The left is set to plain paper (i forgot to change it)
The right is set to high gloss. You can hardly see any of the linage with the naked eye.
Useful for making prints or printing photos.
Don't waste ink like me, and big ole silly goober.
(I'm using this painting as an art reference and I'm sick of looking at a screen for it. Moral implications are fuzzy, but I'm not selling this very famous painting, I'm screwing around with my printer. And I also just so happen to love this painting. If I want to spend my life savings on a legit copy I will be more than happy to. I'm sure he was more than well paid amirite. *I'll do it again meme here* )
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Whether you're planning a small print run for your comic or looking into other printed projects, learning how to work with printers is an amazing skill. Though many book printers do have online tools to calculate pricing (Mixam, Greko, RA Comics Direct, and Keness being a few), reaching out to a sales rep at the printer is always an option too!
Information a printer needs to give you a quote (and Delphina's recommendations):
Paper quality (interior) - For North American printers, the thinnest option you would want is about 50lb text for your interior paper. The higher the number, the thicker the paper. 70 or 80lbs is about the top range. Other countries use gsm instead of lbs, so this range is about 90gsm - 150gsm. This paper will be called either "text" or "book" paperstock. It is often available in matte (normal) or gloss (shiny), whichever is your preference.
Paper quality (cover) - If you want your cover to be a thicker paper stock than your inner pages, look for cardstock around100lbs/270gsm. This thicker paper will be in the cover stock category.
For both paper categories, printers are often 100% okay with mailing you some sample sheets of paper of various weights so you can compare them, so don't be afraid to ask!
Binding type - Your most common options here are case binding (hardcover), perfect binding (softcover), or saddlestitched (staple in the middle, the number of pages has to be a multiple of four).
Size - Some printers have specific sizes they print at (6.625x10.25 is a standard North American graphic novel size, but Europe uses A4-A6 sizes). Many will offer some variant of a "manga" size or do custom sizes. Measure your favorite books to see what size they are and find something similar!
Bleed - If you want any of your art to run all the way to the edge of the page, you should make a larger version of your page size with 3mm or 0.125 inches of extra art on the top, bottom, left and right sides. This is called bleed.
Colors - Your options here are one-color (black and white) or CMYK (full color). Sometimes this is called 4/4 (4 over 4) to indicate the four colors of toner (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) or 1/1 (1 over 1) to indicate K only (black)
Pro tip: If you CAN print black and white only, itâs usually gonna be cheaper!
Number of pages: Make sure you count the title page too!
Spine: Once you know the number of pages and the thickness of your paper, you can use a spine calculator to figure out how much extra you need to add to the middle of your front/back cover design (or just ask the printer in your email!)
Special fancy things: Gold foil, spot UV gloss, lamination, and dust covers for case bound books are some common ones.
Quantity: All right, so this oneâs a big pain because HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO KNOW? I will say that comic books are hard to sell in an online store, but easier if you're doing a crowdfunding campaign. Ask your printer what their minimum run is (note that setting up to print books takes a lot of time, so most printers will want you to print a lot and give you price breaks accordingly). I recommend printing a run of at least 100 if youâre considering stocking these in a store or for conventions, though there are print-on-demand places that will print fewer.
I usually print in conjunction with a crowdfund with the idea of having some left over for my online store and conventions. I ask for quotes of 100, 200, and 500, but you can adjust these depending on your needs.
Let's put it all together!
Once I find 2-3 printers I am interested in using, I email them all at the same time to ask for pricing. That way I can compare how fast they respond to me and if any of them are clearly better priced than the others.
Here's what a email I might send to a printer would look like. Feel free to copy and change the numbers for your own purposes!
Hello, I'd like to request a quote for an upcoming comic printing project. Please find the specs below:
Size: 6.625" x 10.25"
Pages:Â 104 (cover + 100 inner pages)
Bleed: None
Binding: Perfect binding
Inside Paper: 75lb Gloss, Text Stock
Inside Printing: Black and White 1/1
Cover:Â 140lb Cover Stock
Cover Printing: CMYK, 4/0
Quantity: I would like a quote for 100, 200 and 300 copies
Please let me know if you need any other information from me to put together a quote, and what the spine width would be for this. Thank you for your help!
Name
Email
Phone
This is a big post compiling all the printers of books, prints, and other popular comic-related merch that I (Varethane) have either worked with or heard recommended by other indie creators. It started on the SpiderForest Webcomic Collective forums and has had a few homes since then, finally settling down on the Screen Tones Podcast website (and this blog post).
There are a lot of different types of things creators may be looking to print, so Iâve organized the list in a way that made sense to me. It covers book printers (short run and long run), sticker printers, merch such as charms and pins, art prints, banners, and more.
The list is edited occasionally to add, update, and remove listings when needed. And of course, if you know more printers or have more information on any of the ones listed here, please let me know!
Last update: December 16, 2025
BOOKS - SHORT RUN
(less than 250-500 copies)
Mixam - USA, Canada, UK
No minimum order quantity for regular book printing, though for some special services such as foil stamping, they do have a minimum. Anecdotally, they are most reliable with lower order quantities, but they do offer offset and long run printing. They have locations in multiple countries (with different websites, so make sure the one for your region).
Whitlock - USA
Formerly known as 360 Digital Books, who were highly recommended in the past, but I donât know much about the current status. From the past listing (may now be out of date): Minimum order is 25 copies; they allow price matching.
My Book Printer - USA
Minimum order is 10 copies, and they have a handy on-site quote calculator.
Comic Impressions - USA
Very low prices. Can be inconsistent between print runs, but low rates make up for it. Responsiveness can vary.
DocuCopies - USA
Minimum order is 6 copies. Frequent sales.
PrintKeg - USA
Floppy comics only (under âbookletsâ), minimum order is 1. They also do postcards and posters, including large-format.
Greko Printing - USA
Their rates are good. Printed the SpiderForest Coloring Book.
Printivity - USA
Short run printing, low costs on shipping especially domestically. Offers 20% off first order + price matching, though quality can vary.
Rink Printing -USA
25 copy minimum, good turnaround times and quality, though theyâve recently increased their prices for short-run comics. (The âShenanigansâ minicomic was printed through these guys in 2014). They do both long and short runs.
SmartPress - USA
Booklets.
Graphic Connections Group Publishing - USA
Previously known as Mira Booksmart. Little known data on them after rebranding, but they still feature âgraphic novelsâ as an option in their product listing. Their turnaround time as Mira was 7-10 days.
Keness - USA
Turnaround time is listed as 5-6 days, but they offer 3-4 and 1-2 for about $1 and $2 more per book respectively (not bad for a rush fee!). They have a 100-book minimum. Good service and responsive, though may not ship outside USA.
IM Photographics - USA
25 book minimum with a one week turnaround.
Ka-Blam - USA
The first printer to really target the indie comic market. They have no minimum order and fast turnaround times. Print quality is mediocre and paper options are limited. Not always responsive. They do give you a space on their online store (indyplanet), which is a potential bonus. They have an option where you can get a discount by allowing them to place an ad for their services in your book. There is an in-depth review of their print quality here.
MMPrint - USA
Iâve used the Marsid-M&M Group for several zines, and I found them amazing. They did everything, at almost any amount, and their prices on paper printing in particular were great. They were totally flexible and had the best customer service. If you donât see something listed on their website, contact them, because they can probably do it. Itâs been a couple of years since I had to print anything, but they stood out so much that thereâs no way I could pass up a chance to recommend them. -CherieoftheDragons
RA Comics Direct - USA
Iâve seen these guys get recommended all over; quality is decent.
Ready Comics - USA
Print on demand services offered in many sizes of comics. No minimum order.
Studio Comix - Canada
Specializes in floppy comics; there is a $60 setup fee for orders of less than 100 copies, but they will do short runs. Theyâre capable of doing longer perfect-bound books if requested, though their comfort zone is still floppies. Good quality, speedy turnarounds.
Rapido Books - Canada
Good prices and very fast turnarounds. No minimum order; can do floppies or perfect-bound. The store is in Quebec, but have staff who know English.
Copywell - Canada
Short-run printing; good turnaround time and quality.Â
Sureprint - Canada
Mixed reports about quality and responsiveness. Minimum order is 2 copies, prices are low. Also offers some custom packaging options.
Caius - Canada
Website is in French, but (at time of writing) staff are bilingual and very responsive. Will do runs of 10-750 copies and offer a lot of customization options.
First Choice Printing - Canada
Located on the west coast. Very responsive, excellent rates. Both long and short runs.
TransContinental - Canada
These guys are not known for low prices on their short-runs but they are known for good quality. They also do both long and short runs.
ComicPrintingUKÂ - UK
Good quality, do both long and short runs.
Awesome Merchandise - UK
Prints, short comics. Minimum order of. Maximum page count is 48.
BOOKS - LONG-RUN
(offset printing, best for 250-500 copies or more)
Print Ninja
- USA (printed in China)
Very responsive. Their minimum order is 250, though at 250 copies many of the POD options are still competitive with their prices. Standard turnaround is 6-8 weeks with the ability to expedite orders in 2 weeks. The books are printed overseas, so all books need a âprinted in Chinaâ note.Â
AM Print Solutions - USA (Printed in China)
Good rates, offer variant covers and hardcovers at low prices. *Very long shipping times, low communication from owner.
Marquis
- Canada
Minimum order and pricing competitive with Print Ninja; their website is less intuitive and friendly, with most of the information coming from direct communication (via phone or email). All their printing is done within North America, so shipping times are much faster. Very good quality and a lot of options for paper and finish.Â
Maracle Inc - Canada
Very good for long runs (1000+), though they also have digital printing (minimum 25) and print on demand services on offer.
Versa Press
â USA
Offers both offset (long run) and digital (short run) printing.Â
Global PSD - USA
May do low print runs if asked.Â
Shanghai QinQin Printing - China
Met at convention, printer for Children of Eldair.
Tiger Printing - Hong Kong
Very eager to work with North American clients. Quality is really lovely, and order minimums are surprisingly low considering the unit prices and services offered (foil, hot stamping, unique ink colours, etc).
PRINT-ON-DEMAND
These services will allow you to have customers purchase a book, and have the service print a copy on the spot and mail it to them.
Kindle Direct Printing - USA
Formerly known as CreateSpace. This is Amazonâs print-on-demand publishing arm, so a book printed here will automatically get an ISBN and be listed on Amazon. Quality can be variable and apparently their customization options are limited.
Ingram Spark - USA
This service will also issue an ISBN and make the book available through several participating bookstores in the USA, including Barnes & Noble. Very complex to set up.
Lulu - USA
This was one of the first to offer this kind of service. Expensive, though decent quality.
STICKERS
Usually printed on white vinyl, but other materials may be available. Can be die cut (single stickers) or kiss-cut (for printing on sheets).
Standout Stickers - USA
Shipping: Usually has shipping promo code for free continental US shipping
Stickerrobot - USA
Shipping: Free (US)Â
Sticker App - Sweden
Partners with the Cartoonist Co-Op; members can get discounts on their orders.
Shipping: Free (US, Canada)
Vinyl Disorder - USA
Shipping: $5+ (US)Â
Sticker Giant - USA
Shipping: Free (US)
Sticker Ninja - USA
Minimum order: 50 ($50+)
Types of stickers: Die Cut Stickers (Vinyl, Holographic, Vaporwave, Stardust, Chrome, PrismÂ
Jukebox Print - Canada
Minimum order: None ($17+)
Offers local pickup at their branches (Toronto and Vancouver. Their packaging is on point and extremely cute.
Sira Print - Canada
Minimum quantity: 50, but can be split between up to 4 designs
Shipping: ReasonableÂ
BUTTONS
Referring to the buttons made via paper printed and then pressed between a metal back and a clear plastic front. May also make hand mirrors, magnets, etc in similar method.
Portland Button Works - USA
Despite the name, they do ship worldwide
Auxiliary Buttons - USA
Busy Beaver - USA
Pure Buttons - USA
SixCentPress - Canada
PINS
Enamel or wood
Monterey Company - USA
Made By Cooper - USA
Wizard Pins - USA
Stadri Emblems - USA
Also offers embroidered patches and other apparel.
Zap! Creatives â UK
I noted this company as UK but they have many locations around the world. They also offer many other products, including stickers and acrylic charms.
KEYCHAINS|
Acrylic (clear or tinted) or wood. May also offer standees and charms.
InkIt Labs - USA
Charms!
ChillyPig - USA
Acrylic and wood charms.
Acorn Press - USA
Specializes in charms.
Juno Creative - China
Acrylic charms, lots of fun options for materials.
ART PRINTS
Art prints and posters!
Vistaprint - USAÂ
OvernightPrints - USAÂ
MPix - USAÂ
CatPrint - USAÂ
Sparkly holographic print options! Printed our bookmarks for the SpiderForest Kickstarter.Â
The Printing House - CanadaÂ
Costa Prints - Canada, high endÂ
Captain Print - Canada, high end
OTHER
Business cards, assorted other merch like glasses cloths, pillowcases, textiles
Best Value Copy - USA
Their âbookletsâ or âmanualsâ option may be used to print comics. No minimum order, low rates. They also offer business cards, postcards, posters, calendars, and assorted other paper-based material.Â
Vograce - China
Just about everything! Custom notebooks, keychains (acrylic charms), pins, stickers, pillowcases.
GotPrint - USA
Business Cards: Color glossy cards starting at $7 for 100. You can add rounded corner or special shapes for usually only a couple more dollars.
Bookmarks: Two sizes available (1.5" x 7" and 2" x 8"), starting from $7-$10 for 100.
Banners (this is where the SF booth banner came from): Lots of size options; a 2âx6â banner runs around $22.Â
Jakprints - USA
Pretty well everything you can think of: cards, stickers, apparel, tote bags, giclee art prints, and so on.
4 Over 4Â - USA
General paper print goods (business cards/postcards/posters) with minimums around 500-1000 copies. Lots of styles of convention banners.
BuildASign - USA
Convention banners! Durable and low cost.
Moo - USA
Business cards, greeting cards, postcards, etc. Very good quality.
Spoonflower - USA
Custom printed textiles (eg tablecloths, banners, etc). Really good with repeating patterns. High prices, good quality.
Bookplate Ink - USA
Bookplates! I personally recommend them for this service, they have good paper stocks that allow for drawing or sketching onto the bookplate directly.
Bannerbuzz - Canada
Banners and large promotional media, also textile printing.Â
Modell Printing - Canada
Banners and large promotional media.Â
In todayâs world, sustainability isnât just a buzzwordâitâs a responsibility. From packaging to posters and home dĂŠcor, the printing industry is transforming to meet eco-conscious demands. But what does eco-friendly printing really mean, and how can we make better choices when it comes to materials?
Letâs dive into how sustainable printing practices are shaping a greener future.
What Is Eco-Friendly Printing?
Eco-friendly printing focuses on reducing waste, pollution, and energy use during the production process. It replaces traditional, harmful materials with greener alternativesâwithout compromising quality or color vibrancy.
Key features include:
Vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based ones.
Recycled or FSC-certified paper for sustainable sourcing.
Waterless or digital printing methods that save water and energy.
These methods not only lower your carbon footprint but also ensure printed materials are safer for both people and the planet.
Why Sustainable Materials Matter
Traditional printing often relies on chemicals and synthetic materials that harm the environment. Over time, this contributes to deforestation, air pollution, and waste in landfills.
Switching to sustainable materials makes a measurable difference:
Recycled Paper: Reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp.
Organic Cotton Canvas: A great eco-alternative for art prints and home dĂŠcor.
Bamboo Fiber: Fast-growing and renewable, perfect for fine art printing.
Soy Inks: Made from renewable sources and easier to decompose than petroleum inks.
By making small changes in material choices, individuals and businesses can significantly cut down on waste and emissions.
The Rise of Digital and On-Demand Printing
One of the most exciting trends in sustainable printing is the shift toward digital and on-demand production.
This method eliminates the need for large-scale print runs and reduces leftover inventoryâmeaning less waste and fewer unused products ending up in storage or landfills.
On-demand printing also allows for personalized, limited-edition art prints and marketing materials that are produced only when needed.
How to Print Responsibly
Here are a few practical tips for choosing eco-friendly printing options:
Ask about ink composition: Choose vegetable- or soy-based inks.
Check for certifications: Look for FSCÂŽ, Green Seal, or EcoLogo-certified materials.
Opt for local printers: Reduce transportation emissions by supporting nearby printing services.
Reuse and recycle: Encourage customers to recycle packaging and promotional materials.
Even small stepsâlike using recycled cardboard for packaging or eco-mailersâadd up to big change over time.
Learn More About Sustainable Printing
For more insights on responsible printing practices and material innovations, explore Adobe Blog â Sustainable Printing
Discover the most common printing mistakes designers make and how to avoid them for flawless results. A must-read for anyone working with print! Read more â
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Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
Youâve spent hours (maybe even days) perfecting your design. The layout is clean, the visuals are cr
This blog is your ultimate, beginner-friendly checklist of 12 must-do tasks before sending your file to print. Whether youâre working on business cards, flyers, brochures, or postersâthis guide will help you avoid printing disasters and ensure your final product looks professional. If youâre planning business card printing in Dubai, these tips are especially crucial to make sure your design translates perfectly from screen to paper.
Discover expert tips and tricks to make your full-color copies stand out. Click here to learn more about achieving vibrant prints, choosing the right paper, and enhancing your marketing materials with professional-quality results. Know more details, visit https://www.55printing.com/cheap-color-copies-printing-blog/secrets-to-printing-full-color-copies-that-pop.html
Contact details:
55Printing.com
5042 Wilshire BLVD,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Call at: 1 (800) 683-4296
