The Printing Process of a Magazine

Ok, you've got your Artwork done. You have your Print File ready, in 300dpi Resolution, with Bleed, and as a print-ready PDF Let's go to print !

Overview of the different stages involved in magazine printing

Need a Hard Copy Proof?

The first thing to do is to check the quality of your print. We always recommend getting a hard copy proof, so you can physically check images are sharp and colours true.

This proof will be printed on paper stocks that are similar (if not identical) to that which will be used for the final run.

The Print Job Begins

Pre-Press

This is a specific department in any Print House and is where the Print file from your Graphic Designer is prepared for use on the Press.

This involves checking that all images are at a high resolution, Formatting to ensure your Magazine looks perfect, and creating a Digital File (for Offset Litho printing) or plates (for Digital).

Magazine Printing begins...

Once Pre-Press has completed their work, the file is now ready to go to print. This can be either Offset Litho (for larger quantities), which will involve creating plates (one per colour) with water-soluble chemicals, or Digital Printing which involves a large Inkjet printer directly printing onto paper

Finishing & Binding

Once printed, your magazines need finishing. This will include Trimming and Cutting to size then setting up for Binding

The most common binding options for Print Magazines are Saddle Stitching (stapling the spine of a magazine), or Perfect Binding (where the spine is glued).

Saddle Stitched Magazines

Saddle Stitched Booklets are held together using staples in the spine and can be up to 76 pages depending on paper weight. A Saddle Stitched Booklet would be the most cost-effective way to produce a Magazine.

Perfect Bound Magazines (PUR)

Perfect Bound Books use a strong adhesive to bind the cover and inside pages together, rather than staples like Saddle Stitched Magazines. They have a larger page range (up to 448 pages) and tend to look different from stock books.

Perfect Bound books take a little longer to produce as they need to cure (dry) before they can be shipped out.

Shipping & Delivery

Once your Magazines are finished, the next step is to ship them out. Delivery times vary depending on how far away you are from the Print House. If you have a large order, perhaps ask your printer for a `partial' as they are bound to get you rolling.

Now Go Sell and Distribute your Magazine!

Once your Magazines are off the press and have arrived to you, it is time to get them into the hands of readers. You can do this in a variety of ways, such as:

○ Distributing through an app or website

○ Selling through retail stores

○ Subscription services (digital & physical)

○ Promotional campaigns

○ Events & trade shows

You may also consider other creative ways to get your Magazine into readers’ hands, such as partnerships with influencers and press outlets or creating promotional bundles with complementary products. All of these options can help boost sales and grow your audience.

No matter which distribution method you choose, make sure that you reach the right audience and properly track the success of your efforts. That way you can measure what works and adjust accordingly

Good luck with your Magazine Printing venture! With careful planning, creative ideas, and hard work, you’ll have an amazing magazine in no time. Enjoy!