Frequently asked questions

We do not need a file with the cover layout; such files are only intended for the customer so that the cover is appropriately planned and designed considering the type of binding and other book specifications. In order to print the book, we need a file with the cover design in the required dimensions and with 5 mm bleeds on each side. If any enhancements are to be used on the cover, we will need another file (or files): with the mask(s) for each enhancement. As stated in our guide: “All enhancements must be included in the same graphic design as the one used for your cover (taking into account the correct positioning of all additional elements, while maintaining the appropriate formats and margins.)”

A complete check of files submitted for printing is a standard procedure and is not additionally charged. We verify the materials according to the scope specified in our guide

The only acceptable format for any materials for printing is PDF.

This cannot be explained in one or two sentences. You will find a detailed guide on our website, where we outline our requirements in relevant sections. If you should have any doubts or additional questions, our team of professionals is always ready to help.

Of course it is possible. We will not proceed with the production until the files are finally approved by the customer.

It is a production file after a technical verification and checking of its compliance with the order, which includes a software report and any remarks made by the verifying specialist(s).

We will accept an order for one copy, if requested, but we encourage you to check the prices for a bit bigger print runs. 

We do not normally provide this form of delivery, however in exceptional circumstances and upon prior agreement with your account representative, this can be arranged.

The standard form of delivery is by courier service. Please note that shipping costs are always included in the base price. Other delivery options are possible by individual arrangement.

The lead time depends on the current production workload and the nature and complexity of the order. Normally, in the low and medium seasons (February – July), jobs comprising simple binding are completed within 7 working days and up to 10 days in the case of complex binding. This is the turnaround time from the moment the files are accepted for printing. In the high season, these times can be extended to 10 and 15 working days, respectively. 

We can provide you with an estimated cost of your dream book. However, there are extra costs you may need to bear. Remember this when taking up the self-publishing option.
All depends on how many people you want to work with and how much and what kind of assistance you need. Normally, self-publishers work with editors and professional proof-readers. Don’t try cost-cutting by opting out of these services – an editor’s experience and a proof-reader’s keen eye will make sure your text is well-prepared and contains no errors. Your material also needs typesetting and folding and a cover design. You will easily find the professionals to support your self-publishing project on specialist printing and publishing websites.

The price estimate given by our printing house remains valid for 10 days. This is mainly due to the continuously-changing prices of paper, so we cannot guarantee price stability. Nevertheless, we always encourage making enquiries – we will be happy to advise on the best possible technical and cost solutions.
Remember – our price calculations do not commit you to anything.

A lot depends on the type of binding, i.e. whether your cover is soft or hard, the book block sewn or glued, and on the format. There are significant differences between the prices of the various formats (A5, B5, A4 etc.). Remember that you can always ask for a quote in a few variants. The price gap between a unit price of a paperback printed in large numbers and a few copies of an album with an enhanced thread-sewn hardcover is enormous.
Make sure you ask about the price before the book is set and ready for printing, though. First, think about what the book will look like inside and out.

If your book is nearly finished and you’re getting ready to have it printed, you should specify a few parameters that are essential for the printing company to prepare a quote:
• Book format (book block dimensions in mm)
• Number of pages (without the cover)
• Colour scheme of the text block: black-and-white or colour
• Type of paper for your book (if you aren’t familiar with the types you can describe it and say if you want it bright white/slightly cream white, very smooth/recycled paper, standard thickness etc.)
• Type of binding (hard- or softcover, sewn/glued book block)
• Print run (number of copies).

First of all, try not to make one criterion the decisive factor, e.g. the lowest price or the fastest completion. A compromise between price, quality and delivery time is recommended.
We suggest finding out about other customers’ experiences and opinions on the printing company. These can be found using Google.
You can also ask the printer for samples or examples of actual products and see for yourself the quality and materials offered.

We have a lot of experience of working with novice publishers, start-ups and self-publishers. We will be happy to lead you through the whole production process, advising on the choice of materials and binding, and finding optimum solutions (also price-wise), so that your book meets all your expectations. We will send you paper and print sample books to facilitate your decisions regarding the ultimate form of your publication.

We only undertake printing and do not provide editorial/DTP, prepress or proofreading services, as well as cover graphic design. However, we work with many companies that we can recommend to our customers. 

The optimal format is 165 x 235 mm, or a popular variation 170 x 240 mm. We strongly recommend not to use sizes close to 176 x 250 mm, as it generates a lot of paper waste and thus increases the costs of production. Also, it has a negative impact on the environment.

Of course! We offer printing proofs of softcover books and so-called labo prints of hardcovers (loose folded sheets without binding). It takes about a week to print and send a proof to the customer, so please consider this in the production timeframe. Proofs are printed for a fee.

This question is too general to give a definite answer. When choosing the paper for the main part of the book, many aspects have to be considered, including the nature or type of publication, its purpose, dimensions, readers, and even the available budget. First, we need to answer a few elementary questions, e.g. whether the paper should be white, cream or off-white, coated or uncoated, standard or recycled. Providing such descriptive details will be enough for us to suggest the best paper for your book.

It is impossible to provide a definite figure, because a number of factors affect the price, such as format, volume and print run. Assuming some average parameters: B5, 160 pages and 200 copies, a thread-sewn hardcover would be approx. PLN 5.00 (net) more expensive per copy than a perfect-bound softcover.

The name itself says a lot about the main difference; the Wire-O is clamped on the spine, which means it is not completely closed and therefore pages cannot be fully turned around. The screw-in spiral is closed and enables turning pages around 360 degrees. The PVC spiral is practically indestructible, but about 2-3 times as expensive to make as the Wire-O. 

We always recommend thread-sewing for hard covers. Thread-sewn covers ensure total durability and – above all – complete openabilty of the book block. Perfect binding is reserved only for thin paper.

Of course. We offer a few dozen of thread colours. We actually recommend using customised colour, especially in open spine products. If the inside of the book contains black solids, we recommend a black thread.

There are two, as described in our guide:

• In mask designs for 2D and 3D varnishing elements with a thickness of at least 0.25 mm can be used, placed with a minimum distance of 0.6 mm from each other.
• 3D varnish cannot be applied along the cropmarks, creases and on flaps.

The text on the spine to be varnished must be at least 1 mm from the edge. If metallised foil is used, this distance should be increased to 2 mm.

The larger the coated surface, the greater the risk of surface imperfections. We suggest coating no larger elements than 20 mm x 20 mm. For large surfaces we recommend laminating the area rather than varnishing.

It is not recommended to apply 3D varnish in one solid, as it can ‘collapse’ in places and the end result will not be satisfactory. 3D varnish is best used on certain selected elements of the cover: text (title, author), decorative artwork or larger surfaces, if textured – like patterns imitating e.g. animal skin/leather, raindrops or the texture of a painting.

We can apply varnish up to 200 microns.

Yes. The foil is applied first, and then comes the 2D or 3D varnishing.

The comparison is to show similarities of the end results. It is a flat varnish, so when applied, the coated elements will remain flat and not perceptible to fingers, as it is in conventional varnishing methods. We can coat any graphics on the cover and in any colour (keeping in mind the limitations mentioned before). Only the design of the varnishing, i.e. the mask, must be prepared using one colour – 100% black.

If you want to apply metallised foil to some artwork on the cover, you had better remove it from the print design. Although in principle there are no reasons to avoid such practices, the printed elements happen to ‘emerge’ from under the foil due to tiny displacements (sometimes by a fraction of a millimetre). The result is an undesirable impression of careless coating.

No. If there are two different foils in one line in the mask, the file must be corrected. Tests have shown that applying another foil so that it touches the other can damage the first one. Two different foils can be used but with a spacing of approx. 2-3 mm.

No. The area to be metallised must be offset 2 mm from the cropmark.

Only small elements and not large surfaces.

No. Only one type of foil can be applied over the entire area of the cover to laminate it. You can choose the Soft Touch foil, matte or glossy (note that 3D varnish does not really stand out if applied to glossy background). Silver or other colour foil can be applied to a laminated surface.

Yes. The Soft Touch foil can spot coated with 3D varnish. Here is an excerpt from the guide on our website: “To achieve the best 3D varnish effect, we recommend applying Soft Touch foil over the entire enhanced area”. Soft Touch foil can also be coated with metallised foil.

Our standing offer comprises the following foils: golden, silver, red, navy blue, black and holographic films (laser and dot).

No. Whether you want the cover to be enhanced digitally or using conventional hot stamping, a few kinds (colours) of foil can be used, but 3 are optimal.

Whether you want to use 2D/3D varnish or a film, the font in the design must not be smaller than 8 pts. If a Soft Touch film is to be applied to the whole surface of the cover (as we recommend), the font in the texts subject to enhancements by means of varnish or film coating cannot be smaller than 6 pts. 

Firstly, remember to send the main production file, i.e. the cover design in a file for printing (PDF). It is the most important file. Next, prepare mask files for the enhancements (e.g. 3D varnish mask, golden foil mask etc.). Make sure that each enhancement is in a separate file. Also, remember the note from our website guide: „All enhancements must be included in the same graphic design as the one used for your cover (taking into account the correct positioning of all additional elements, while maintaining the appropriate formats and margins.” Visualisation files (mockups) are not required.

No. The technology allows for using a number of different enhancements: flat coating (2D), raised coating (3D), and colourful metallised foils.

As a matter of fact, as many as will fit on the cover. There are no technological constraints in this respect. We can use a few different types of varnish at the same time, and add hot foil stamping or embossing. However, note that using a lot of enhancements altogether does not necessarily make the final product more attractive or impressive.

We are greatly committed to ensuring that any products leaving our printing house are produced in as environmentally-friendly manner as possible. Digital printing alone is already considered to be ‘greener’ than conventional printing. We are FSC certified and we have a certificate confirming that 100% of energy used in our processes comes from renewable energy sources.