Digital or hardcover: which personalised book to get?
The Once Books team · 5 September 2026 · 3 min read
Every book is a digital download today, with a printed hardcover and a premium gift edition coming soon. Here’s the short version of each format, and which one will suit you when print launches.
Printed editions are coming soon. Right now every book is a high-resolution, print-ready PDF you can print yourself. Hardcover and premium editions are on the way; this guide is here so you know which to pick when they land.
Digital, if you want it tonight
A print-ready PDF and a private read-along link, available the moment you’re happy with the book. Good for reading together on a screen, or for printing yourself.
Hardcover, if it’s a keepsake
A professionally printed book on archival paper, stitched and shipped. This is the one that ends up on the shelf and gets read a hundred times.
Premium, if it’s a gift
The hardcover in a larger format, in a gift box, with a dedication page and a “created specially for…” cover. Made to be handed over.
For now you can start digital tonight and print the PDF yourself; when hardcover and premium editions launch you’ll be able to order a copy of a book you’ve already made. The current prices are on the pricing page, and if you’re still gathering photos, start with choosing the right ones.
Questions parents ask
- Can I start digital and order a hardcover later?
- Printed hardcover and premium editions are coming soon. Start with the digital download tonight, and when print launches you’ll be able to order a copy of the same book. Nothing needs redoing.
- What's the difference between the hardcover and the premium edition?
- The premium edition is the hardcover in a larger format, in a gift box, with a dedication page and a “created specially for…” cover, made to be handed over as a gift.
- How much does each format cost?
- Current prices are on the pricing page. You can start and preview any book for free, and pay only when you’re happy with it and ready to download or print.
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