You've created a beautiful children's book with Maker Book. The story is captivating, the illustrations are consistent, the layout is polished. One crucial step remains: turning your digital file into a real, physical book you can hold in your hands, leaf through, and place on a shelf. This guide walks you through every step of printing, from export settings to choices of paper and binding.
The PDF export: the foundation of everything
Maker Book generates a high-resolution PDF file directly from your browser. The system uses a pixel ratio of 2, which produces a render of roughly 254 DPI, more than enough quality for professional printing. No technical adjustments are needed on your end: the PDF is ready to be sent to a printer.
What the PDF contains
The exported PDF file includes all the pages of your book in order: the cover, the endpapers, the dedication page (if set up), all the interior pages with text and illustrations, and the back cover. Visual effects such as the watercolor, page backgrounds, and typography are faithfully reproduced.
The watercolor rendering uses a two-pass process to guarantee quality: the SVG filter is first rendered natively by the browser, converted to a PNG image, then integrated into the final capture. This process ensures that textures and gradients appear exactly as they do in the editor.
Checking the PDF before printing
Before sending your file to print, take the time to review it page by page:
- Open the PDF at 100% zoom and check the sharpness of the illustrations and text.
- Make sure the colors look natural. Colors on screen and in print always differ slightly, but the tones should stay consistent.
- Check the margins: make sure the text and important elements aren't too close to the edge of the page. Most printers ask for a safety margin of at least 5 mm.
- Check the page order and pagination.
Choosing the right format
Maker Book offers several book formats. Each one has its own advantages for printing:
- Square format: the most popular format for children's books. It offers a perfect balance between text and illustrations. It's also the most common format among printers specializing in children's books.
- Portrait format (3:4): the classic book format. Easier to store on a standard shelf and slightly cheaper to print than the square format.
- Landscape format (3:2): ideal for books with panoramic illustrations. This format showcases settings and action scenes. Be aware, though: some printers charge an extra fee for non-standard formats.
Paper types
Coated paper (glossy or silk)
Coated paper is covered with a thin layer that gives it a smooth, glossy look (glossy coated) or a slightly matte one (silk coated). It's the ideal choice for heavily illustrated books because it reproduces colors with great accuracy and offers excellent contrast. The recommended weight is 170 gsm or more for interior pages.
Silk coated paper is generally preferred over glossy coated for children's books: it reduces the glare that can disturb reading, while keeping excellent color reproduction quality.
Offset paper (uncoated)
Offset paper has a more natural feel and a slightly rough surface. It absorbs more ink, which gives colors that are a little less vivid but a warmer, more handcrafted result. It's a good choice if your book uses a watercolor or colored-pencil style, since the paper reinforces the handmade look of the illustrations.
Recycled paper
If the ecological angle matters to you, some printers offer certified recycled paper. The quality has improved considerably and the results are entirely satisfactory for a children's book. Just check the weight (minimum 150 gsm) and ask for a sample if possible.
Binding options
Perfect binding
This is the most common binding for softcover books. The pages are gathered and glued along the spine. This option is economical and works well for books over 24 pages. For a standard children's book, it offers good value for money.
Saddle-stitch binding
The pages are folded and stapled at the center. This option suits short books (up to about 48 pages) and allows the book to lie flat when open, which is pleasant for reading with a child. It's also the least expensive option.
Hardcover binding (rigid cover)
This is the premium binding. The cover is printed on thick, rigid board, which gives the book a professional look and exceptional durability. A hardcover book withstands repeated handling by young children and stands upright on a shelf. It's the ideal choice for a gift book.
Print-on-demand or local printing
Print-on-demand
Print-on-demand services such as Amazon KDP, Blurb, or Lulu let you print a book with no upfront investment. You upload your PDF, configure the printing options, and each copy is printed only when it's ordered. It's the perfect solution if you want to sell your book online or only need a few copies.
Advantages: no stock to manage, worldwide distribution, no money upfront. Drawbacks: the unit cost is higher than with traditional printing, and the paper and finishing options are more limited.
Local printing
If you want to print a limited number of copies (1 to 50), a local printer or a specialized online printing service may be more advantageous. You'll have access to a wider choice of papers, finishes, and bindings. You'll also be able to see and touch samples before ordering.
Always ask for a proof copy before launching the final print run. It's a verification copy that lets you check the colors, paper quality, and binding before approving production.
Bulk printing
If you plan to distribute your book on a large scale (more than 100 copies), contact a traditional offset printer. The unit cost drops significantly with volume. Prepare a technical file including your PDF, the desired format, the paper type, the binding, and the number of copies to get an accurate quote.
Pre-printing checklist
- Export the PDF from Maker Book and review it in full.
- Choose the format, the paper type, and the binding.
- Select a printing service suited to your needs and budget.
- Order a test copy (or a proof) to check the physical result.
- Validate the colors, sharpness, and binding on the test copy.
- Place the final order once you're happy with the result.
Printing is the final step of your creative project. By making the right choices of paper, binding, and printing service, you'll get a physical book you'll be proud of and that children will love to handle. Don't hesitate to invest in a hardcover and quality paper: the difference is felt immediately when you pick up the book.