Eco Friendly Zine and Comic Book Printing

Eco Friendly Printer offers zine printing and comic book printing on recycled paper with soy-based inks. We print saddle-stitched zines and comics for artists, writers, students, schools, nonprofits and small publishers, in black and white or full color. Small runs for a launch, a reading or a convention table are a good fit, and we also print larger quantities for wider distribution.

Zine and comic book formats

• Saddle-stitched zines, with folded sheets stapled through the spine
• Comic books with a self cover or a heavier separate cover
• Black and white interiors with a full color cover
• Full color throughout for illustrated and photo zines
• Perfect-bound collections for higher page counts

A self cover uses the same paper as the inside pages, which keeps the cost down for short zines. A plus cover uses a heavier cover stock and gives the book a sturdier feel on a shelf or a table. For more on binding, read our guide to saddle stitch vs perfect binding.

Sizes

The most common zine size is 5.5 x 8.5 in, often called digest size, which is a letter sheet folded in half. Mini zines are 4.25 x 5.5 in. A standard American comic book is about 6.625 x 10.25 in, and 8.5 x 11 in suits art zines and large-format comics. We also print custom sizes. Our guide to booklet sizes lists common page counts for each size.

How to print a zine

1. Choose the size and the number of pages. A saddle-stitched zine needs a page count that is a multiple of four, such as 8, 12, 16, 24 or 32 pages, including the cover.
2. Decide on black and white or full color, and on a self cover or a heavier cover stock.
3. Set up each page at the finished size with 0.125 in of bleed on any art that runs to the edge, and keep text and important art at least 0.25 in inside the trim.
4. Export a PDF of single pages in reading order, with images at 300 dpi at the final size. Send single pages rather than printer spreads unless we ask for a different setup.
5. Send the PDF with the quantity and your date, and approve a proof before the run is printed.

Paper and ink

Zines and comics are usually printed on 60 lb to 80 lb text for the inside pages, with an 80 lb or 100 lb cover. Sustana Enviro is a smooth 100% post-consumer recycled sheet that holds color well for comics and illustration. Monadnock Astrolite PC 100 is a bright, smooth 100% post-consumer sheet for full color art and photographs. Mohawk Loop has a soft vellum surface and a natural look that suits black and white drawing and type. Uncoated pages take pencil and pen, which helps for activity zines and sketchbook-style books.

How the eco choices apply

Zines are often made in small numbers and handed out or sold in person, so printing a run close to the number you need keeps leftover copies down. Recycled text and cover stocks with soy-based inks keep the paper side of the book simple. Leaving plastic lamination off the cover means a finished zine can go into paper recycling at the end of its life.

Student climate comic

Eco Friendly Printer sponsored Solar Stars vs Dark Matter: The Battle Over Climate Change, a climate-action comic that grew out of student ideas in the Solar Star Challenge. You can read about the student climate comic launch on our blog. For other publishing work, see printing for publishers and authors and booklet printing.

How ordering works

Send your PDF, or tell us the size, page count, color and quantity if your files are not ready yet, through our quote form. We will recommend a paper and binding and give you a price and a schedule. Turnaround is quoted with each order, so include the date of your launch, event or convention.

Common questions about zine and comic book printing

What size is a zine?

The most common zine size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches, a letter sheet folded in half. Mini zines are 4.25 x 5.5 inches.

How many pages can a saddle-stitched zine have?

Saddle-stitched zines and comics usually run from 8 to about 64 pages, in multiples of four. Thicker books are perfect bound.

What size is a standard comic book?

A standard American comic book is about 6.625 x 10.25 inches.

Can you print zines in black and white?

Yes. We print zines and comics in black and white, in full color, or with black and white pages inside a full color cover.

How do I set up a file to print a zine?

Set each page at the finished size with 0.125 inches of bleed, keep text 0.25 inches inside the trim, and export a PDF of single pages in reading order with a page count that is a multiple of four.

Do you print small runs of zines and comics?

Yes. We print small runs for launches, readings and conventions, as well as larger quantities. Include your quantity when you request a quote.

• Saddle-stitched zines and comic books
• Small runs and larger quantities
• Black and white or full color
• Self cover or heavier plus cover
• Recycled text and cover stocks, including 100% post-consumer
• Digest, mini, comic and letter sizes