Quick Comparison: Best Places to Print Coloring Pages
| Place | Price/page | Cardstock? | Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Library | $0.10-$0.15 | Rarely | Instant | Budget bulk printing |
| FedEx Office | $0.15-$0.25 | Yes ($0.60-$0.80) | Same day | Quality cardstock prints |
| Staples | $0.12-$0.20 | Yes ($0.55-$0.75) | Same day | Classroom sets |
| Office Depot | $0.12-$0.20 | Yes ($0.55-$0.75) | Same day | Similar to Staples |
| Walgreens | $0.35-$0.50 | No | ~1 hour | Quick photo prints |
| CVS | $0.35-$0.50 | No | ~1 hour | Quick photo prints |
| Home (Inkjet) | $0.05-$0.08 | Yes | Instant | Convenience + cardstock |
| Home (Laser) | $0.02-$0.04 | Yes | Instant | Long-term savings |
| Shutterfly/Snapfish | $0.30-$0.50 | Yes (photo paper) | 3-7 days | Gift-quality prints |
Prices are approximate and may vary by location. Always check current pricing online before visiting.
1. Print Shops: FedEx Office, Staples, Office Depot
These are the best all-around option for printing coloring pages. They offer the widest paper selection — including cardstock — and you can upload your PDF online before visiting.
How it works:
- Go to the store's website (fedex.com, staples.com, officedepot.com)
- Upload your PDF and select Black & White printing
- Choose paper: 67 lb cardstock for markers, or 24 lb paper for crayons/pencils
- Select single-sided (double-sided causes bleed-through when coloring)
- Pick up in-store, usually within 2-4 hours
Pro tips:
- Ask for matte finish — glossy coatings repel crayon wax
- Order 10+ copies for bulk discounts at Staples/Office Depot
- FedEx Office has self-serve kiosks — faster and cheaper than full-service counter
- All three accept USB drives if you prefer not to upload online
2. Pharmacy Chains: CVS & Walgreens
CVS and Walgreens are everywhere and open late, making them convenient for last-minute printing. However, they're designed for photo printing, not document printing — quality and paper options are limited.
What to expect:
- Upload through their mobile app or website
- Select 8x10 or 8.5x11 print size
- Standard photo paper is glossy — crayons and pencils won't grip well
- If available, choose "matte finish" to improve coloring compatibility
- Pickup in about 1 hour — faster than print shops
Verdict: Good for a quick one-off print when you're in a hurry. Not recommended for classroom sets or marker coloring — the glossy paper is frustrating to color on. Stick with FedEx/Staples for serious coloring sessions.
3. Public Library: Cheapest Option
If you need to print a lot of coloring pages on a budget, libraries are unbeatable. Most charge just $0.10-$0.15 per black-and-white page — less than half the price of commercial print shops.
How it works:
- Bring your PDF on a USB drive (or email it to yourself to access from library computers)
- Ask the librarian about printing limits — some libraries cap daily prints at 20-50 pages
- Standard paper only (20 lb) — cardstock is rarely available
- Bring your own cardstock and ask if you can feed it into the printer (policies vary)
Best for: Teachers printing classroom sets, parents printing large batches for parties, anyone on a tight budget. At $0.10/page, 50 pages costs $5 — versus $10-$12.50 at FedEx.
4. Home Printing: Long-Term Best Value
For anyone who prints coloring pages regularly (teachers, homeschoolers, parents with multiple kids), home printing pays for itself within months.
Cost breakdown:
- Inkjet printers: ~$0.05-$0.08 per page in ink + $0.02 per sheet of paper = ~$0.07-$0.10 total
- Laser printers: ~$0.02 per page in toner + $0.02 per sheet = ~$0.04 total
- A $150 laser printer pays for itself after ~1,500 pages compared to print shop prices
Recommended setup for coloring pages:
- Best budget laser: Brother HL-L2300D (~$120) — monochrome laser, crisp outlines, dirt-cheap toner
- Best paper for markers: Hammermill Premium Cardstock 80 lb — no bleed-through even with Sharpies
- Best paper for crayons: Standard 20 lb copy paper — the slight tooth holds crayon wax well
See our full guide: How to Print Coloring Pages for Best Results
5. Online Printing Services
Services like Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Mpix specialize in high-quality photo prints. They're overkill for everyday coloring but great for special projects.
When to use online services:
- Gift coloring books: Upload 10-20 pages and have them printed and spiral-bound as a custom book
- Wall-sized coloring posters: Print a single design at 18x24 or 24x36 for group coloring at parties
- Professional finish: Matte cardstock from Shutterfly feels premium — good for adult coloring enthusiasts
Expect to pay $0.30-$0.50 per page plus shipping, with 3-7 day turnaround. Worth it for gifts; too slow and expensive for everyday use.
Print-Ready PDFs with PDF Agile
Combine multiple coloring pages into one print-ready PDF. Crop, rotate, and arrange pages before sending to the print shop. Free forever.
Download Free for Windows