Printing and coloring guide
How to print the free pages, which paper and pens work well, and how the pages may be used at home, in classrooms and with groups.
Bold and easy coloring
What are bold and easy coloring pages?
Bold and easy coloring pages use thick outlines, large open shapes and very little fine detail. One clear subject fills most of the page. They are quicker and less tiring to color than intricate designs, and they suit markers well. Every page on this site is drawn in that style.
Who are bold and easy coloring pages for?
Anyone who prefers simple pictures to tiny details. That includes young children, adult beginners, people who want a relaxing page they can finish in one sitting, and older adults or anyone who finds small spaces hard to see or hard to color.
Are bold and easy coloring books just for kids?
No. Subjects such as flowers, mandalas, cottages and desserts are chosen to appeal to adults, and the simple style is the point: a page that is relaxing instead of fiddly. Children enjoy them too, because the big shapes are easy to color.
Printing
How do I print a coloring page?
Open the page you want and choose "Print this page (PDF)". The PDF opens in your browser; choose Print and select US Letter or A4 paper. Set scaling to "fit" or "fit to printable area" so nothing is cut off, and print in black and white. If the lines look gray, switch print quality from draft to normal or best.
Can I print these coloring pages on A4 paper?
Yes. The PDFs are sized for US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), which is close to A4. Choose "fit" or "scale to fit paper" in your print settings and the whole design will print on A4 with slightly different margins. No part of the picture will be lost.
Do I need a color printer?
No. The pages are black line art, so any black-and-white inkjet or laser printer works. If you use an inkjet, let the page dry for a minute before coloring with markers or paint.
I do not have a printer. How can I print coloring pages?
Save the PDF to your phone or a USB stick and print it at a public library or a copy shop. Many libraries offer low-cost printing. You can also color the image on a tablet instead.
Can I resize a page to make a card or a poster?
Yes. In the print dialog, use "multiple pages per sheet" to print two or four small copies for cards, or set a custom scale. A half-size page folds neatly into a card. Because the PDF is line art, it stays sharp when a copy shop prints it larger.
What is the difference between the PDF and the PNG image?
The PDF is made for printing: it keeps the page size and margins correct and prints sharp lines. The PNG is the preview image on each page, which is useful for coloring on a tablet in a drawing app. For paper, choose the PDF.
Can I color these pages on an iPad or tablet?
Yes. Save the PNG image from the coloring page, or open the PDF, and import it into a drawing app that supports layers. Put the line art on the top layer with its blend mode set to "multiply" and color on a layer beneath, so the black lines stay crisp over your colors.
Paper and pens
What paper is best for printing coloring pages?
Ordinary 20 lb (75 to 80 gsm) printer paper is fine for crayons and colored pencils. For markers, heavier paper such as 28 to 32 lb (105 to 120 gsm) or light cardstock resists bleed-through and feels sturdier. Check that your printer accepts cardstock before loading it.
Markers, colored pencils or crayons?
All three work. Markers give flat, bright color and cover large shapes quickly, which suits this style. Colored pencils are better for shading and blending. Crayons are the easiest choice for young children. Use whatever is comfortable to hold.
How do I stop markers bleeding through the page?
Print on heavier paper, print on one side only, and place a spare sheet or piece of card under the page while coloring. Water-based markers bleed less than alcohol markers.
Why are the books printed on one side only?
Our paperback coloring books place one design per sheet with the back left blank, so markers that soak through do not spoil another picture and finished pages can be cut out and displayed. A spare sheet behind the page is still a good idea.
Classrooms, groups and seniors
Can I use the free pages in a classroom, library or care home?
Yes. You may print as many copies as you need for personal use, classrooms, libraries, churches, senior centers and care homes. Please do not resell the pages, upload the files to other websites, or use them in products for sale. Linking to a page on this site is the best way to share it.
What kind of coloring pages are best for seniors?
Look for thick dark outlines, large spaces, and one clear, familiar subject per page, such as flowers, animals, cottages or holiday scenes. Pages that are simple but not childish in subject tend to be well received. The large print pages for seniors are chosen on that basis.
Are these pages suitable for people living with dementia?
Caregivers often choose simple pages with bold lines, one large recognizable subject and few sections, and many of our pages fit that description. Coloring is an activity, not a treatment, and we make no health claims about it. Familiar themes such as flowers, pets, food and holidays can be good conversation starters. There is no right result; the aim is an enjoyable, unhurried activity.
What coloring tools are easier to hold with a weak grip?
Many people find thicker tools more comfortable: chunky markers, jumbo crayons, triangular pencils or ordinary pencils fitted with a soft foam grip. Markers need less pressure than pencils. Everyone is different, so try a few options.
Are simple coloring pages good for toddlers and preschoolers?
Young children usually do best with big shapes and thick lines, because they are still learning to control a crayon. Staying inside the lines is not the goal at this age. Offer chunky crayons or washable markers, and supervise young children with art supplies.
The books
When will the books be available?
The paperback coloring books are coming soon to Amazon. Until then, each book page on this site shows the cover, what is inside, and the free sample pages you can print now.