Accordion Book Printing
Accordion books, also known as folding books or concertina books, are a unique and creative way to display all types of visuals, from art portfolios to special editions. These books are created using a format where the pages are connected in one long sheet and then folded in a zigzag style, allowing the book to close and open out completely. At QinPrinting, we specialize in custom accordion book printing with high-quality paper, precise folding, and vibrant color reproduction, where you can choose between various sizes, finishes, and cover options for the perfect look. Be it a luxurious hardcover or a softcover style for promotional use, our professional printing and binding expertise ensures that your accordion book will meet all your visual and professional needs.
Size Choices
- Maximum Size Without Seams — Up to 1 meter (~39.4 in) when fully unfolded, perfect for long panoramic displays.
- Extended Size With Seams — If your design allows for visible seams, we can create accordion books that extend even longer than 1 meter.
- Custom Sizes — Square, rectangular, or uniquely shaped formats are available on request. Choose between just a few panels or an extended panorama!
Our flexibility in sizing allows you to create accordion books tailored specifically to your project’s needs.
Paper Options
Choosing the right paper is essential to highlight your book’s design and ensure smooth folding. At QinPrinting, we offer a variety of premium paper types for accordion book printing:
- Gloss coated paper provides vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for photo-rich projects.
- Matte coated paper offers a soft, elegant look with reduced glare, perfect for text and smaller illustrations.
| GSM / LB | Gloss Art Paper Thickness | Matte Art Paper Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.065 mm | 0.072 mm |
| 105 gsm / 71 lb Text | 0.086 mm | 0.090 mm |
| 128 gsm / 86 lb Text | 0.105 mm | 0.110 mm |
| 157 gsm / 106 lb Text | 0.136 mm | 0.140 mm |
| 200 gsm / 135 lb Text | 0.178 mm | 0.200 mm |
| 250 gsm / 92 lb Cover | 0.225 mm | 0.250 mm |
| 300 gsm / 111 lb Cover | 0.270 mm | 0.285 mm |
| 350 gsm / 129 lb Cover | 0.410 mm | - |
Uncoated offset paper is smoother and able to be written on. This paper type is great for sketch-style books or those that incorporate handwritten work.
| GSM / lb | Uncoated Paper Thickness |
|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.097 mm |
| 100 gsm / 68 lb Text | 0.118 mm |
| 120 gsm / 81 lb Text | 0.140 mm |
| 140 gsm / 95 lb Text | 0.160 mm |
| 160 gsm / 108 lb Text | 0.183 mm |
| 180 gsm / 122 lb Text | 0.200 mm |
We also provide art papers & specialty papers, such as textured, recycled, or metallic papers to add a unique tactile feel.
Binding Structure
Softcover Accordion Book
Multiple Fold Options
You can create accordion books with different amounts of folds, from a few panels to long panoramic sequences, depending on your design.
Finish Options
We offer a wide range of finishing techniques to help your accordion book stand out:
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.
Uses a custom-made metal die to cut paper into specific shapes.
A special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
What Is an Accordion Book?
An accordion book, also known as a Leporello book, is a unique type of book made from a single continuous sheet of paper that is folded in a zigzag pattern. Unlike traditional bound books, which are stacked and sewn or glued along one edge, accordion books unfold like a fan, allowing the pages to extend seamlessly into a singular display. The name “Leporello” arises from a character in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and is still used to represent this style of folded books.
Accordion books are popular for:
- Art and Photography Portfolios: Display a series of works (or one long work) in a flowing, uninterrupted format.
- Children’s Books: Encourage interaction with foldable pages and playful designs.
- Promotional Materials: Create memorable marketing pieces that stand out from traditional brochures.
- Travel Albums: Show panoramic views or event sequences in a visually striking way.
We’re always happy to discuss new formats or unusual specifications. If you don’t see what you’re looking for above, get in touch. Our team will be glad to help.
Why Print with QinPrinting?
Premium Quality
Vibrant colors and professional finishes for every book
Precision Folding
Smooth unfolding and clean edges for all panels.
Customizable Options
Hardcover or softcover, with multiple fold options.
Expert Support
Professional support from start to finish.
FAQs
What is the minimum order quantity for accordion books?
Our minimum order starts from 500 copies, depending on size and paper options.
Can I choose hardcover or softcover for my accordion book?
Yes, we offer both hardcover (premium casebound) and softcover options.
Can I use special finishes like foil stamping or spot UV?
Yes, we offer a wide range of special finishes, including foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV, and lamination.
Can you print full panoramic images across multiple folds?
Yes! Our printing and folding process allows images to display seamlessly across panels, especially for accordion books up to 1 meter, all in a single sheet.
How long does production take?
Production usually takes 2 weeks, depending on your book’s specs and quantity. Shipping time varies by location and method.
Can I get a sample before mass production?
Yes! We offer printed proof samples so you can check the quality, layout, and color of your books before confirming the full order.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide, including to the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and more. We offer sea shipping, air freight, and combined options depending on your timeline and budget.
Free File Checking Service
Our team checks your files manually at no cost. We review page dimensions, bleed settings, resolution, and color mode to make sure everything’s ready for production. If any issues arise, we’ll let you know and suggest how to fix them.
Need help preparing your files? See our guide or contact us directly.
Printing File Requirements
It’s important to understand how to prepare digital files for printing. Here are a few useful tips to help you prepare yours.
Add a 0.125" bleed to all pages
Convert color from RGB to CMYK
Use 300 PPI resolution
Export files in PDF format
To learn more, see our File Checking Guidelines or get in touch directly. We offer an expert file-checking service, free to all our customers.
QinPrinting Reviews
As a finished artist with 30 years of experience I can comfortably recommend this company to you
I couldn’t be happier with my experience working with QinPrinting. From start to finish, their team was responsive, professional, and truly invested in helping me bring my vision to life. I printed my first edition of a 58-card deck (complete with a custom magnetic box) and the results were stunning.
The color accuracy, matte finish, and premium cardstock all exceeded my expectations. Every detail shows real craftsmanship. The communication was outstanding too; they provided clear updates, design templates, and guidance at every stage.
What impressed me most was how personal the process felt. Even though they’re a large-scale printer, they treated my small-batch creative project with care and respect.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality printer for custom card decks, packaging, or creative projects, I can’t recommend QinPrinting enough. I’ll absolutely be printing with them again for my next production run!
There is so good and helpful. In the end, we are beyond happy with the outcome. There were also no hidden fees or taxes when the product arrived either. So the quote given was solid. The quality of the materials was just beautiful. We got exactly what we were hoping for. We highly recommend this company and will for sure come back here for our next printing project for sure. 💯. 😊.
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!
Let's Talk
Ready to start your accordion book project? Our team is here to help you from concept to finished product.
Contact us today and let’s bring your accordion book ideas to life!