) has a built-in booklet printing feature that simplifies the process.
Microsoft Publisher
Good for home office users. Publisher can import PDFs and arrange them into a booklet format.
Adobe InDesign
Advanced option for designers who want fine control over layout and typography.
Affinity Publisher
Advanced and affordable alternative to InDesign, ideal for designers on a budget.
Scroll down to your program of choice ⬇️
Adobe Acrobat is one of the simplest ways to print your PDF as a booklet. Even the free Adobe Acrobat Reader application includes a booklet print setting that arranges pages automatically. Follow these steps to print a booklet from your PDF using Acrobat:
Ctrl+P on Windows or Cmd+P on Mac). The Print dialog will appear. Under “Page Sizing & Handling,” select the option for Booklet. This tells Acrobat you want to print in booklet format, which will automatically arrange two pages per sheet in the correct order.
Microsoft Publisher isn’t as commonly used as Acrobat for PDFs, but it’s a handy tool if you have it as part of Microsoft Office. Publisher can import your PDF pages and arrange them for booklet printing. Here’s how to do it:
If you have Adobe InDesign and your PDF needs more sophisticated layout adjustments, InDesign offers powerful control. This is typically used by design professionals or if you want to add or tweak design elements while creating the booklet. The process is a bit more involved: you’ll place the PDF into an InDesign document and use the Print Booklet feature.
Here’s how to print a PDF booklet with InDesign:
âś… Expert Advice
InDesign gives you the most control, so it’s ideal if you plan to design the booklet further or merge multiple PDFs, add new content, etc., before printing. But for simply printing an existing PDF as-is, the earlier methods might be quicker.
Affinity Publisher is an increasingly popular design tool (a one-time purchase alternative to InDesign) that also can handle booklet printing. If you own Affinity Publisher, you can use it similarly to InDesign to arrange and print your PDF as a booklet. Follow these steps:
âś… Affinity Publisher is powerful, but for a straightforward PDF-to-booklet task, some users might prefer the simpler Acrobat route unless they are already working in Affinity.
Regardless of which software you use, a successful print starts with a properly prepared PDF. Here are the key things to get right in your PDF before you hit print:
In short, a well-prepared PDF means less chance of surprises when printing. If you’re unsure about any of the above, don’t worry – at Ex Why Zed, we run a free pre-print file check (preflight) on every PDF you send us. We’ll let you know if anything is amiss (like missing bleed or low resolution images) before we print, so you can fix it and avoid disappointment.
✅ Ready for a flawless finish? Upload your PDF and we’ll do the folding, trimming and stapling for you.
When you’re ready to print, taking a moment to verify your printer settings can make the difference between a flawless booklet and a frustrating misprint. Pay attention to these settings:
Before printing the entire run, we highly recommend doing a test print of a few pages of your booklet (or even the whole booklet in a draft mode). This trial run will reveal if the margins are correct, if the page order works out, and if any settings need tweaking. It’s much better to catch an issue on 4 printed pages than on 100!
If you made any changes in InDesign, Publisher, or another program (for example, adding bleed or adjusting layout), you’ll likely export a new PDF to print from or send to a printer. When exporting your final PDF for booklet printing, keep these in mind:
✅ By paying attention to the export settings, you’ll create a PDF that is truly print-ready. If all of this sounds technical – don’t worry. As part of our service, we handle these technicalities for you. Simply supply the best PDF you can, and we’ll ensure it meets the requirements before printing.
Printing a booklet from a PDF might seem tricky at first, but as we’ve shown, it can be a straightforward process with the right steps. Whether you use a basic tool like Acrobat Reader or professional design software, the key is careful setup and a bit of patience. Always double-check your page order, settings, and do that small test print. With a bit of preparation, you’ll end up with a stunning booklet that you can be proud of.
Remember, the goal is to have your story, artwork, or information presented in a tangible, easy-to-read format. There’s nothing quite like holding that finished booklet in your hands – it makes your PDF’s content feel real and impactful. We hope this guide has demystified the process and empowered you to print booklets confidently.
And if you ever hit a snag or decide you’d prefer the professionals to handle the printing, you know where to find us! Ex Why Zed is here to help you at every step – from prepping files to the moment your beautiful booklets arrive at your door.
A: The good news is you usually don’t have to rearrange pages manually – the software will do it for you. Simply keep your PDF in the normal reading order (1, 2, 3, 4, …). When you select a booklet printing option (for example, in Adobe Acrobat’s print dialog, choose “Booklet”), the program will automatically impose the pages into the correct order for booklet format. This means the first and last page end up on one sheet, second and second-last on another, and so on. If you’re printing at home and not using a booklet feature, you’d need to manually arrange pages in a new document – but using the built-in booklet print settings is by far the easiest and least error-prone method.
A: “Splitting into a booklet” can be interpreted a couple of ways. If you mean arranging one PDF into a booklet format, you don’t actually split it – you print it as a booklet (as described above) by selecting the booklet layout in print settings. The software handles which pages print on the same sheet. If you meant splitting a regular PDF file to make two booklet files (like splitting content into two booklets), you’d use PDF editing software to divide the pages into two separate PDFs, then print each as a booklet. But generally, to convert a PDF into a booklet format, use the print settings designed for booklet output, rather than trying to reorder pages yourself in the PDF.
A: You have a few free options:
A: Typically, PDF is the preferred format for booklet printing (and you’re already there!). Printers love PDFs because they preserve layout, fonts, and images reliably across different systems. As long as your PDF is high quality (see our preparation tips above), you’re set. You don’t need to convert it to another format. If your content is in a Word document or another format currently, the best approach is to export it as PDF. This locks in your design. In rare cases, a printer might accept other formats (Adobe InDesign files, Illustrator files, etc.), but you’ll have to include fonts and images – with PDF you avoid all that complexity. So, short answer: PDF is the way to go for booklet printing.
A: Yes, you can use a home printer to print a PDF as a booklet by using the methods described (like Acrobat’s booklet print setting). Many people do this for short, simple booklets. However, there are a few caveats to be aware of:
We obviously encourage you to print your booklet with us at Ex Why Zed for the best results – our prices are fair, our team will check your files, and the quality of our printing (high-resolution, vibrant inks on proper paper, with full bleed) is substantially better than what you’ll achieve on a typical home printer. Plus, you don’t have to do the collation and stapling yourself. But for a one-off or an experiment, a home printer is a good start using the tips in this guide. If you try it at home and aren’t satisfied, you know where to find us to get a quote for a truly polished booklet!
We hope this guide has been helpful in turning what might have been a daunting task into an achievable project. If you’re ready to take the next step:
Whatever you choose, the team at Ex Why Zed is here to support you. Happy printing, and good luck with your booklet project!
You've poured hours into creating that perfect digital piece—every stroke, every shade, every tiny detail just right. But now comes the nerve-racking part: printing. Will the colors stay true? Will the resolution hold up? What paper should you even choose?
For many artists, turning digital work into a tangible print feels more like a leap of faith than a creative step. We get it. The printing process can be confusing, especially if you’re new to it. But don’t worry—this blog is here to simplify it for you. We’ll walk you through the essential steps you need to know, helping you make informed decisions.
Whether you’re planning a small print run for personal use or preparing a larger batch for a gallery show, this guide will ensure your digital art looks just as stunning in print as it does on your screen. Let’s get started!
Digital art printing is turning your digital designs into physical prints. This method lets artists bring their artwork to life on canvas, paper, fabric, and metal. One benefit of digital printing is its ability to match the original artwork closely, capturing all the fine details and vibrant colors.
Imagine you've just finished a digital drawing you're really proud of. Instead of leaving it on your screen, you print it and hang it on your wall—or even sell it at a local art fair. That’s the power of digital art printing: it turns your digital work into something real you can share, display, or sell.
When it comes to printing digital art, choosing the right technique at your local print shop can elevate your work and ensure it reaches its full potential. Each method offers unique benefits tailored to different needs, from fabric prints to fine art reproductions. Let's check out various techniques.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a game-changer for fabric-based artwork. This inkjet-based technique prints directly onto garments, allowing for sharp, detailed designs with no setup costs per color.
Key Advantages:
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing is the perfect choice for printing intricate designs on fabric with vibrant, long-lasting results, making your artwork pop on clothing.
Giclée Printing is the top choice for fine art prints, offering unparalleled high quality and longevity. Giclée uses inkjet technology with archival-quality inks to produce high-resolution prints that are vivid and long-lasting, perfect for artists selling limited or open editions.
Key Advantages:
Giclée Printing is the go-to for fine art prints, delivering rich colors and exceptional detail, ideal for creating lasting masterpieces on canvas prints or fine art paper.
Screen printing may be older, but it’s still a powerful technique for certain styles. It’s known for bold, vibrant prints, especially on unconventional surfaces. While it’s great for large runs, the initial setup costs can be higher, but once that’s done, it’s cost-effective for big orders.
Key Advantages:
Screen Printing is a classic technique that brings bold, eye-catching prints to life, especially for larger runs or when you want your designs to stand out.
Both Laser and Inkjet printing are standard, but offer different advantages based on your project. Laser printing is fast and durable, while inkjet printing excels in color control and fine detail.
Laser Printing benefits:
Inkjet Printing benefits:
Laser and Inkjet Printing are efficient options that balance speed and precision, ensuring your prints come out crisp and accurate, whether you’re doing bulk work or intricate art.
Printing your digital art doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following this step-by-step approach, you can create stunning prints that do justice to your art.
Before you send your art to print, ensure your digital files are optimized for the highest quality output, including the number of pixels to enhance resolution for a printed image. For this, you must:
For fine art prints, 300 dpi (dots per inch) is the best dpi for printing digital art. It ensures your print looks crisp and professional, especially if you’re working with larger formats or gallery-style prints. While images at 72 dpi work for small prints, increasing the resolution gives your art the sharpness it deserves when displayed, as long as you have the proper resolution.
To change resolution in software like Photoshop or Sketchbook Pro, follow these easy steps:
Your art’s colors may shift when changing resolution, so it's essential to check and tweak the color palette after adjusting the resolution. Keep a note of your original colors in Photoshop for reference to bring back that perfect tone.
If you’re printing posters, banners, or any large-scale art, it’s worth using professional resizing plug-ins like Perfect Resize or Blow Up. These tools maintain quality when enlarging your artwork, providing a seamless experience without pixelation.
Adjusting contrast enhances the vibrancy and sharpness of your artwork. Depending on your photo-editing software, you’ll find a slider for contrast adjustments. Increasing contrast subtly can make your art pop, especially when printing. Just be cautious not to overdo it.
Sharpening can make a significant difference in Photoshop. Duplicate your art layer, apply High Pass from the Filter menu, and adjust the opacity for a crisp finish. This sharpens edges without compromising the resolution, ensuring your work appears clean and detailed when printed.
After making adjustments, save your artwork in a JPEG or TIFF format for the best print quality. While JPEG is a widely used format, remember to keep it multiple times, as quality can degrade with each save. On the contrary, TIFF files are ideal if you want to maintain the integrity of your artwork even after repeated edits.
The perfect paper and ink can make or break the print's appearance. Here’s what you need to know:
For high-impact colors, dye-based inks are the way to go. These inks dry quickly and work exceptionally well with glossy paper, delivering brilliant results. However, they may fade faster (within 5 years) and are not waterproof.
Pigment-based inks are your best choice for prints that will stand the test of time. These inks offer longevity, lasting up to 150 years, and work best with matte papers. While the colors may not be as vibrant as dye-based inks, the trade-off is more than worth it for the longevity of your prints.
Your print’s paper quality plays a pivotal role in how it looks and lasts. Opt for acid-free, archival-grade paper to ensure your artwork stands the test of time. Papers made from 100% cotton or rag are ideal, as they provide a premium feel and prevent yellowing or degradation over time.
Consider the finish that suits your artwork:
At ExWhyZed, we offer various paper types suitable for your printing needs. These include gloss papers, silk papers, uncoated papers, as well as recycled papers. Want to know the overall cost you'll have to pay for your next project while using these papers? Request a quote from us now!
If you want your print to feel premium, go for heavier paper (around 20–24# for regular prints and 50# or higher for posters or gallery prints). Heavier paper adds a refined, luxurious touch to your artwork and ensures durability.
A Print-on-Demand (POD) service might be a wise choice if you're starting or working with a limited budget. POD companies can provide high-quality prints without investing in expensive equipment. You’ll also have more flexibility regarding order quantities, and the prints will still match professional standards.
For slightly larger print runs or when you want a more tailored approach, digital printing is an excellent next step. It’s fast, cost-effective, and ideal for small to medium book and booklet runs—perfect for up to 700 copies. At Ex Why Zed, we use the industry-leading HP Indigo press to deliver sharp, professional results.
To get the best outcome, it’s important to optimize your artwork before sending it over. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just getting started, our team is here to guide you via email, phone, or live chat. This guide will help simplify the overall process.
After mastering the art of printing digital art, breaking into the art market might be your next venture. To ensure success, follow the steps below:
Ex Why Zed offers premium digital art printing services designed to elevate your artwork. With cutting-edge technology, we ensure vibrant colors, fine details, and top-notch precision, transforming your digital designs into high-quality prints.
Whether you're selling prints at conventions or simply showcasing your work, ExWhyZed guarantees exceptional quality and quick turnaround. Our reliable service allows your art to transcend the digital space, making it ready to shine in any home, gallery, or business space. Contact us today to make a difference!
Digital art printing bridges the gap between virtual creativity and physical expression. It transforms digital designs into tangible pieces that can be experienced in ways screens can't replicate. Each process step offers valuable insight and satisfaction, from selecting the right software and color profiles to understanding printing techniques and choosing the best printer.
Furthermore, venturing into the world of printed art opens up exciting opportunities in the art market. With this guide, you’re ready to navigate the process with confidence. While it may seem challenging at first, with practice and patience, you'll soon master it and take your digital artistry to new, exciting heights.
High-resolution JPEG and TIFF are generally recommended formats for printing digital artwork. While TIFF files might take up more storage space, they retain high-quality vector images, becoming ideal for professional-grade prints. However, JPEG works well for more straightforward prints and smaller sizes.
You should understand the nuances of different printing techniques, including acceptable art printing methods, and the most suitable materials. For example, DTG Printing is great for textiles, and Giclée Printing works well on fine paper or canvas. At the same time, laser and inkjet printing are suitable for high-resolution outcomes on regular paper.
While it's technically possible to print digital art at home, it's recommended that you use a local printer or request a test print from a professional printing service for your digital art printing needs. A professional service can easily deliver high-quality, color-accurate prints, offer advice on materials and finishes, and provide a range of more sophisticated options for a professional-grade finish.
Different printing techniques have varying costs. While DTG and Inkjet printing offer cost-effectiveness and flexibility for lower volumes, Screen Printing becomes economical for large print runs. However, considering the costs associated with buying printing equipment, using a print-on-demand service can be more cost-effective.
To protect the copyright of your artwork, consider registering it with a copyright office. Additionally, using watermarks on online images, keeping low-resolution samples online, and creating limited edition prints can thwart unauthorized reproductions. Consulting with a legal professional may provide additional measures tailored to your situation.
Printing a PDF as a book involves more than just pressing print. Choosing the right software, adjusting the layout, and setting up your printer correctly are all crucial for a professional finish.
This guide covers everything—from why printing your PDF as a book is beneficial to preparing your document, selecting margins, print quality, and binding options, including the number of pages you have. Follow these steps, and you'll have a well-formatted, professionally printed book in no time! Ex Why Zed provides premium book printing services in the UK, offering the highest quality paper and binding options, along with a print preview before finalizing your order.
Turning a digital PDF into a beautifully printed book in PDF format is an excellent way to bring your content to life. Whether you’re a self-published author, a business creating manuals, or a photographer assembling a portfolio, a well-printed book adds a professional touch. However, achieving high-quality results requires careful formatting, choosing the right materials, and selecting a trusted printing partner.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from formatting your PDF to selecting the best printing service—with a special focus on Ex Why Zed, a premier book printing service in the UK that ensures top-tier results.
Proper formatting is key to ensuring your book prints exactly as you envision. Here’s what you need to consider:
Your book’s dimensions should be set before designing the content for pdf printing. Common sizes include:
A5 (148mm × 210mm) – A popular choice for novels and journals, especially when formatted in a PDF file.
A4 (210mm × 297mm) – Ideal for workbooks, manuals, and portfolios.
Custom Sizes – If you have a unique vision, custom dimensions can be accommodated by professional printers like Ex Why Zed.
If your book includes images or background colours that extend to the edge of the page, you need to set a 3-5mm bleed to prevent unwanted white borders during trimming.
To avoid content being cut off, leave sufficient inner margins (especially for bound books) and ensure enough spacing for readability. If your book will be perfect bound, the inner margin should be at least 15mm to account for the binding process.
Fonts should be embedded to maintain consistency across different devices and printers. Additionally, images should be at least 300 DPI to prevent pixelation in print.
Odd-numbered pages should appear on the right, even-numbered pages on the left.
If your book has a blank page, ensure it’s placed correctly to maintain proper flow.
Your book’s purpose and page count will determine the best binding option:
Perfect Binding – A sleek, professional option suitable for novels, reports, high-end magazines and student final major project printing. .
Saddle Stitching – Common for booklets, zines, and short-form publications.
Wire-O Binding (Spiral) – Perfect for workbooks, manuals, and notebooks that need to lie flat.
Hardcover Binding – The most durable and premium choice, ideal for special editions and coffee table books.
Pro Tip: Ex Why Zed offers a variety of binding styles to match your project’s needs, ensuring durability and a high-quality finish.
Choosing a reliable and experienced book printing company is crucial. Here’s why Ex Why Zed stands out in the UK printing industry:
Expert Craftsmanship – Whether you need a small batch or bulk printing, Ex Why Zed ensures precision and quality at every step.
Customisation Options – From paper types to cover finishes, ExWhyZed provides tailored solutions.
Eco-Friendly Printing – If sustainability matters to you, Ex Why Zed offers environmentally conscious printing options.
Fast Turnaround – Quick production times without compromising quality, so you get your books when you need them.
Enjoy our 250 reviews on reviews.io and a further 495 on Trustpilot
Once your document is formatted correctly, it’s time to prepare it for submission and printer settings.
To ensure your file meets printing standards, save it in PDF/X format (such as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4), which locks in fonts, colours, and layout.
Before printing a large order, always ask for a proof copy (digital or physical). A test print allows you to spot errors and make necessary adjustments. We can either bind this or send it out as flat sheets.
Paper Type: Matte, gloss, or uncoated? Choose based on your book’s purpose.
Cover Finish: Softcover, hardcover, lamination (glossy or matte).
Color vs. Black & White: Full-colour pages cost more but enhance visuals.
Need help deciding? ExWhyZed’s expert team can advise you on the best materials and finishes for your book.
Before placing your final order: Proofread thoroughly for typos, misaligned elements, or missing pages. Confirm Binding & Material Choices to match your vision. Check the Delivery Timeline so you receive your books on time. You can pay using a credit card or other payment methods.
Once everything is in place, place your order and track your shipment.
Ex Why Zed offers nationwide UK delivery with excellent customer support to keep you informed every step of the way.
🇺🇸 We now have two print hubs in the States - one on the East Coast, one on the West. So we can now deliver overland in 5/6 working days saving you both time and cost compared with shipping from the UK. Win win!  You can choose which shipping method depending on how fast you need the books, but we tend to use UPS.
So our print price will be the same as we have already quoted but shipping will be much faster and cheaper (and no import Tariffs either, in case Trump launches them before you go ahead).
At Ex Why Zed, we bring your vision to life with beautifully printed books crafted to perfection. Whether you're dreaming of a striking hardback, a sleek softcover, or a bold coffee table book, we provide bespoke printing solutions tailored just for you.
With eco-friendly options, premium finishes, and meticulous attention to detail, your book will truly stand out. Let’s create something amazing together! Feel free to email us at hello@exwhyzed.com or call us on 01206 766647
Printing multiple PDFs as a book at home or in the office is easier than you think. Understanding the printing process, including page sizing, ensures a polished result within the printable area, whether it's a manual, booklet, or blog novel. You can use software like Adobe Reader in the process, including steps like folding.
From preparing your PDF with Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Publisher to selecting paper size, print quality, and binding options like saddle stitch or perfect binding, each step matters.
We hope this guide helps you create high-quality booklets with confidence. Happy printing!
Yes, you can! If your home printer supports automatic duplex printing (double-sided printing) or manual duplex printing, including duplex printers, you can produce a simple booklet by printing on both sides of the paper, including the front side and back side. However, you may be limited by factors such as the maximum paper size your printer can handle and the print output quality.
Yes, some printers have built-in booklet printing options. However, software like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Publisher gives more control over layout and formatting.
Ensure your page count is a multiple of four. If not, intentionally add blank pages to prevent awkward formatting. Your pdf file should be supplied with all the pages in reading order. If you need blanks in there to ensure the double-page spreads match up, please do include them in the PDF too.
For a professional look, use 100-120gsm paper for inside pages and 250-300 GSM for covers. Matte paper reduces glare, while glossy paper enhances colors.