Large Format Book Printing
At QinPrinting, we specialize in large format book printing for publishers, creative professionals, and independent authors. Oversized books require precision, robust materials, and specialist production techniques. With nearly 30 years of experience, advanced offset printing technology, and expert in-house finishing, we help you create large books that feel just as impressive in the hand as they look to the eye. Whether you’re printing an art monograph, a visual portfolio, or a photo-rich educational resource, or anything else, we’ll collaborate with you to achieve a result that’s both striking and structurally sound.
Large Format Book Printing Instant Quote
based on your choices
Maximum Sizes by Binding Type
When planning an oversized book printing project, size depends not just on your design—but also on the binding method. Each binding has its own technical constraints and ideal applications. Below is a detailed guide to maximum dimensions by binding type, with our professional recommendations based on durability, aesthetics, and use case.
Sewn Hardcover
- Portrait maximum: 9.625″ × 13.5″ (245 × 343 mm)
- Landscape maximum: 12.8″ × 12.8″ (325 × 325 mm)
In large format hardcover book printing, this binding style is the gold standard. Interior pages are printed in signatures, then sewn together and glued into a rigid, board-lined case. A printed wrap, fabric, or faux-leather material forms the outer cover. Sewn hardcover binding is exceptionally durable—ideal for high-end books like luxury catalogs, illustrated histories, art and photography portfolios, and collectible editions.
Optional enhancements from which to choose include foil stamping, embossing, debossing, matte or soft-touch lamination, marker ribbons, sewn headbands, printed dust jackets, and protective slipcases.
Sewn Perfect Bound
- Portrait maximum: 9.625″ × 13.5″ (245 × 343 mm)
- Landscape maximum: 12.8″ × 12.8″ (325 × 325 mm)
This style—which is perfect for large format softcover book printing—joins sewn signatures inside a flexible paper cover. It combines durability with economy and is ideal for visually rich content where a hardcover isn’t necessary. Perfect bound books can include front and back cover flaps for added information or promotional content.
Saddle-Stitched (Stapled)
- Maximum: 12.2″ × 12.2″ (310 × 310 mm)
A lightweight solution best suited for short booklets under 48 pages. Sheets are nested, folded, and stapled along the spine. Ideal for promotional lookbooks, seasonal portfolios, or large format children’s book printing where page count is low and flat opening is essential.
If your book is larger than our maximum size, no worries—just get in touch with us, and we’ll help you find the best solution!
Spine Thickness and Page Count Limits
Spine thickness varies based on your paper choice and page count. As a general rule, we recommend keeping large format books under 800 pages. If you have a project beyond this range, let us know—we’ll assess its feasibility and suggest solutions.
Paper Options for Oversized Books
Most large format book printing projects include a mix of image and text content—meaning paper selection matters. High-end image reproduction calls for coated paper; ease of reading and writing calls for uncoated. You’ll typically choose at least two types: interior pages and cover stock. Hardcover books may also include end sheets, a dust jacket, and a slipcase. Here’s how we guide clients through those choices:
Coated Papers (Gloss and Matte)
Ideal for photography, art, architecture, design, or large format coffee table book printing, where color fidelity and detail matter.
Interior options include:
- 128 gsm / 86 lb gloss or matte art paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb gloss or matte art paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb gloss or matte art paper
Cover options include:
- 250 gsm / 92 lb to 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss or matte art paper
- For hardcovers: 157 gsm / 58 lb printed sheet wrapped on 2mm–3mm gray board
Advantages:
- Crisp image reproduction
- Vivid color performance
- Spill-resistant (especially gloss)
Uncoated Papers
Used for end sheets, inserts, or books with lots of text, drawing, or note-taking space.
Interior options include:
- 80 gsm / 55 lb offset paper
- 100–140 gsm / 68–95 lb offset paper
End sheet options:
- 180 gsm uncoated white
- 120 gsm textured
- 140 gsm colored stock
Uncoated papers offer a soft, tactile reading experience but are more absorbent and less stain-resistant—important if your readers will use them in hands-on settings.
Special Features and Finishing Options
Adding special finishes can dramatically improve both the durability and visual impact of your book. All options below are available across our hardcover and softcover formats.
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Smooth and non-reflective for a simple yet professional design.
Similar to matte lamination, but the resulting surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
A recessed design that creates a tactile impression on the cover, adding texture and sophistication.
Thin metallic foil—usually gold, silver, or bronze—is applied to the trimmed edges of your book's pages.
Custom patterns and images are sprayed on the edges for a truly unique appearance.
Print your design on a special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
Wrap your book in a durable synthetic leather material.
Cover your book with woven linen or cotton fabric .
Uses a custom-made metal die to cut paper into specific shapes.
A row of small holes that makes it easy to tear off part of the paper.
A built-in tape that allows the paper to be opened easily and cleanly by pulling along the strip.
These details help your book stand out on the shelf and add significant percieved value.
Additional Options for Large Format Book
There are several additional options you can choose when completing the cover design for your paperback or hardcover large format book.
Cover Flaps
For paperbacks, why not add back and front cover flaps? They add little to the overall cost of production, but they provide extra print space for an author biography, content summaries, review snippets, publisher information, and more.
Dust Jacket
The “dust jacket” makes cost-effective and elegant addition to any large format hardcover book. Used alone or combined with image-wrapping, it finishes your book with a professional touch while adding five printable surfaces—front, back, spine, and two inside flaps. We can print it in full color, gloss coat it, matte coat it; emboss, deboss, laminate, and foil stamp it, too, for added effects.
Slipcase
Slipcases are a fantastic way to add class, style, and extra protection to your large format hardcover books. They are made of stiff card stock like a box, but tailored to the size of your book, with one side left open so that when the book is inserted, only the spine is revealed. They can be made to house one or more books. We can cover the card stock with printed paper, cloth, vinyl, or leatherette as you prefer. The slipcase can be printed, embossed, debossed, gilded, and foil stamped, too.
If you’d like to include flaps, bookmarks, fold-outs, or other interactive elements, we’re happy to advise. Need help preparing your files? We offer a free, manual file-checking service and provide detailed templates upon request. Our in-house experts will check everything before press—layout, resolution, bleed, trim, and color mode—and contact you if anything needs adjusting.
FAQs
What is the MOQ for large format book printing?
The minimum order quantity is 100 copies.
What is the cost of printing large format books?
Use our online Printing Cost Calculator or view pricing examples below:
Hardcover Large Format Book Printing Price Chart (12.5" x 12.5")
| Quantity | 100pcs | 300pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240pp | $43.91 each $4,391 total |
$18.14 each $5,441 total |
$13.56 each $6,780 total |
$9.52 each $9,524 total |
$7.72 each $15,431 total |
$6.36 each $31,810 total |
| 300pp | $53.58 each $5,358 total |
$22.08 each $6,624 total |
$16.46 each $8,231 total |
$11.48 each $11,478 total |
$9.21 each $18,416 total |
$7.54 each $37,688 total |
| 360pp | $63.22 each $6,322 total |
$26.08 each $7,825 total |
$19.42 each $9,709 total |
$13.43 each $13,432 total |
$10.71 each $21,428 total |
$8.71 each $43,564 total |
- Cover: 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination wrapped on 2.5 mm thickness greybeard.
- Inner Pages: 157 gsm / 106 lb coated text paper.
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
Paperback Large Format Book Printing Price Chart (9.625" x 13.5")
| Quantity | 100pcs | 300pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80pp + 4pp | $8.47 each $847 total | $3.60 each $1,080 total | $2.57 each $1,286 total | $1.74 each $1,742 total | $1.40 each $2,791 total | $1.24 each $6,216 total |
| 100pp + 4pp | $10.44 each $1,044 total | $4.44 each $1,331 total | $3.17 each $1,587 total | $2.18 each $2,182 total | $1.73 each $3,458 total | $1.53 each $7,654 total |
| 120pp + 4pp | $12.29 each $960 total | $5.22 each $1,567 total | $3.75 each $1,877 total | $2.56 each $2,563 total | $2.03 each $4,068 total | $1.80 each $8,996 total |
- Cover: 250 gsm / 92 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination outside
- Inner Pages: 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper, full color printing
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
Do you offer file checking?
Yes, we offer a free manual document-checking service to ensure your files are print-ready. Our team will review the document layout, bleed, resolution, and other technical details, allowing you to correct any issues before production begins.
What file formats are needed for printing?
Please provide high-resolution pdf files (300 ppi) in CMYK color mode with 3-mm bleed.
For detailed large format book printing, we recommend high-quality images to ensure vibrant color and clarity in the final product.
Can I see a sample before full production?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
What is the standard production time for large format books?
The standard production time is approximately 3 weeks, depending on order quantities and finishing options. Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
Why Choose QinPrinting?
We believe we’re the best place for large format book printing because we combine competitive prices with premium craftsmanship and genuine support. As one of the most trusted names in China large format book printing, we work closely with publishers, artists, educators, and businesses worldwide to deliver beautiful books—on time, on budget, and exactly as specified.
QinPrinting Reviews
The e-transfer payment seems fishy but they followed through on all asks so was totally fine! We just received our first batch and our getting ready to launch our product! Will definitely be restocking with Qin Printing again!
Susan!!!! These books are SOOOOOOO beautiful! I don't think we could have dreamed how joyful it would be to open the box and find such care for and beautifully printed books. This was a special day -- we hope to have many more like it.
Thank you for fielding so many questions. Your patience with us (well, me) was so kind. You and your team have gone above and beyond for us.
Gratefully,
MAC
Their product quality, attention to detail, and clear communication have exceeded my expectations at every step. I truly appreciate their dedication and care, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them on many more projects to come.
Let's Talk
We understand that printing a large book—whether for professional or personal use—is a major undertaking. That’s why we offer thoughtful service, custom solutions, and detailed technical guidance at every stage. If you’re planning a large format printing project, get in touch. We’d love to help make your next book your best yet.
Popular Genres for Oversized Books
We print a wide range of large format books, tailored to both content and audience. Popular categories include:
Large format coffee table book printing
Lifestyle, design, and collectible books for display
Large format children's book printing
Bold, interactive layouts for early readers
Art and photography portfolios
Gallery-ready editions with museum-grade print quality
Oversized landscape book printing
Wide spreads perfect for architecture, panoramic photos, or visual timelines
Whether you’re printing 100 books or 10,000, we adapt our workflow and pricing to suit your needs.
