Books come in all shapes and sizes. Some beautiful, very precious publications are printed in pocket-sized formats. But in the realm of visual expression, few things can elevate work like the scale and splendor of a large-format book. There is nothing quite like sitting down to soak in someone’s creative vision and having the pleasure of holding the work in your hands and allowing yourself to get lost in the pages at your own pace.

A large-format book isn’t just a collection of images—at its best, it can be a transformative experience, one that invites viewers to immerse themselves deeply in every frame. As you consider whether to dive into the undertaking of producing your own large-format book, we’ll walk you through their strengths as well as a few invaluable design tips that can help you harness their vast potential.

What makes large-format books stand out? 

In a world teeming with digital distractions, the physicality of a large-format book represents a bold statement as well as a welcome respite. Think of it—exquisite fashion photography laid out in all its glory: each stitch, texture, and tone rendered with stunning clarity against a spacious background. Or imagine a magnificent landscape view, nearly as inviting as the actual perspective you had when you made the picture. Ideally, your publication will make the viewer feel as if they are beholding your work in a gallery, but from the comfort of their home. 

A large-format book, whether a stunning coffee table book or a professional photography portfolio, not only shows images; it tells stories. The expansive canvas allows for intricate details to emerge, further drawing viewers into the narrative. One of the most profound powers of large-format publications lies in their ability to elicit emotion. A landscape photo that might appear as just another pretty scene on Instagram becomes transportive at 13×11 inches. Such immersive experiences provide deeper connections—a blend of art and emotion that can transcend the ordinary.

Physical presence is another essential element of large-format books. The way a hefty tome feels in your hands—the smoothness of the pages, the sturdy cover—creates an experience that digital formats simply can’t replicate. The weight of the book, combined with its size, transforms it into an artifact, a tangible anchor of thoughts, feelings, and the creative act. Holding a large-format book invites viewers to slow down, savor, and truly appreciate the work within. It’s not just something to look at; it’s something to hold onto, to inhabit, inviting you into another world.

Design tips for large-format impact

Having a large canvas to work with is a blessing, but it can also be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time working with expanded dimensions. To help get you started, we’ve put together a few pieces of advice.

Composition and layout

Spellbinding large-format images are grounded by their thoughtful composition. The history of painting has a lot of lessons to offer in this respect: hundreds of years were spent refining techniques to draw the viewer’s eye and hold their gaze. We suggest taking an afternoon to sit in the gallery with some large-format paintings to learn from others who have come before you. In addition, we recommend our very own series of videos, Image Breakdown. Over an hour, Blurb creative ambassador Dan Milnor analyzes photographs in great detail, explaining what works and what doesn’t in each composition.

A book, however, is different from a painting by virtue of the flow and sequence between images. Here’s how to make your layouts work effectively in a large-format book.

• Think in spreads: How you arrange elements side-by-side can profoundly impact how the story flows from one page to the next. Think of each spread as a stage.
• Move between composition, layout, and sequence: Just as important as individual frames are the layout and sequencing, which become vital players in your storytelling.
• Use white space thoughtfully: Negative space not only allows visuals to breathe but also creates a seamless navigation experience for readers.
• Guide the viewer’s eye: A well-thought-out layout and sequence, spread by spread and page after page, brings the reader on a dynamic journey.

Image selection and color management

When it comes to large-format printing, image quality is non-negotiable. High-resolution images are essential to ensure each detail is crisp and vivid. For large-format books, aim for images with a resolution of at least 300 ppi at print size. When in doubt, higher resolution is usually better.

Before finalizing your image selections, take the time to refine images with color corrections and appropriate sharpening (don’t overdo it, though). If you’re using Blurb’s BookWright (covered more below), the Auto Image Adjust feature offers a great gauge of how the software sees your photos. You can then adjust images that are dark or contrasted accordingly. For further tips, we’ve put together a handy image quality checklist.

In the world of print, color can be unpredictable. To make sure the results match what you had envisioned, pay close attention to color management. Make sure that your colors translate effectively from screen to print by adhering to the CMYK color mode. Careful calibration of your monitor ensures that colors appear consistent from digital design to the printed page, sparing you any last-minute surprises!  Learn more with our color calibration guide.

That being said, no matter how carefully you calibrate your screen, there is always a subtle difference in how an image will look on the page. That’s why printing and editing a proof copy is essential to assess your book’s color accuracy, image quality, text, and layout before going to final print. This step ensures that you catch any potential issues with the images or design before committing to the full production. Trust us, we’ve done this a few times before. 

How to select your large-format options

The first question you have to answer about your large-format book: landscape or square? Each format has its advantages, which we will discuss a bit more below. We will also get into different paper types and how they will reflect on your work.

Pick your size

With Blurb, as with most printers, the question of orientation is fundamental. We suggest going to a bookstore and browsing the art book section. See which books catch your eye. Hold a few and think about how they feel in your hand. Which ones are more immediately striking? Which are pleasant to linger on? A few general considerations:

• Large Landscape (13 × 11 in.): Ideal for panoramic landscapes, architectural photography, and cinematic narratives. Will stick out of a bookshelf—this can be an asset or a pain.
• Large Square (12 × 12 in.): Ideal for portraits, documentary projects, mixing text with visuals. Generally easier to pick up and hold. Won’t stand out as much on the shelf—this can be a plus or a danger!

Select your paper

Different paper types and finishes change how your visuals resonate. Glossy finishes can elevate the vibrancy of photographs, making colors pop, while a matte finish may lend a more subdued, sophisticated touch. Consider the mood of your project; the right paper not only enhances the visuals but also contributes to the tactile experience that encourages readers to engage with your book intimately. 

Here is just a brief overview of our paper choices. For a deeper dive, check out our advice on how to choose the best paper type for your book.

• ProPhoto Pearl: If you’re looking for a luxurious, high-end paper that will make your images pop and your book last for generations, proPhoto Pearl is the perfect paper type choice. Best for: photo books featuring images with warm colors and skin tones, deep blacks, and silvery greys.
• Mohawk Superfine Eggshell: Crafted to communicate elegance and refinement, Mohawk Superfine Eggshell is a heavyweight text paper with an eggshell-textured, uncoated finish. Best for: illustration, printmaking, collage, watercolor painting, or any type of fine art project.
• Premium Matte: Great for books that are more information-heavy, as the matte coating gives off very little shine in both the print and unprinted areas. Some creators use a matte finish to give work a soft, washed, somewhat chalky look. Best for: photography and art books with a gentler, more subdued feel, especially paintings and drawings.

Finish with your cover

Binding and cover options also play a crucial role in the final presentation. 

• Layflat binding: Produce seamless panoramic spreads or immersive visual experiences unbroken by the usual gutter. 
• ImageWrap hardcover: Creates an elegant package with your image printed directly on the cover for a clean, professional look.
• Dust jacket hardcover: Ensure your book stays protected while adding a traditional fine art book aesthetic.

Dive into the choices available on Blurb, and consider how they can help you realize your artistic vision. Looking for more inspiration with layflat designs? Take a look at our archive: Visions by graphic designer Jarrod Bryan, Dan Milnor’s photo book Peru, or visual artist Monica Garwood’s collection.

Additional considerations for your project

We’ve already offered some design tips and gone through format selection, paper options, and potential covers. If you’re still reading, it means you’re looking for something else. Not sure what software to use? Worried about shipping such a big book? Getting nervous about the final price tag? Read on, we’ve got you covered.

Software recommendations

When embarking on creating a large-format book, choosing the right design software is essential. Don’t worry, we’ve picked two great options for most creators.

Blurb’s own BookWright is user-friendly, free, and specifically tailored for designing and formatting books for printing with Blurb. It’s a great choice for both beginners and seasoned designers, allowing you to construct stunning layouts that bring your vision to life. For more advanced users, consider professional-grade software like Adobe InDesign. You can even use the Adobe-specific plugin and templates available for Blurb. These resources help simplify layout management, allowing you to efficiently arrange images and text while adhering to Blurb’s printing guidelines.

Shipping and display

Once your large-format book is ready for printing, don’t overlook the importance of shipping. Blurb provides protective packaging to ensure that your beautifully crafted book arrives at its destination without damage. In the case of layflat books, we even include a luxurious white box to make the experience feel extra special.

To keep your large-format book in pristine condition after it arrives, follow careful handling instructions. Always hold the book by its cover rather than the pages to avoid stress on the binding. When turning pages, do so gently to prevent tearing. If you really want to preserve its quality, use cotton gloves while handling it, especially if the book features delicate, glossy pages. This is common practice among artists, gallerists, and museum professionals.

Thinking of how to display your large-format book can further elevate your work. Consider using easels or book stands that complement your book’s aesthetic while allowing for easy viewing. Custom-built shelves can also highlight your book collection while keeping the volumes accessible and within reach. With an eye-catching display, your book can be appreciated both as a work of art and also an object that invites the viewer to become a reader.

Finally, to safeguard your large-format books from dust, moisture, and other potential damage, proper storage techniques are crucial. Store your books upright, similar to how you would with regular-sized books, to maintain their shape and spine integrity. Choosing a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight helps prevent fading and degradation. Using archival-quality protective covers can provide an additional layer of protection and preserve its beauty for years to come.

Cost-saving strategies

At first blush, a large-format book might sound like a significant financial investment and also an expensive object to sell to others. But remember, a single photography print can easily cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. A tightly edited large-format book that contains two dozen images, even at a high retail price, is a bargain compared with 24 separate prints. 

That being said, there are ways to cut costs and still enjoy a quality large-format book. First, editing is absolutely crucial when it comes to the final cost. Just as you would very carefully consider which of your images to print and frame, try applying the same rigor to your book editing process. If you attend carefully to each image and each spread, you should have absolutely no filler images, and a book with a smaller page count is more cost-effective.

Next, try playing around with different sizes and page counts with our pricing calculator. Don’t let the initial sticker price deter you from creating an ambitious, large-format masterpiece. Exploring quality yet budget-friendly paper options ensures that you can produce something beautiful that will remain accessible to a larger audience.

Conclusion: The big picture of large-format books

We get it: A large-format book is not a light undertaking. Nor should it be. But embracing the expansive power of scale will allow you to tap into the strength of your work and connect it with audiences in ways that resonate deeply, lingering long after the final page.

Whether you’re a passionate artist, a visionary photographer, or a budding designer, seize the opportunity to create a large-format book that reflects your creativity and ingenuity. With Blurb by your side, you can transform your artistic vision into a stunning reality, ready to inspire, evoke, and engage in a beautifully expansive way. Take the leap into this exciting journey, and let your creativity soar!