If you’ve chosen to print on our uncoated offset paper, you’ll have one more decision to make. Paper color is a simple but impactful way to customize how your book looks and feels.

At PufferPrint, we offer two standard offset paper colors—white and cream (sometimes called “off-white”). Each brings its own personality to the page, and while neither is better than the other, one may be a better fit depending on your book’s genre and content.

White – Best for Business Books and Color Illustrations

White paper gives books a clean, bright, and modern feel. It creates strong contrast between the text and the page and helps details stand out. It’s also the the go-to choice for any book with color illustrations or artwork.

Pros:

• Higher contrast makes for sharp, easy-to-read text (great for detailed layouts and smaller text)
• Illustrations and artwork appear brighter with more accurate color representation

Cons:

• May cause eye fatigue for some readers
• Can feel stark or clinical for long-form reading (not as cozy or “bookish” as cream paper)

Best For:

• Textbooks, business books, how-to, self-help, instructional books and manuals.
• Any book with full color artwork or illustrations—fine art and photography books, cookbooks, children’s books, etc.

White paper is a great option when clarity and visual impact are part of the design.

Cream (off-white) – Best for Traditional Novels

Cream or off-white paper has a warmer, softer tone that feels more traditional and reading-friendly. It subtly changes the mood of the book without being distracting.

Why authors choose it:

• Easier on the eyes, especially for long reads
• Gives books a classic, timeless look
• Adds warmth to text-focused layouts

Considerations:

• Slightly less contrast than white paper
• Color illustrations can look a bit muted

Often used for:

• Trade paperbacks and hardcover novels
• Books with all black and white interiors (no color illustrations or artwork)
• Literary fiction, memoirs, poetry collections, narrative nonfiction, etc.

Cream paper is popular for books where the reading experience itself is the main focus.

A Simple Customization Choice with PufferPrint

At PufferPrint, choosing between white and cream paper is just one more way to tailor your book to your audience. Both options are widely used—the difference is the feel you want when someone opens your book for the first time.

Not sure which direction to go? We’re always happy to help you think through how paper color fits into the overall design of your project.