How I Make Bookmarks ✨

💡Quick summary: My beginner-friendly bookmark workflow, from prepping the file to printing, cutting, and packaging.

What you’ll need (supplies)

• Grab a bookmark design file (I format mine at 2.5 x 7 inches)

• Computer + design software (I use Adobe Illustrator)

• Printer (any good home printer works—settings matter more than people think)

• A4 photo paper (glossy or matte)

  • I personally like Teckwrap photo paper because it prints really clean for me

• Cutting tools

  • Paper trimmer or craft knife + metal ruler

  • Corner cutter (for rounded corners)

• Optional upgrades

  • Laminating film (adds thickness + durability)

  • Backing card + sleeve + any branded packaging touches

Step-by-step: Let’s Make Handmade Bookmarks

1) Download the design + make it print-ready

• Download your bookmark file and double-check it’s the correct size (for me: 2.5 x 7 inches).

• If you’re using multiple bookmarks on one sheet, set up an A4 artboard and place them with consistent spacing.

2) Open your file in your editor (Illustrator)

• Open Adobe Illustrator (or your program of choice)

• Place the design and confirm the size one last time.

• Do a quick visual check for:

  • alignment

  • borders

  • any text that’s too close to the edge (give yourself a little “breathing room”)

3) Print using high-quality settings

• Load your A4 photo paper (glossy or matte—your choice).

• In your print settings, choose:

  • Best/High quality (or the highest quality available)

  • The correct paper type (photo paper if your printer has that option)

  • Scale = 100% / Actual size (avoid “Fit to page” unless you want it resized)

• Print a test sheet first if you’re trying a new paper or new settings.

4) Optional: add laminating film for durability

• If I’m going for a sturdier, longer-lasting bookmark, I’ll add laminating film.

• If I’m doing a quick homemade batch, I sometimes skip this—totally depends on the vibe and how fast I want to finish.

5) Cut + trim the edges

• Trim the sheet into individual bookmarks.

• Take your time here—the cleaner the cut, the more “store-bought” it looks.

6) Round the corners

• Use a corner cutter to round all corners.

• This is a small detail that instantly makes the bookmark feel more polished.

7) Package it up

• Add your packaging (backing card, sleeve, branding, etc.).

  • Download my bookmark backing card design

• This is where it becomes a full product experience, not just a printed piece of paper.

Beginner tips (so you don’t waste paper)

• Always test print before doing a full batch.

• If something looks slightly “off,” check print scaling first (it’s usually the culprit).

• Keep a tiny “print log” (paper type + quality settings) once you find a combo settings that looks perfect for you.