We recommend checking your book or wall calendar with a sample book or test print before starting final production. This gives you a realistic impression of the printed result and allows you to make sure that the colours, images, paper and finishing meet your expectations.
This additional step is particularly worthwhile for larger orders. We strongly recommend ordering a sample book for orders of 20 books or more, ideally even before reaching this quantity. All our editors allow you to order a single copy. This gives you the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments before the entire order goes into production.
Why can the printed result differ from what you see on screen?
What you see on your screen does not always match the final printed result. Colours, brightness and contrast can appear differently depending on the monitor, smartphone or tablet you use. Uncalibrated screens, in particular, may display colours that differ significantly from how they will look in print.
The type of paper, printing process and materials also influence how images and colours appear. A digital preview can only partially reproduce these factors. A test print or sample book is therefore the most reliable way to assess the final result.
Free A4 test booklet to check colours and images
If you mainly want to check how the colours in your photos will look when printed, we are happy to provide you with a free 16-page A4 test booklet.
This test print is particularly useful for smaller orders or if you are unsure about certain images. For example, you can place the same photo several times and apply different adjustments to compare the results:
- with and without image optimisation
- with different brightness or contrast settings
- with different colour corrections
- with different image edits
This allows you to compare the different versions directly and see which one looks best in print. The test booklet is also ideal if you are unsure whether to enable our automatic image optimisation.
Since uncalibrated screens often display colours and contrast differently from professional printing, a test print is the most reliable way to evaluate how your photos will look before placing your final order.
To request your free test booklet, simply contact our customer service team at service@bookfactory.ch.
When should you order a sample book?
While the test booklet is mainly intended for checking images and colours, a sample book gives you a realistic impression of the entire finished product.
You can check aspects such as:
- print quality and colour reproduction
- paper quality and texture
- format and page layout
- binding and finishing
- readability of text and fonts
- how images look in the finished book
A sample book provides additional reassurance, especially for larger orders. That is why we recommend ordering a sample book for orders of 20 books or more, ideally even for smaller quantities. You can easily order a single copy using any of our editors.
Is a sample book or test print mandatory?
No. Ordering a sample book or test print is entirely optional. You can, of course, have your books printed directly without ordering a sample first.
However, please be aware that if you choose not to order a test print, your entire order will be produced directly from the print files you provide. Colours, image appearance, paper and finishing can then only be assessed once the products are completed. At this stage, it is no longer possible to make any adjustments.
Please note that we will, of course, reprint books if there are production or manufacturing defects. However, design, content or file errors in the supplied print files are not considered production defects and therefore do not qualify for a free reprint.
This is precisely why we recommend ordering a sample book before production, particularly for larger quantities. It allows you to make sure that the finished book meets your expectations and prevents an overlooked mistake from appearing in every copy.
Our recommendation
A test print helps you evaluate your images, colours and the overall appearance of your photos under real printing conditions. For smaller orders or simply checking colour reproduction, the free A4 test booklet is often the ideal solution.
For larger orders, however, we recommend a sample book, as it allows you to check the complete finished product before production begins. This way, you can make sure your book turns out exactly as you imagined and avoid unpleasant surprises after printing.
