Manual Printing
Print fully custom manuals, from spiral bound and Wire-O to saddle stitched and perfect bound (paperback), all built to be user-friendly, durable, and on-brand. Choose advanced finishing such as tabs, lamination, and tear-resistant stocks for a professional result. We print all types at competitive prices, including training manuals, user manuals, installation and assembly guides, maintenance and service manuals, quick start guides, parts catalogs, safety and compliance manuals, and multi-language editions. Get instant pricing, download free templates, or request a sample pack.
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Binding Styles & Best Uses
While manual may vary widely in shape and size, the choice of binding is very important for reasons because it needs to be attractive, practical, and durable. Here’s a helpful explanation of the most common, professional-looking manual binding options.
Spiral Bound Manuals
Durable plastic coils allow pages to turn 360° and lay flat, ideal for workbooks and field use. Supports tabs, dividers, and lamination for heavy-duty handling; typical range is about 8–360 pages depending on paper thickness.
Wire-O Binding Manuals
Twin-loop metal wire gives a clean, professional look that also lays flat and permits easy page turns. Popular for training and technical manuals; works well with tabs and section dividers, usually around 8–400 pages depending on stock.
Saddle Stitch Manuals
Sheets are folded and stapled through the fold to create a slim booklet, making this the most economical option for short manuals and quick start guides. Best for 8–48 pages, and page counts must be in multiples of four.
Sewn Perfect Binding Manuals
Signatures are Smyth-sewn and then bound with a wrap cover, combining long-term durability with a book-style spine. Ideal for thicker manuals that will be used frequently; opens flatter and resists page pull-out better than standard perfect binding.
Loop-Stitch Binding Manuals
Similar to saddle stitch but with looped staples along the spine so the booklet can be filed directly into 2- or 3-ring binders without hole punching. A smart choice for 8–48 page manuals that need to live inside binders or be updated over time.
If needed, we can drill holes through bindings for hanging purposes or compatibility with display systems.
Paper Options
- Gloss text paper — bright, high-contrast, ideal for full-color pages
- Matte text paper — soft and elegant, with less glare
| 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 paper — for a natural, less reflective feel, often used in green or upmarket catalogs
| 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 |
You can also choose specialty papers—such as silk, vellum, or recycled stocks—for a distinct tactile experience.
Offers tactile finishes such as linen or laid texture for an elegant, artistic feel.
A semi-transparent material ideal for overlays, title pages, or creative inserts.
Eco-friendly and responsibly sourced paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Adds a dazzling, reflective effect that makes your book covers or inserts instantly eye-catching.
Finishing Options
Professional finishes help your catalog look and feel more refined while also improving durability. Choose the cover treatment that fits your brand and content.
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.
Common Manual Sizes
The size of your printed manual typically depends on your content, page count, layout, orientation, and materials. But there are obvious practical limits in most real-world situations.
- The standard 8.5″ x 11″ format is practical if you need to mail your manuals out, for example.
- Larger sizes—up to 7″ x 12″—may be useful if your manual includes complex and detailed diagrams.
- Likewise, a 5.5″ x 8.5″ pocket-sized manual may be best.
At QinPrinting, we’re happy to create custom manuals in any size or format you wish. Only remember that extensive customization leads to higher costs and potentially slower turnaround times if there’s a lot more pre-press work and setup to do. But for certain applications, the increased investment could be worthwhile.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch with us!
Custom Training Manual Printing
Lay-flat bindings like Wire-O or spiral keep pages open for hands-on sessions and note-taking. Add tabs, dividers, and laminated covers for durability in classrooms and field use; sizes and page counts are fully customizable.
User Manual Printing
Clear, compact manuals that fit neatly into product packaging, with readable type, diagrams, and safety icons. Common formats include saddle stitch for shorter booklets and perfect bound for thicker guides, with optional QR codes to online help.
Product Manual Printing
Built for everyday reference across consumer electronics, tools, furniture, and more. Choose the right form factor—quick start folds, slim saddle-stitched booklets, or durable perfect-bound volumes—plus options like tear-resistant stocks and hole drilling.
Multi-Language Editions Manual Printing
Print combined multilingual books or separate regional versions, depending on packaging and compliance needs. We support language dividers, color-coded tabs, and synchronized pagination to keep each edition easy to navigate and consistent.
Water Proof Manual
For outdoor or wet environments, synthetic PET manuals resist water, oil, and tearing. Available with spiral or Wire-O bindings; MOQ is 500 copies for PET materials.
Why Choose QinPrinting to Print Your Manual
QinPrinting delivers high-quality, affordable manuals with customization and excellent support.
High-Quality Printing
25+ years of experience ensuring vibrant, detailed prints.
Exceptional Customer Support
Friendly and professional assistance throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing
High-quality results at competitive prices.
Custom Options
Choose from various paper stocks, finishes, and sizes.
FAQs
How much does it cost to print a manual?
You can get an immediate estimate of the price of your manual from our at-a-glance pricing charts.
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs | 10000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64pp + 4pp | $3.29 each $329 total | $1.02 each $512 total | $0.72 each $715 total | $0.58 each $1,166 total | $0.53 each $2,672 total | $0.50 each $5,041 total |
| 80pp + 4pp | $3.87 each $387 total | $1.20 each $598 total | $0.84 each $837 total | $0.67 each $1,340 total | $0.61 each $3,041 total | $0.57 each $5,672 total |
| 120pp + 4pp | $5.42 each $542 total | $1.66 each $828 total | $1.13 each $1,130 total | $0.89 each $1,774 total | $0.79 each $3,972 total | $0.73 each $7,329 total |
| 256pp + 4pp | $9.42 each $942 total | $2.90 each $1,448 total | $1.95 each $1,948 total | $1.55 each $3,090 total | $1.34 each $6,720 total | $1.27 each $12,722 total |
- Cover: 250 gsm / 92 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination
- Interior: 105 gsm / 71 lb coated text paper, full color printing
- Please note that all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
| Quantity | 100pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs | 10000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16pp + 4pp | $2.06 each $206 total | $0.58 each $288 total | $0.36 each $358 total | $0.27 each $535 total | $0.22 each $1,113 total | $0.20 each $2,038 total |
| 24pp + 4pp | $2.66 each $266 total | $0.75 each $373 total | $0.48 each $480 total | $0.35 each $707 total | $0.29 each $1,471 total | $0.26 each $2,644 total |
| 32pp + 4pp | $3.10 each $310 total | $0.88 each $439 total | $0.56 each $561 total | $0.42 each $845 total | $0.36 each $1,781 total | $0.33 each $3,278 total |
- Cover: 200 gsm / 74 lb coated cover paper with matte lamination
- Interior: 128 gsm / 87 lb coated text paper
- Please note that all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
Try our easy and convenient online Printing Cost Calculator to get more prices.
What is your minimum order quantity?
Standard manuals start at MOQ 100; PET waterproof manuals MOQ 500.
How should I send my artwork?
Feel free to share your artwork with us through email, Sprend, or WeTransfer to [email protected]. Or send us a share link via Dropbox or Google Drive.
Which file types can I send?
For printing purposes, we require artwork in high-resolution PDF format, which includes 0.125 inches / 3 mm bleed.
What color mode is used for printing?
Offset printing uses the CMYK color space.
Can I order sample book?
You can get acquainted with our quality, products, and paper stocks by ordering a sample pack from here.
QinPrinting Reviews
I was nervous and unsure of everything. Nelson was so patient and respectful and replied promptly. It took years for me to complete but I was so happy for his service and patient manner. Cards look beautiful and feedback was excellent from people.Will definitely contact again for next project.
But what truly sets QinPrinting apart is the customer service.
A very special thank you to Sharing, who went above and beyond throughout the entire process. She was patient, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure everything was done perfectly. Even when there were questions or tracking concerns, she handled everything with kindness, clarity, and real care. It made the whole experience smooth and stress-free.
I will absolutely continue printing with QinPrinting. Their combination of quality, reliability, and exceptional customer support, makes them my top choice for future projects.
Highly recommend!
The books arrived a week before the earliest promised in good condition. The quality of the printing and the colors is excellent. The support with difficult technical questions was amazing and quick.
I exchanged over 60!! messages with Neon Zhang who always responded almost instantly during China working times in perfect English. Neon watched over this project efficiently and carefully.
Frankly I am not used to this extremely wonderful level of service -- even from Apple or my Porsche dealer 😉 .
If you want to publish a photography book, you couldn't finding anything else approaching Qin's level. [I don't write reviews like this normally, but they deserve it.]
Let's talk!
If you’re shouldering the responsibility for your company’s manual design and printing—and you’d like to deliver a high-quality professional manual and at an unbeatable price—we should talk. Get in touch today—either by telephone, email, Skype, or our simple contact form—to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can’t wait to help you make your manual one of the most impressive and practical yet.
