Getting Your Songbook Printed at a Print Shop

When you want professional quality, more copies, or don't have a printer — here's what to know.

When a Print Shop Makes Sense

Scenarios where professional printing is the right choice.

You need multiple copies

Same book for band members, students, or choir

You want professional binding

Spiral, perfect binding, or other commercial options

You don't own a printer

No equipment investment needed

You want color printing

High-quality color on premium paper

Your book is 100+ pages

Home printers struggle with large runs

You want a 'real' published look

Professional binding and finishing options

Preparing Your File

Getting your PDF ready to send to the printer.

Select the right format

In MakeMySongBook, choose "Full Book" format (not Booklet). The print shop can handle page imposition if needed for their specific binding equipment.

Generate your PDF

Export your songbook. The PDF will include your cover, table of contents, page numbers, and smart page alignment — everything a printer needs.

Your file is ready

The PDF is ready to send as-is. No additional processing required. You can email it, upload it online, or bring it in on a USB drive.

About bleed and crop marks

If the shop asks: MakeMySongBook doesn't add bleed margins or crop marks (it's designed for standard cut sheets). This is perfectly fine for most copy-shop work. For professional offset printing, just mention there's no bleed.

File format

PDF is universally accepted by all print shops. If they offer to convert it to another format, PDF is almost always the best choice for maintaining quality.

Where to Go

Compare your printing options and find the best fit.

Office Supply Chains (Walk-in)

Staples, FedEx Office, Office Depot, OfficeMax

Good for: Same-day service, spiral/comb binding, small quantities

Typical cost: $0.08-0.15/page B&W, $0.30-0.60/page color, plus $3-8 for binding

What to ask for: "I have a PDF I'd like printed double-sided on [paper weight], with [binding type]"

Tip: Many offer online upload + in-store pickup

Local Print Shops

Independent printers in your area

Good for: Best quality, custom paper, expert advice, competitive pricing on 10+ copies

Typical cost: Often cheaper per page than chains for bulk, especially 25+ copies

What to ask for: Same as above, plus ask about paper stock options

Tip: Call ahead with page count and quantity for a quote. Many local shops are cheaper than chains.

Online Print Services

Lulu, Blurb, and other print-on-demand services

Lulu (lulu.com): Print-on-demand, as few as 1 copy. ~$5-10 per book (200 pages, B&W). Perfect binding or coil. Ships to your door.

Blurb (blurb.com): Similar to Lulu, good quality, multiple binding options

Good for: When you want a professional-looking perfect-bound book, or need copies shipped to different people

Turnaround: 5-10 business days typically

What to Tell the Print Shop

Practical checklist of what to specify when ordering.

Number of copies

How many books you need

Paper

"100gsm matte" or "24lb paper" (US) — ask what they have

Printing

"Double-sided, black and white" (or color if needed)

Binding

Specify what you want (see our binding guide)

Cover

"Can you print the first page on heavier card stock?" (most will)

Orientation

Portrait (the PDF is already correctly oriented)

Pro tip: For binding options and advice, check out our binding guide.

Cost Comparison

What to expect for a typical 60-page B&W songbook.

Home printer

~$2-4

Ink/toner + paper

Staples/FedEx

~$8-15

Printing + comb binding

Local print shop

~$6-12

Often better price for binding

Lulu (online)

~$6-8 + shipping

Perfect bound

Note: Prices are approximate and vary by location. Always ask for a quote. Multiple copies get cheaper fast — a 10-copy run at a local shop might be $4-5 per book.

Tips for Best Results

Professional advice for getting the most from your print shop.

Always order a single proof copy first before doing a full run

Ask to see paper samples before committing (feel the weight)

For spiral binding, ask for "coil" not "comb" — coil is more durable and lays flatter

If getting perfect binding, ask about minimum page count (usually 28+ pages)

Request a PDF proof if ordering online — check page order before they print

Save money: print the interior pages in B&W and only the cover in color