How to Print an eBook
Yes, you can get an eBook printed and bound. Convert the eBook file to a PDF, check that margins are wide enough for binding, then upload to a print-on-demand service like Printster. Choose a binding style (spiral, perfect bound, or hardcover) and the book is delivered to your door.
Many readers find that working from a physical copy of a long eBook — a programming guide, a textbook, a research monograph — is far more comfortable than staring at a screen for hours. Annotations in the margins, quick flipping between chapters, and reduced eye strain all make a printed copy worth having. The process is straightforward: convert the eBook to a print-ready PDF, adjust margins and font size if needed, and place an order with an online print service. Printster lets you upload the PDF, choose paper weight, colour or B&W, and a binding style, then delivers a professionally finished book to your address across India. This guide covers every step from file preparation to final delivery.
Step 1 — Convert Your eBook to a Print-Ready PDF
Most eBooks come as EPUB, MOBI, AZW (Kindle), or PDF. PDFs are the easiest — upload directly. For other formats:
- EPUB / MOBI → PDF: Use Calibre (free, open-source) to convert. Go to Convert Books, set output format to PDF, and under Page Setup choose A4 or A5 page size.
- Kindle (AZW): If you own the eBook on Amazon, use the Kindle app to read it, then check whether the publisher allows printing. Alternatively, many technical books are available as DRM-free PDFs directly from publishers like O'Reilly or Packt.
After conversion, open the PDF and check: are margins at least 15 mm on all sides? Is the font size 10–12 pt and readable? For perfect or hardcover binding, the inner (gutter) margin should be at least 20 mm.
Step 2 — Choose Paper and Print Options
- Paper size: A4 is standard for most books. If the eBook was formatted for a smaller trim size (like 6" × 9"), printing on A4 may leave large margins — which is fine for readability.
- B&W or colour: Most text-only eBooks print beautifully in B&W from ₹0.55/page, keeping costs low even for a 400-page book. Programming books with syntax-highlighted code or illustrated guides benefit from colour printing.
- Paper weight: 80 GSM is standard and feels good in hand. 70 GSM is lighter and cheaper for very thick books.
Step 3 — Choose a Binding
| Binding | Best for | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Spiral / Wiro | Short to medium eBooks; lay-flat use | from ₹35 |
| Perfect bound (glue) | Novel-length or reference books | from ₹110 |
| Hardcover | Books you want to keep long-term | Higher; see price calculator |
| Saddle-stitch | Short eBooks up to ~60 pages | Economical |
For anything over 300 pages, perfect binding or hardcover gives a durable, book-like result.
Step 4 — Order on Printster
Upload your PDF at printster.in, select your options, and use the live price calculator to see the total before paying. Payment is via UPI, card, or net banking. Delivery takes 4–7 working days in Delhi NCR and 7–10 working days elsewhere in India. Add 1–2 days for hard or perfect binding.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is it legal to print an eBook I own?
- It depends on the eBook's licence. Many DRM-free technical books (O'Reilly, Packt, etc.) explicitly permit personal printing. Books purchased on Kindle or other DRM-protected platforms typically restrict printing. Always check the licence or terms before printing a third-party eBook.
- What is the cheapest way to print a long eBook?
- B&W duplex (double-sided) printing on 70 GSM paper with perfect binding is the most economical option for a 300+ page eBook. At ₹0.55/page B&W, a 400-page book costs around ₹110 for printing alone, plus binding. Check the Printster price calculator for an exact quote.
- Can I print an A5-sized eBook?
- Yes. When converting to PDF, set the page size to A5 in Calibre or your PDF export tool. Printster can print on A5 paper. Confirm A5 is available as a paper size option when placing your order.
- How do I convert an EPUB to PDF on a phone?
- On Android, use an app like ReadEra or eBook Converter to open the EPUB and export as PDF. On iPhone, the Books app can open EPUBs; sharing to 'Print' and saving as PDF from the print preview is a common workaround. For best formatting control, use Calibre on a desktop.
- How long does Printster take to deliver a printed eBook?
- Delhi NCR: 4–7 working days. All other cities in India: 7–10 working days. Binding (perfect or hardcover) adds 1–2 days. Delivery is counted from the next working day after your order is confirmed.
- Can I get a colour printed eBook with a colour cover and B&W inside pages?
- Yes. Printster supports a colour cover printed separately combined with B&W interior pages. This is a popular option for textbooks and technical manuals — it looks professional and costs significantly less than full colour throughout.