FAQ
Newspaper Printing for Beginners & Professionals – Frequently Asked Questions
How can I print a PDF as a newspaper in small quantities?
Print your own PDF as a real newspaper from just 1 copy. Save your file as one complete PDF with all pages in the correct order (front page = page 1). We produce short-run newspapers in the authentic newspaper format 280 × 400 mm. If your file uses a different size (e.g. A4), we automatically scale and centre it within the print area. Use our tool to configure and print your newspaper online. Choose your quantity, paper type and number of pages. Prices update instantly. After checkout, you receive an order confirmation with an upload link to submit your PDF.
How long does delivery take for my custom newspaper?
Delivery for personalised newspapers and magazines in short runs takes around 6-8 working days within the UK. You can add our express option at checkout to reduce delivery to 4 working days. We also deliver to Switzerland. Together with our logistics partner, we handle all customs and import processes. Delivery to Switzerland takes approx. 7–9 working days. For offset printing projects, we offer tailored scheduling. Use our contact form to coordinate file submission, production and delivery with our print experts.
How much does it cost to print a newspaper?
The price depends on quantity, format, number of pages and paper type. Newspaper printing in 280 × 400 mm starts from under £30 gross. For example, a single copy with 8 pages on 60 gsm newsprint costs £25.97 net. The more copies you order, the lower the price per unit. 100 copies (8 pages, 60 gsm) cost £122.04 net in total, which is £1.20 net per copy. Find more details and price tables here: Newspaper printing costs explained.
What formats are available for newspaper printing?
We print newspapers in short runs in the typical newspaper format 280 × 400 mm (similar to A3). For offset printing from 2,000 copies, you can choose from a wide range of classic broadsheet and tabloid formats. This includes the popular Berliner format (Broadsheet: 310 × 480 mm // Tabloid: 240 × 310 mm). We also offer additional in-house formats used by FUNKE Mediengruppe newspapers, such as the WAZ format and the Braunschweig format.
Which paper should I choose for authentic newspaper printing?
For authentic newspaper printing, choose uncoated, slightly grey paper with a low weight. Newsprint typically ranges from 42 to 60 gsm. It feels lightweight, has a subtle grey tone and produces the classic newspaper sound when turning pages. These features create the familiar look and feel. It is also very cost-effective. Our digital newspaper printing starts from 49 gsm up to 90 gsm. As a rule: the lower the weight, the more authentic the newspaper feel. For the best result, choose 49–60 gsm. If you prefer more durability or print many images, 80–90 gsm is ideal, as it reduces show-through.
How many pages can my newspaper have?
Depending on your chosen paper, we print newspapers with 4 to 60 pages. The total number of pages must be divisible by 4. The front and back pages are included. If your page count is not divisible by 4, please add blank pages or adjust your layout. We print pages in sets of four and assemble them in the correct reading order without staples – just like a traditional newspaper. With offset printing from 2,000 copies, larger page counts of up to 96 pages are also possible, depending on the format.
In what order should my newspaper pages be arranged?
Please provide one complete PDF with all pages in the correct reading order: front page = page 1, followed by page 2 through to the last page. Use a consistent portrait format throughout. We handle page imposition automatically during production. Please avoid the following:
❌ Saving your newspaper in multiple PDF files
❌ Creating spreads or printer’s sheets instead of single pages
❌ Mixing different page sizes in one PDF
❌ Using landscape pages
Which colour profile should I use for newspaper printing?
For short-run newspaper printing, we recommend the FOGRA39 colour profile. It ensures consistent and high-quality colour results. You can download it here: Download FOGRA39 colour profile. For offset newspaper printing from 2,000 copies, we use ISOnewspaper26v4. Download it here: Download ISOnewspaper26v4 colour profile. Please supply your offset print files in CMYK and embed the selected profile in your PDF. Learn more in our print glossary: Colour profiles explained.
Can I get a sample copy or proof before printing my newspaper?
Yes, you can request a printed proof copy. We will credit the cost if your follow-up order reaches at least £300 gross. Interested? Contact us via our contact form. For short-run newspapers, an automatic print data check reviews your file before upload (page size, format, page count, font embedding). You can test your PDF in advance here: Check your print data now. For offset printing from 2,000 copies, our prepress team reviews your files in detail. If needed, you will receive quick and expert feedback.
When and how do I upload my print files?
Upload your print files after completing your order. First, add your product to the basket and finish the online checkout. You will then receive an order confirmation by email with an upload link. Click the link and upload your PDF print file. An automatic file check starts after upload. If everything is correct, you receive a confirmation and production begins.
What is the type area in newspaper printing?
The type area is the usable print and layout area of a newspaper page. In our digital newspaper printing from 1 copy (format: 280 × 400 mm), the type area is 251 × 370 mm. No bleed is required. Place headlines, images and page numbers within this area and avoid elements too close to the edges. Most newspapers use 3–5 columns per page for a classic layout. If your file uses a different format, we automatically centre it within the maximum print area. In offset printing from 2,000 copies, the type area depends on the selected format (broadsheet or tabloid).
Which printer is used for newspaper printing?
We use different types of printers depending on the print run. For single copies and small print runs, we use a modern inkjet digital printing system. This allows us to print newspapers from just 1 copy in 280 × 400 mm format on 49–90 gsm paper with 4–60 pages. It is fast and delivers sharp, high-quality results. Learn more about our digital newspaper printing. For larger print runs from 2,000 copies, we use industrial web offset printing (coldset presses). This is the standard newspaper printing system used for high-volume production. You can choose classic broadsheet and tabloid formats. We print on lightweight 42–52 gsm newsprint, which is highly cost-efficient for large quantities. The ink dries by absorption into the paper, creating a more matte and authentic newspaper finish. Discover all options here: offset newspaper printing for large runs
How do I optimise images for newspaper printing?
For digital newspaper printing from 1 copy (Smartpaper One): Use the CMYK colour space. Spot colours are not suitable. We recommend an image resolution of at least 140 dpi, which is sufficient for newsprint. Keep total ink coverage low depending on the paper: up to 190% for 49/60/80 gsm and up to 250% for 90 gsm. Higher ink levels are automatically reduced during production. Avoid very dark shadows. Slightly brighten midtones and apply moderate sharpening to keep faces natural.
For offset printing from 2,000 copies: Prepare images at approx. 240 dpi (ideally up to 1,200 dpi) at final size, in CMYK only. Use the ISOnewspaper26v4 profile and limit total ink coverage to 240%. Allow for dot gain by slightly reducing saturation in very dark areas. Greyscale images should be supplied as pure black (K channel). Avoid fine reversed text on dark images and ensure lines are thick enough. This ensures stable, readable results with a classic newspaper look.
Which software can I use to create a newspaper?
Depending on your experience, you can create your newspaper using either online software or professional layout programs.
Online Designer Smartpaper24: In our partner shop Smartpaper24, you can design your newspaper directly online. No installation is required. The ready-made templates give you creative newspaper layouts where you simply add your own text and images. After just a few clicks, your newspaper is ready for print. Perfect for beginners and fast results without design skills. Try the tool here: Discover online designer templates (Smartpaper24).
Canva: Easy drag-and-drop design with many creative elements and simple image editing. Our ready-made layouts make it easy to get started: Canva newspaper templates. At the end, simply export a print-ready PDF file.
InDesign: Full control over columns, typography and complex layouts. The first choice for professionals and agencies. With our free templates, you can set up your newspaper grid in minutes: Free InDesign templates.
Our recommendation:
For a fast and guided start → Smartpaper24 online designer.
For creative design without professional setup → Canva.
For advanced layouts and large projects → InDesign (licence required).
