1. Booklet Printing FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

    Booklets are one of the most versatile and effective print formats available — used for everything from product catalogues and training manuals to event programmes, menus and company brochures. But getting a booklet right involves more decisions than most other print products: size, page count, binding type, paper stock, cover finish and artwork setup all need to work together.

    In this FAQ, we answer the questions we hear most often from customers across Brighton & Hove and the wider UK who are planning a booklet print project.

    What is the difference between a booklet and a brochure?

    The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a practical distinction. A brochure is typically a single sheet folded to create multiple panels — a tri-fold leaflet, for example. A booklet is a multi-page document that is bound — either saddle-stitched (stapled) or perfect bound (glued spine). Booklets generally start at 8 pages and can run to 100 pages or more. See our stapled booklets and folded leaflets for both options.

    What sizes are available for booklets?

    We offer booklets in a wide range of sizes to suit different purposes:

    • A6 — compact and pocket-friendly. Ideal for small catalogues, price lists and event programmes
    • A5 — the most popular booklet size. Versatile, easy to distribute and suits most content types
    • A4 — ideal for training manuals, product catalogues and company brochures where more page space is needed
    • DL — slim and elegant, fits standard envelopes
    • Square (148mm and 210mm) — distinctive formats popular with creative agencies, lifestyle brands and premium publications

    How many pages can a booklet have?

    For saddle-stitched (stapled) booklets, pages must be in multiples of 4 — typically starting from 8pp. This is because each sheet of paper creates 4 pages when folded. Common page counts are 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32pp. If your content doesn't fill a multiple of 4, add blank pages to make up the count.

    For perfect bound booklets, higher page counts are possible — typically from 32pp upwards, where the spine is thick enough to glue securely.

    For wiro bound booklets, page count is more flexible as the binding doesn't depend on multiples of 4. See our wiro bound booklets.

    What binding options are available?

    • Saddle stitch (stapled) — staples along the spine. The most cost-effective binding method, suitable for booklets up to approximately 64pp. The booklet opens and lays relatively flat. See our stapled booklets
    • Perfect bound — pages are glued to a flat spine, like a paperback book. Gives a professional, substantial feel and works well for higher page counts (32pp+). The flat spine can be printed with a title
    • Wiro bound — a coiled wire through punched holes along the binding edge. Allows the booklet to open completely flat and pages to turn 360 degrees — ideal for notebooks, training manuals and any document that needs to lie flat for writing or reference. See our wiro bound booklets

    What paper should I choose for my booklet?

    Paper choice affects both the look and the feel of your finished booklet significantly:

    • Cover stock — we recommend 300gsm or 350gsm for covers, with a matt, gloss or velvet lamination for durability and a professional finish
    • Inner pages — silk or gloss — 130gsm or 170gsm coated paper gives excellent colour reproduction and a professional feel. The most popular choice for marketing booklets, catalogues and brochures
    • Inner pages — uncoated — 100gsm or 120gsm uncoated paper has a natural, tactile feel and is writeable — ideal for training manuals, workbooks and any booklet where people will write on the pages

    Can I have a different stock for the cover and inner pages?

    Yes — and we recommend it for most booklets. A heavier, laminated cover stock (300gsm+ with matt or gloss lamination) paired with a lighter inner stock (130gsm or 170gsm) gives a professional, book-like feel with a durable, premium cover. This is the standard configuration for most commercial booklet printing.

    Can booklets be printed in full colour?

    Yes — all our booklets are available in full CMYK colour throughout, including covers and inner pages. Always design your artwork in CMYK colour mode — not RGB. See our guide: What is CMYK and Why Does it Matter?

    How do I set up my booklet artwork for print?

    • Page count: Must be a multiple of 4 for saddle-stitched booklets
    • Spreads: Supply as spreads (two facing pages side by side) — not as single pages. See our guide: How to Set Up Spreads for Print
    • Bleed: 3mm all round. See our guide: What is Bleed and Safe Zone?
    • Safe zone: 3mm inside the trim line on all outer edges. For saddle-stitched booklets, also allow an additional margin on the binding edge
    • Resolution: 300dpi minimum for all images. See our guide: Understanding DPI for Print
    • Colour mode: CMYK throughout
    • Format: PDF with fonts outlined or embedded
    • Cover: Supply as a separate file from inner pages, clearly labelled

    How long does booklet printing take?

    Standard turnaround for booklets is 3–5 working days from artwork approval, depending on page count, quantity and finishing options. For urgent booklet orders, contact our team to discuss availability and express options.

    What is the minimum order quantity for booklets?

    Minimum order quantities vary by product. Check the product page for your chosen booklet type, or contact us to discuss your specific requirements — we're happy to advise on the most cost-effective quantity for your project.

    What are booklets used for?

    Booklets are one of the most versatile print formats available. Common uses include:

    • Product catalogues and brochures
    • Training manuals and staff handbooks
    • Event programmes and conference guides
    • Restaurant menus and wine lists
    • Company reports and capability documents
    • Lookbooks and portfolio pieces
    • School and university prospectuses
    • Charity and fundraising publications

    Print Your Booklets in Brighton & Hove

    Dipol Print produces stapled, perfect bound and wiro bound booklets in a wide range of sizes and paper stocks for businesses across Brighton & Hove and the wider UK. Collect from our print shop at 97 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TP or order online for UK-wide delivery.

    Have a question about your booklet project? Get in touch with our team — we're happy to advise on the right format, stock and binding for your requirements.