A Guide to Printing Your 'Soulful Mantra' Journal

Step 1: Choose Your Paper

The paper you choose will define the "feel" of your journal.

  • For the Inside Pages:

    • Weight: Standard printer paper (around 80 gsm / 20 lb) is thin, and ink may "ghost" (show through).

    • We recommend: A slightly thicker paper, 100-120 gsm (28-32 lb), is ideal for journaling. This gives your pages a premium, durable feel and works well with most pens.

    • Color: Bright white paper will make any colors in your design "pop." A cream or off-white paper will give your journal a softer, warmer, and more "soulful" vintage feel.

  • For the Cover (If printing separately):

    • Use a heavyweight cardstock, at least 200 gsm (65-110 lb).

    • A matte or satin cardstock looks professional and feels great.

 

Step 2: Print Your Pages

You have two main options for printing:

  • At Home:

    • Printer: Any standard Inkjet or Laser printer will work. Inkjet is often better for rich, colorful designs.

    • The Most Important Setting: In your printer settings, look for "Scale" or "Sizing." You must select "100%" or "Actual Size." Do not select "Fit to Page," as this will resize and misalign your journal pages.

    • Quality: Set your print quality to "Best" or "High."

    • Double-Sided (Duplex) Printing: If your journal is designed to be double-sided, select the "Print on Both Sides" option. Be sure to choose "Flip on Long Edge" for portrait-oriented pages.

    • ⭐ Pro Tip: Always print 1-2 test pages first to make sure the alignment and quality are just right before printing the entire journal.

  • At a Professional Print Shop:

    • This is the easiest, most reliable option for a high-quality finish.

    • Simply take the PDF file to a local print shop on a USB drive or send through email or WhatsApp.

    • Tell them your paper preferences (from Step 1) and ask them to print and bind it for you.

 

Step 3: Create Your Cover

Give your journal a cover that protects it and feels special.

  • Option 1: Laminated Cardstock: This is the most durable option. Print your cover design on cardstock and have it laminated (at home or at a print shop).

  • Option 2: Clear Report Cover: Use a clear or frosted plastic report cover (available at office supply stores) as your front and back cover. This protects your first page and adds sturdiness.

  • Option 3: Simple Cardstock: Just use a sheet of heavy cardstock (as mentioned in Step 1) as your front and back cover. This is simple, minimalist, and beautiful.

 

Step 4: Bind Your Journal

This is the final step to bring it all together!

  • Easiest (Reusable): The Binder

    • Use a standard 3-ring binder or a disc-bound system (like The Happy Planner or Arc systems).

    • You will just need a hole-punch or a special disc-bound punch.

    • Pro: You can easily add, remove, and reorganize pages.

  • Most Professional: Spiral/Coil Binding

    • This is our top recommendation for a "classic" journal feel.

    • A print shop can do this for you quickly and affordably. They will punch the pages and add a plastic coil or metal spiral.

    • Pro: The journal lays perfectly flat when open.

  • The "Soulful" DIY: Hand-Sewn

    • For a truly personal touch, you can hand-bind your journal.

    • Fold your pages into small groups (called "signatures") and use a needle and thread.

    • Pro: It's a beautiful, mindful craft.

    • How: Search YouTube for "DIY pamphlet stitch" (for a simple journal) or "coptic stitch" (for a more complex book)

 

Enjoy the process of creating your journal! We'd love to see your final creation—feel free to tag us on social media!