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FAQ
How is Page Count Determined?
Each side of a sheet counts as one page, so a book’s cover alone includes 4 pages: front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover, and back cover.
Binding-Specific Page Counts:
- Saddle Stitch: Requires page counts divisible by 4.
- Perfect Binding & Wire-O: Requires page counts divisible by 2.
What’s the Maximum or Minimum Page Count?
The binding method you choose will influence the page count range:
- Saddle Stitching: Works best for projects between 8 and 60 pages, with page counts in multiples of 4.
- Perfect Binding: Suitable for 32 pages + cover and up, with page counts in multiples of 2.
- Spiral or Wire-O Binding: This option is flexible and can handle page counts from just a few pages up to 520 on thinner stock, with page counts in multiples of 2.
Can Perfect Bound Books Lay Flat?
Perfect bound books are not designed to lay flat when opened. Forcing them to do so can damage the spine and weaken the glue holding the pages together. To maintain the book’s quality and durability, avoid pressing it down.
Does Pricing Include Multiple Editions or Covers of a Book?
Pricing reflects the cost of one edition only per book. If you need additional editions or multiple covers, this requires a custom quote.
Does Pricing Include Hardcover and Landscape Books?
The listed pricing is for portrait orientation soft cover books only. If you’re interested in hardcover or landscape formats, please request a custom quote.
What is the Difference Between Coated and Uncoated Paper?
Coated paper has a smooth finish that visually sharpens images and enhances color. The coating can be glossy or semi-gloss, depending on the desired effect, but both options contribute to a polished, professional look.
Uncoated paper has a natural, porous surface. It’s perfect for projects where readability and a tactile feel are priorities. It’s also a practical option for items that need to be written on, like letterheads or notepads.
Should I Choose Color or Black-and-White Printing for My Bound Product?
If your project includes color anywhere – even a single image or logo – it’s a 4-color (4C) job. Our standard pricing is designed for 4C printing, providing vibrant, professional results fast.
Single-color (one-ink) printing is available by custom quote and may offer some cost savings, but 4C remains the most common option. If you’re unsure, we are happy to talk with you to determine the best options for your unique printing needs.
How Long Does it Take to Produce a Bound Product?
Once PDF proofs are approved, production can take approximately 3 days for saddle stitched publications and roughly 3-5 days for perfect bound, plus shipping. Shipping times vary from next-day delivery to a few days, depending on your location relative to our NYC print house.
If you need a precise timeline, send us your project details, and we’ll set up a schedule that works for you.
How Can I Avoid Delays in Prepress and Design?
Before submitting your file, double-check that it’s set up correctly to prevent any prepress delays:
- Bright, high-resolution images (300 dpi)
- Files exported with crop marks and 1/8” bleed all around
- Files exported as single pages within one PDF
Is Shipping Really Free?
Yes! We’ll cover the cost to ship your order to a single location via ground delivery. If you need expedited shipping or drop shipping to multiple locations, additional fees will apply.
Have More Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re still unsure about any details or need guidance on your options, contact us here. We’re here to make the process smooth, simple, and tailored to your needs.
Fast, Custom Magazine Printing Services in Chicago
Magazine printing in Chicago demands precision and a deep understanding of the city’s diverse culture.
Whether you’re producing a glossy menu for your deep-dish pizza joint, a niche journal for Cubs fans, or corporate newsletters for Chicago’s bustling business community, Thomas Group Printing leverages over a century of expertise.
Our commitment to the highest quality service and meticulous attention to detail means your magazines will stand out in the Windy City.
Our Magazine Printing Services
At Thomas Group Printing, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the specific needs of your magazine printing project.
Our user-friendly online ordering system allows you to get instant pricing and easily upload your files at your convenience. For more tailored requests, our experienced and friendly sales team is available to provide custom quotes, typically within one business day.
We specialize in bringing any creative magazine concept to life. Our binding options include saddle stitching, perfect binding, wire-o binding, case binding, and post binding – each carefully selected to complement different magazine styles and formats.
Whether you need standard digital printing for small runs or advanced offset printing for larger volumes, we guarantee the highest quality to meet your needs.
Our customization services also include die cutting, embossing/debossing, foil stamping, custom sizes, and a wide array of specialty papers and materials.
Standard Magazine Printing Sizes
We offer a diverse selection of standard sizes for magazine printing:
- 4.25 x 5.5
- 4.25 x 11
- 4.75 x 4.75
- 4 x 9
- 5.5 x 8.5
- 6 x 6
- 6 x 9
- 8.5 x 8.5
- 8.5 x 11
- 8 x 8
- 9 x 12
- A4
- A5
For magazines that call for a unique format, we’re fully equipped to accommodate custom specifications.
See Examples of Our Magazine Printing Work
For more magazine printing inspiration, check out Thomas Group’s Inspiration blog, showcasing a variety of creative projects that have rolled off our presses. This resource is designed to help you gather ideas and get inspired for your own magazine printing project.
Read Reviews from Real Customers
Chicago’s dynamic and diverse stories are reflected in the projects we’ve undertaken in the city. Hear from real customers about how Thomas Group Printing has helped bring their visions to life:
“I had such a lovely experience working with Thomas Group Printing!! I highly recommended their level of craft, care for printing perfection, and their sustainability printing practices. I ordered copies of my magazine and they were so thoughtful and super communicative throughout the entire process. They worked perfectly within the deadline I needed the copies by and made the entire experience super seamless. I highly recommend working with them and will definitely be working with them again!” – Nicole G.
“I used Thomas Group to print my high school student literary magazine. Top notch communication, support, and quality. This was a great experience start to finish! The end product looks sooo good.” – Joseph M.
Magazine Binding Options
Choose from our range of binding options for the perfect finish:
- Saddle Stitching: Cost-effective and ideal for smaller magazines.
- Perfect Binding: Provides a sleek, professional look, suitable for thicker magazines.
- Wire-O Binding: Offers flexibility, excellent for manuals or reference magazines.
- Case Binding: A high-quality option for premium magazine editions.
- Post Binding: Adaptable for magazines with frequently changing content.
Enhancing Your Magazines with Custom Finishes
Add a touch of distinction with our custom finishes:
- Die Cutting: Unique shapes and designs for standout covers.
- Embossing/Debossing: Adds texture and depth to your magazine covers.
- Foil Stamping: Metallic or colored foil accents for an elegant touch.
- Custom Sizes: Tailored dimensions to suit your magazine’s theme.
- Specialty Papers and Materials: A variety of options to enhance the tactile and visual experience.
Digital vs. Offset Printing for Magazines
Thomas Group Printing offers both digital and offset printing, tailored to your magazine’s volume and timeline requirements.
Offset printing is optimal for larger print orders, offering cost efficiency as the quantity increases, making it the perfect choice for bulk magazine orders in Chicago.
We also provide comparison quotes to help you decide on the best option for your project.
Digital printing excels in shorter turnaround times and is ideal for smaller print runs or short-run magazine printing.
This method allows for the inclusion of variable data, such as custom addresses or names, making each copy unique.
Digital printing is also advantageous for updating and customizing your magazines as needed, offering the flexibility to print any quantity cost-effectively.
For a quote on your magazine printing project or inquiries about our printing capabilities, feel free to contact us anytime.
Fast, Free Shipping for Your Magazine Printing Needs
Understanding the importance of timeliness in magazine distribution, we offer fast and reliable printing solutions in Chicago. Most magazine printing projects are ready for delivery within 7-8 days from your order date.
We offer fast and free shipping to both business and residential addresses across Chicago, whether you’re located in the bustling downtown area or a quieter neighborhood like Lincoln Park.
Bringing Chicago’s Magazines to Life with Thomas Group Printing
At Thomas Group Printing, our passion for print drives us to deliver high-quality and efficient solutions for your magazine printing needs. We are committed to supporting your project from conception to delivery, ensuring that each magazine reflects the quality and care that only a family-run printer can provide.
Start your magazine printing project with us today and experience the exceptional service and quality that sets us apart.
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Available in multiple formats for use with your favorite software.
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