Softcover or hardcover? Which is better to choose?

The choice between paperback and hardcover is an important decision in printing a book and affects
• the presentation of the book
• the cost
• the functionality
• and the brand identity of the produced work.

Let's see what each is, how they differ, and when to choose one or the other.

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1. Softcover book (Paperback): Features & Benefits

Features:

• Cover made of 250–350 gsm paper, with lamination (matte or glossy) if we choose a velvet cover paper.
• Cover made of 250–350 gsm paper, without lamination if we choose special cover printing papers such as aquarellio, tintorento, natural evolution, ambergraphic, etc. in shades of both white and ivory.
• Cover printing with special cover application such as hot stamping, embossing, gold stamping, silver stamping, UV.
• Flexible, lightweight, more economical.
• Binding usually with a glued spine (glue binding).

✔ Advantages:

• Lower production costs.
• Lighter and easier to hold and transport.
• Ideal for literature, poetry, educational, small or large self-publishing.
• Easier storage and distribution.
• Flexible and affordable printing options whether the book is printed digitally or offset.
• No need to print a large number of books.

✔ Disadvantages:

• Less durable (wears out faster with use, especially when the cover is not laminated).
• Does not exude "luxury" compared to hardcover.

✔ Suitable for:

• Novels, literary texts, poetry collections
• Self-publishing
• Large-print publications
• Books sold at a lower price

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2. Hardcover: When to choose it

Features:

• Cover made of 1.5–2.5 mm thick cardboard.
• The cover can be either four-color printed on laminated paper, or leatherette, or cloth, or fabric with gold or silver printing options).
• inner cover - covered with material (e.g. white paper without printing, printed or unprinted colored paper) 
• May have lining, string/bookmark 
• More sturdy, often bound with stitching + glue (sewn-glued).

✔ Advantages:

• Much more durable.
• Exudes luxury and quality.
• Durable (ideal for gifts, collectibles, libraries).
• Can have a more creative design.
• Withstands heavy use.

✔ Disadvantages:

• More expensive to produce (30–100% more than paperback).
• Heavier, more difficult to transport.
• Longer production time
• Usually requires a larger number of books to be printed due to the production process.

✔ Suitable for:

• Luxury or anniversary editions
• Children's books (that can withstand the use of our little friends)
• Albums / photo books
• Collectible or limited edition books
• Gift books

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 ✔  Hardcover vs. Paperback Comparison

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Which cover should I choose? Tips depending on use

Choose a softcover if:

• You want to publish your book economically.
• You are addressing a general audience (literature, poetry).
• The goal is mass distribution or sale through bookstores.

Choose a hardcover if:

• You want to give a sense of prestige and luxury.
• It is a gift, anniversary or collector's edition.
• The content is artistic, children's, premium.

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You can see samples of our work, either through our website https://printhouse.gr/proionta..., or by visiting our store at 9 Nafpliou and 17 Petras, Kolonos – Athens. Depending on the final desired result, you can decide what you ultimately want to print. We are by your side for every printing need. Get a quote by filling out the corresponding form https://printhouse.gr/biblia-l... or via email info@printhouse.gr

What kind of paper is the inside of a book usually printed on?

The choice of paper for the inside of a book is very important and depends on:

• the type of book,
• its use, 
• the presentation style we want to achieve
• as well as the production cost

The most common choices are:
• bookpaper,
• white matte or cream
• and velvet (velvet or satin).

Let's see what each one is and how we choose:

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Main types of paper for books

Thickness – Paper Weight (grams)

Paper is measured in gsm (grams per square meter) — the higher the number, the “thicker” and “heavier” it is

How to choose the right paper for your book

1. Readability:
Ivory paper is less tiring on the eyes than white, especially for large texts.

2. Aesthetics & Feel:
A paper with a soft, natural texture makes the book “look” more quality.

3.Cost:
Plain offset is cheaper than coated or special paper.

4.Transparent or not:
If the paper is too thin, the words on the back page “show through”.
So a balance needs to be struck between thickness and cost.

Paper for literary books

Paper: Ivory / cream chamois

• Slightly yellowish, not completely white.
• Relaxes the eyes and gives a “warm” feeling.
• Considered more “literary” and aesthetically pleasing.
• Better emphasizes the black of the font without strong contrast.

Weight: 80–100 gsm
80 gsm is lightweight, economical, and sufficient for large books.
100 gsm offers a little more “body” and the back page is not visible — ideal for a more “quality” edition.

 If your book has over 300 pages, choose 80 gsm so it doesn't come out too bulky

 If it has under 250 pages, 100 gsm will look more "full" and sturdy.

 Type: Matte, uncoated paper
It has no gloss (like magazines or catalogs).
It gives a natural texture to the touch, more “human” and bookish.
Reading is relaxing and does not reflect light.

 In summary:
Ivory paper 80–100 gsm, matte (uncoated).
✅ Classic and timeless for literature
✅ Relaxes the eyes
✅ Maintains a balance of quality and cost
✅ Widely used by publishing houses

Watch our video about this category of paper

Paper for scientific book

Paper: White matte
• White paper is the standard choice for scientific, academic or technical books.
• It offers better contrast with black text and highlights tables, graphs and images.
• It gives a more “professional” and “clean” feel.

 Weight: 80–100 gsm
80 gsm paper: ideal for publications with mainly text (e.g. university textbooks).

100 gsm paper: if it contains many images, diagrams or tables — it delivers ink better and reduces “bleed-through”.

 For a more “quality” edition or reference books, 100 gsm is the most common choice.
 If it is large in volume, 80 gsm for a lighter result.

 Type: Matte, uncoated writing type or lightly coated matte
If you have mostly text, offset matte (uncoated) is sufficient — it doesn't shine and is more economical.

In Summary:
White paper 80–100 gsm, matte or slightly matte coated.
✅ Clean, professional look
✅ Ideal for tables, math, images
✅ Durable and long-lasting
✅ White tint helps to make graphs and formulas stand out
✅ Matte finish allows for easy-to-read text without reflections
✅ 100 gsm weight avoids “transparent” printing and looks professional

Watch our video about this category of paper

Paper for color printing or children's books

• coated papers with a smooth velvet feel and a soft surface on both sides.
• Usually heavier (100,115-130 gr/m²).
• Has excellent color rendering.
• Ideal for photographs, illustrations and impressive presentation.
• Adds an air of luxury to the book publication.

If you have a lot of images, the coated matte, velvet type gives clearer colors.

Watch our video about this category of paper

Practical recommendation:
For a literary or essay book, the most common and balanced choice is:
Ivory 80–90 gsm (matte, uncoated)
✅ It is easy on the eye
✅ It is not shiny
✅ The back pages are not visible
✅ It has a nice “feel” when leafing through

In conclusion:
• Novel, Essay, Poetry with impressive presentation → Bookpaper or cream paper 
• Album, Illustrated children's book, Corporate publication → Velvet
• Literary, tutorial and university textbooks → white matte or cream depending on the result we want.

Are you looking for the ideal paper for your book? Contact us for a quote. Call us at 210 5156300 or email us at info@printhouse.gr

What is the best printing size for my book;

The best book size depends on the book category and content.

Usually 14×21 cm for a novel and a book full of text.

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The choice of format for book printing is crucial, because it affects both cost and artistic book appearance, as well as readability.

1.  Most popular book sizes

• Novel/literature, 14x21 or 15x23

classic size, comfortable to read and easy to carry.

• Poetry, 13×20 or 14×21 or 17×24

a more "elegant size", leaves nice white margins.

• Essay / Scientific, 17×24 format

larger, fits more words per page, looks more "serious".

• Children's book rectangular for illustration, 20×20 or 21×28

square or large.

• Pocket book, 11×17 or 12×18 size

Ideal for low cost and portability.

Obviously, there can be book formats in custom sizes, usually with a higher printing cost.

If you do not know exactly how to convert the file you have to its most correct final size, please fill out the corresponding form for book pagination from a word file.

2. How to choose the right book size

✔ Content & category of book

• If it has a lot of text, prefer 14×21 or 15×23, because it balances readability and cost.

• If it has many images/math tables, choose a larger size (e.g. 17×24 or 21×28).

✔ Printing cost

• The larger the book, the more expensive the printing.

• Printers usually have “economical” sizes that perform best on A3 or A4 paper if it is digital printing or 61x86 or 70x100 if it is offset printing (so 14x21 or 15x23 are very efficient).

✔ Reading experience

• Readers are used to specific sizes.

• A 22×30 cm novel may seem out of place.

• Small sized books can be tiring for reading if the font is small.

• large sized books can be  uncomfortable to hold.

• 14×21 is considered to be  the “golden size”.

✔ Artistic book appearance and audience targeting

• If you are targeting a literary audience, a smaller book format looks more “classic”.

• If it is educational or academic, the larger book format looks more “professional”.

What is the ideal book size:

Best overall choice: 14×21 cm

✅ Balance of cost – book artistic appearance – readability

✅ Flexible for most book categories (novels, essays, poetry collections)

✅ Popular with publishing houses

✅More economical way of packaging and shipping

Tips before you decide

• Ask to see samples from your printer (mock ups or printed books).

• If you are self-publishing, consider the total printing cost, the category of subject your book belongs to, and the final cost you will be asked to pay.

We can discuss together what is the most suitable format for your printing and publishing work. You can find us at 210 5156300 or send us your message at info@printhouse.gr. 

Ask us for a cost estimate.

You can watch our video with the most common book size here

In the world of tourism, details make all the difference. Hotel printing plays a crucial role in the overall customer experience – from reception to check-out.

Printing Material No Hotel Should Skip

✔ Menus and Catalogs
From breakfast to room service, the right menus need to be durable, legible and stylish.

✔ Key Cards and Cases
Items that pass through the customer's hands every day. Let them be stylish and with a unified brand image.

✔ Promotional and in-room brochures
Discount cards, gift vouchers, registration forms, postcards, compliment cards and all in-room brochures should be clear and professional.

✔ Promotional Brochures
To promote internal services (spa, gym) or external partnerships (excursions, local restaurants).

Why Invest in Quality Printing
When guests see well-designed printing, they know they are in a place that respects the customer and takes care of every detail. In addition, a professional image enhances the hotel’s reputation and increases the chances of positive reviews. 

See here all the hotel printing material that we offer.

Work with Professionals

Choose a printing company that understands the needs of the tourism industry, offers durable materials, high quality printing and personalized solutions. Specialization makes the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

● What types of printing material do boutique hotels need the most?
Boutique hotels often invest in personalized details, such as personalized welcome cards or exclusive menus.
● How often should prints be updated?
At least once a year or whenever services, prices or branding change.
● Can we do eco-friendly printing?
Yes! There are many options in recyclable papers and environmentally friendly inks.

Our company is at your disposal to guide you in all of the above. 
You can watch our relevant video on what a hotel should print.

A business card is not just a small piece of paper with contact information. It is the first impression you make, it represents you when you are not present. As much as digital communications have taken over, nothing can replace the power of a well-designed and carefully designed business card.

In this guide, we'll explore step-by-step how you can design a business card that will not only represent you well but also make you stand out.

Why It's Worth Investing in a Good Business Card

We must all admit that we create an opinion by first impression. When you hand out your business card, you underline that you are professional, organized, and serious about what you do. A poorly designed business card can undermine your credibility, while a well-designed business card can win over your potential customers.

Elements That Should Not Be Missing from Any Card

✔ Logo

Your logo is your business's identity. Make sure it has high resolution, clear colors, and proper placement.

✔ Contact Information

Name, position, phone, email, website, maybe even your social media. But be careful: don't overload the design. Keep only the essentials.

✔ Suitable Paper

How you feel when you touch your card matters. Matte, glossy, embossed typing can all elevate the experience.

✔ Powerful Design

Design should be neither over the top nor boring. Think about colors, fonts, and size that express your philosophy.

Secrets for Business Cards That Make the difference

➡ Choose a Design That Suits Your Audience

Are you a lawyer? Prefer classic, serious designs. Do you have a creative profession? Dare to use colors and original sizes

➡ Use Both Sides

The back of the card is often left blank. Why not put a logo, a QR code, your card in another language e.g. English if necessary, or some additional information there?

➡ Go Vertical 

The majority use horizontal cards. You can stand out by trying the vertical format.

➡ Invest in Special Techniques

Embossing, lamination, UV coating, soft touch finish – all of these give a sense of luxury and quality.

However, if you want a truly professional result, work with a graphic design agency or with us where we can take on the design of your mock up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

● How important is the type of paper on a business card?

The type of paper is the first thing we notice when holding a business card. Good quality paper enhances the feeling of luxury and attention to detail.

● Should we include a QR code on our card?

That’s a great idea! A QR code can lead directly to your site or profile, making it easier to log in.

● What size should we choose for our card?

The classic size is 85x55 mm, but if you want to stand out, you can experiment with square or vertical designs.

● How often should we update our business card design?

Whenever your company’s information or strategy changes. But it’s a good idea to update your design every 3-5 years to keep up with new trends.

● Can we design the card ourselves?

Yes, but usually the result is better when you work with experts who know how to make the right design choices.

A business card is a small piece of paper that leaves a big impression. Invest time, thought and attention in it, and the result will reward you with new acquaintances, collaborations and professional opportunities. If you need help with design or printing, we are here to guide you!

Your file must be a high-resolution pdf.
Colour coding in cmyk, not in pantone (printing only in offset) not in RGB (they are only screen colours, so in print you will have a different colour result than on the screen).
300dpi resolution.

5mm chamfers on each side and cut points. All elements of your mock-up (lettering, photos, drawings, logos) must be placed at least 5mm through the cut points. If you want a design or photo to stand out, it should be up to 5mm. outside the cut points.
Fold points if your form folds.
All fonts and elements of your mock-up should be outlines or curves.

For offset printing, for more correct colour accuracy, we recommend printing a certified digital colour test, it only applies in the case of exclusive printing and this is because in co-printing there cannot always be colour accuracy, the tolerable margin of error in the shade of the colours of the forms that are not accompanied by a certified essay or relate to co-printing is + or - 10%.
Brochure mock-up files, when 2-sided, should be on 2 pdf pages (either separate or in the same pdf).

Request a quote from us by filling out the form here.

For the cover of a book as well as for other forms and cards, there are both plain (Velvet, Illustration) and special papers for monochrome or four-color printing such as Acquerello Avorio, Acquerello Bianco, Tintorento Guesso, Tintorento Crema and others.
Indicatively, we list some details:

Acquerello : Papers coated with excellent performance in both four-color and background printing - embossed with fine stripes on both sides. Available in two shades:

• Cream (Acquerello Avorio) in  240g
• White (Acquerello Bianco ) in  240g

Tintorento :Paper with subtle hammering on both sides. It is recommended to be used for four-color printing that do not have large backgrounds, so that the texture of the paper can be seen better. Available in two shades, Sugar (Crema) and White (Guesso) in 250 g.

Natural evolution 280 gr : Coated paper. Thanks to the special coating it has, it is ideal for four-color printing with backgrounds, with excellent color performance. Available in two shades white and ivory (very light sugar).

White matte  : Specially processed European papers for the inner of books. Most books are printed on white  matte paper. For those who want a creamy shade, there are cream papers with equally excellent print quality.

Velvet :Coated paper with a smooth velvet feel and smooth surface on both sides. It has excellent color rendering. It is mainly used in color printing.

You apply online to the national library in order to be allocated an ISBN number for the book and an ISSN number for the journal. Once the publication is complete you must send 4 copies of your book free of charge to the national library.

Please watch the short video below carefully, as it explains in detail and concisely how you can obtain an ISBN for the first edition of your book.

Detailed instructions can be found in the following file Register ISBN New Publisher

For more information visit the website: www.nlg.gr

The pdf must be of high resolution

In case of pdf from Corell, the fonts should be converted into curves.

In the case of pdf from Illustrator, the fonts should be converted into outlines.

In case of creating a pdf from Photoshop, it is more correct to work on the file in its actual size (i.e., 8x5cm or 9x5cm), at a resolution of 300dpi and in CMYK colour scale and not RGB.

Don't forget RGB colours are screen and not print. Colours should preferably be selected from a printed four-color scale. Special care should be taken when using raster. It is preferable that every colour we use is neutral, but if you want to use a certain percentage of a certain colour, it should not be less than 15%. (If your work has a grey colour, i.e. a percentage of black, it is better to come out of a four-color e.g. for 50 % black match C 20%, M 20%, Y 20%, K 30%).

Also, in digital printing we do not choose Pantone colour (for offset exclusive printing).

When 2 sides are desired, each side must be on a separate page and in the same position.

Your files should have cut points and bleed margins of at least 5mm on each side. All elements of your mock-up (lettering, photos, drawings, logos) must be placed at least 5mm through the cut points.

If you need help creating your business card, please fill out the quote request form here.

Closed pdf files do not allow interventions and corrections. If you still have the fear of the "printer's demon", we recommend checking a proof before final printing.

Watch our video about the business card and the technical points you need to pay attention to.