From PDF to Paperback: How a Python Script Enables DIY Book Printing

In an era of digital overload, developer Rik Huijzer encountered a tangible problem: the frustrating lag between writing a book and receiving physical feedback copies from print shops. His solution? A remarkably accessible DIY book-printing workflow powered by Python and basic hardware—turning A4 paper into professional-bound books for just €0.80 each.

The Analog Revival in a Digital Age

Huijzer's quest began with a realization: while digital content vanishes rapidly (social media ephemera, dead links, or corrupted backups), physical books endure. As he notes:

"What is the chance that your social media posts, your backup disk, or your website are still available in 50 years? Not so high I'd guess... A book will probably still be around."

His approach required only:

• A standard printer
• A4 paper & cardboard (300 g/m² for covers)
• Glue
• A €28 paper cutter

The Python-Powered Print Engine

The core innovation lies in Huijzer's Python script, which restructures PDFs for booklet printing using PyPDF. For printers lacking duplex capabilities, it generates two separate PDFs:

1. front.pdf for odd pages
2. back.pdf for even pages

The script intelligently handles page rearrangement, blank inserts for odd-numbered documents, and scaling for A5 booklet formatting:

import os
from pypdf import PdfReader, PdfWriter, PageObject, PaperSize
from pypdf import Transformation

def join_pages(left: PageObject, right: PageObject):
    new = PageObject.create_blank_page(
        width=PaperSize.A4.height, 
        height=PaperSize.A4.width
    )
    scale_page(right)
    new.merge_page(right)
    op = Transformation().translate(tx=PaperSize.A4.height / 2, ty=0)
    new.add_transformation(op)
    scale_page(left)
    new.merge_page(left)
    return new

Key script functions handle page scaling, transformation, and merging for booklet imposition.

The Physical Workflow

1. Print: Output front.pdf, flip the stack, then print back.pdf
2. Cut: Slice pages vertically using a manual cutter (10-sheet batches)
3. Collate: Arrange left/right page stacks
4. Bind: Fold cover around spine, glue inner margin, and press pages into place

Why Developers Should Care

• Preservation: Physical copies resist digital obsolescence
• Prototyping: Instant feedback loops for technical documentation or manuals
• Cost Efficiency: 125-page books for <€1 vs. commercial printing
• Customization: Full control over formatting via code (Huijzer used Typst)

Refinements & Tradeoffs

While functional, Huijzer notes limitations: bleed-through on standard paper, cover curling, and imperfect alignment without a professional stack cutter. Yet for technical manuscripts, documentation, or archival projects, this approach democratizes publishing—transforming digital creations into permanent artifacts.

Source: huijzer.xyz