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The ultimate guide to large format book printing

cover of a large book

Are you looking to publish an oversized book, such as an art book, photography collection, architectural portfolio, or another impactful book? These types of books need to make a visual statement right from the start. Large format book printing is an excellent option for these types of books, however, it's something that must be approached with care. You don't want just any book printing company to handle your large format book printing.

We at OnPress Book Printing have created this guide to large format book printing to help you understand the considerations that go into printing oversized books. You'll learn how to make sure you print a polished, professional, and high-quality book. Here's what you need to know:

Trim size selection

Choosing the right trim size is crucially important for large format books. Common sizes include Large Square (10"x 10") and Large Landscape (12" x 9") either of which is perfect for coffee table books, art books, and photography books. At these sizes, you'll have plenty of space to showcase detailed layouts and beautiful images without worrying about a loss of quality or images that are too small to see the intricate details.

We offer a number of book templates to help you choose the right size before having your book printed. Browse our extensive catalog of large format books to get ideas for your own book.

Paper stock options

The choice of paper stock significantly affects how images are presented, as well as the tactile feel of the book. For large format books that are image-heavy, we recommend coated paper stocks like 80 lb Gloss or 100 lb Gloss. Both options are recommended for their ability to naturally enhance the vibrancy and vividness of colors.

If you'd rather have a more subdued matte finish, we recommend choosing 60 lb Natural paper stock, particularly for text-heavy pages. For any questions you may have about choosing the right paper stock, finish, trim, binding, and more, our professional printing experts are ready to help. We'll take the time to answer any questions you may have so you can feel confident about taking your next steps.

Binding styles

Choosing the right binding helps add to the durability of the book, as well as its practical functionality. For softcover books, perfect binding is generally recommended as it offers a clean, professional look. If you want a more premium feel, hardcover binding adds to the durability of your book while giving it an elegant and distinguished appearance. Hardcover binding is ideal for high-end publications. Between trim size and binding, you're guaranteed to have outstanding quality every step of the way.

Cover finishes

The right cover finish not only protects your book but lends itself well to the overall aesthetic. Cover finishes include gloss, matte, and soft-touch finish. Here's when we recommend each one:

  • Gloss finish: A shiny, reflective surface that makes colors look more vibrant and eye-catching.
  • Matte finish: A more subdued, understated, and elegant look.
  • Soft-touch finish: Adds a velvety texture which enhances the tactile experience of holding your book.

The right cover can create an outstanding first impression for your book, whether it's for a small, close-knit event or for retail sales.

Design and layout

For large format book printing, the right design and layout can make all the difference, particularly for visual-heavy books. Using professional book design services helps make sure that elements like typography, the placement of images, and spacing are all optimized and flow well while making your designs and text easy on the eyes.

This level of attention to detail for your layout improves the overall reader experience while lending credibility and authenticity to your publication, helping you attract more engaged readers who are interested in following your brand as an author or illustrator.

Cost considerations

Printing large format books can be more costly due to the increased material used and the specialized production processes. By choosing a company that specializes in large format book printing, such as OnPress Book Printing, you'll benefit from a team that has years of dedicated experience in the book publishing and printing world, and who can advise you and guide you through all of the necessary steps to see your book in print.

Our bulk printing options, including options for large format books, will give you significant cost savings per unit. Bulk printing also opens up a wide range of customization options including the different paper choices and cover finishes noted above. This gives your book an outstanding and personalized look that meets your budget as well as your expectations.

Why choose OnPress Book Printing?

As one of the top large format book printing companies online, OnPress Book Printing specializes in custom book printing, giving authors tailored solutions for art books, photography collections, and much more. With our years of experience in book printing along with our unprecedented attention to detail, we're able to easily meet the requirements of oversized publications.

With our premium paper and high-quality cover finishes, along with custom design and layout services, we help ensure that your book looks flawless from start to finish. We're also proud to use eco-friendly printing practices and materials to help embrace sustainability initiatives while minimizing our carbon footprint. We offer competitive pricing, particularly for bulk printing options. We make it affordable and easy to print large book quantities without compromising on quality.

When you're ready to print, OnPress' personalized customer support is here to help you every step of the way. From your initial consultation to the final delivery of your large format book, you'll enjoy guidance that makes sure the end result exceeds your expectations.

Join the many successful authors who rely on OnPress Book Printing for superior print quality. Whether you're an author, artist, or business professional, OnPress Book Printing gives you the tools, expertise, and support you need to bring your vision to life with premium quality and exceptional attention to detail.

Contact us today to learn more about our large format book printing services and how we can help you bring your creative vision to life!

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