Tips for Printing Outdoor Field Guides and Field Manuals
![A man reading a field guide in the woods](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/900x633/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_567811667.png)
Field Guides and Field Manuals
are reference books designed for outdoor use. Because these books share some
similarities, it is common for the terms "field guide" and "field manual" to be
used interchangeably. However, though both are used out of doors, field guides
and field manuals are usually meant for different purposes.
![A hand pointing to a page in a field guide about birds](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_494696113.png)
Field Guides
Field Guides are commonly used to help identify animals and plants,
as well as rocks, seashells, and other objects found in nature. As such, field
guides contain photos and/or detailed illustrations, as well as thorough
descriptions and habitat information for the subjects on which they focus.
Field guide topics are as varied as nature itself, and include
birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, wildflowers, trees, mushrooms, rocks,
seashells, fossils, constellations, and other things found in the natural
world.
Field guides can be general in scope, or they can focus on a
specific group of organisms or objects. They can also cover a wide geographical
area or be limited to a particular locale or region. Whichever approach is
used, field guides provide a great resource for learning about nature, whether performing
scientific research or simply having fun exploring the living world.
Field Manuals
Whereas field guides provide
users with information about various creatures, plants, or objects, a Field
Manual is a book of instructions or procedures intended to help users accomplish
various tasks while in the great outdoors.
For example, a field manual might
address topics related to surviving in the wilderness, such as foraging for edible plants, trapping wild animals, or making a shelter. Field manuals
can also focus on various recreational activities such as camping, fishing, or hunting, thereby providing instructions for cooking over a fire, tying knots, dressing
wild game, etc.
Since the outdoors can be unpredictable, or even perilous, other popular topics for field manuals include terrain navigation, dealing with
extreme temperatures, first aid, and emergency preparedness.
![A young girl looking at a butterfly field guide](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_443319174.png)
Tips for Printing Books to be used Outdoors
Whether you are planning to print field guides or field
manuals, here are some important things to consider when creating books for
outdoor use:
Size - Since the
books will be used in an outdoor environment, they are likely to be carried in
a backpack, gear bag, or pocket. As such, it is important to choose a size that
is convenient to transport - such as 3.5" x 5", 4" x 6", 5" x 7", or 5.5" x 8.5".
Even though the overall dimensions of the book should be on the smaller side,
the font used for the text copy should remain at a size that is easy to read.
Durability - To
help the book stand up to rough handling or rugged terrain, consider using a thicker
paper stock for the cover and pages. Also, rounding the corners of the book can
help it slide into a pocket or backpack without snagging. This prevents the cover
and pages from becoming bent and dog-eared, thus maintaining the book's appearance
and prolonging its lifespan.
Weather Resistance -
Because outdoor books might come in contact with dirt and/or moisture, it is recommended
that the cover and pages have some type of protective coating applied, such as
a UV coating or a clear laminate film. However, a protective coating is not
recommended for pages that will need to be written upon, such as pages designated
for field notes. Though it costs a little more, synthetic paper is an ideal substrate
for field guides and field manuals. Synthetic paper is a plastic-like material that
not only resists grime and moisture, it can be written upon with pen or pencil.
Clarity - Nature
is largely unpredictable, so one never knows what the weather or lighting conditions
will be like when a field guide or manual needs to be referenced by the user. Hence, the content within the book should have good contrast and readability. All photos and illustrations should be clear and sharp. Also, the headings, subheadings, and text should be concise and easy to understand. By the way,
if a protective UV coating or laminate is used, consider a matte finish to
minimize glare from sunlight.
Binding Style - Choose a binding style that is hard-wearing and user friendly. Perfect binding with PUR glue is a very strong and flexible option for binding softcover books. Hardcover binding is durable, but its bulk and rigidity can affect its portability. Spiral coil binding is very resilient and the most user-friendly binding option. The plastic binding coils are not only waterproof, they allow the cover and pages to open a full 360 degrees for easy referencing. By the way, if you are looking to create the ultimate outdoor book, synthetic paper bound with a plastic coil provides the ideal solution. The book will be completely waterproof, dirt/mud resistant, and very easy to use in the field.
![A woman in a pith helmet reading a field manual](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_615081654.png)
Field guides and field manuals provide quick and accurate information
for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. They are also very reliable. Unlike
digital devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops, printed books do not rely
on batteries or a broadcast signal to function.
Ready to Print your Field Guide or Field Manual? Color Vision is here to Help!
Field Guides and Field Manuals are valuable resources for interacting
with the natural world. So when your books are ready to go to print, just give us a
call at 800-543-6299 and we'll be happy to help.
Or, use our simple Quote Request form to forward
your specifications to us and we will send you a quote by email.
Color Vision has been printing all types of books and booklets for decades, so if you are looking for affordable printing and binding services don't hesitate to get in touch.
As always, we look forward to assisting you!
Related Articles
![Colorful Wire-O binding spines and Colorful Spiral binding spines](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_514748069.png)
What is the Difference Between Wire-O and Spiral Binding?
Read This Article
![Page spread of a graphic novel](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_695027516.png)
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Graphic Novels
Read This Article
![A stack of custom printed booklets](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_290861925.png)
Custom Booklet Printing: What are Common Booklet Sizes?
Read This Article
![Stacks of page blocks in a print facility ready to be Perfect Bound](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_871098779.png)
Custom Book Printing: Can I Print a Book without Publishing?
Read This Article
![A print shop worker binding a short run of books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_634926339.png)
Short Run Book Printing: The Gateway to Self-Publishing
Read This Article
![Softcover books moving on a conveyor belt in a book manufacturing facility](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_747208499.png)
The Cost of Book Printing: Which Factors affect it the Most?
Read This Article
![A man reading a field guide in the woods](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_572337526.png)
Tips for Printing Outdoor Field Guides and Field Manuals
Read This Article
![The gutter area of a book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_768925941.png)
What is the Gutter of a Book?
Read This Article
![Young female student writes in a workbook](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_360596683.png)
Student Workbook Printing: Choosing the Best Binding Style
Read This Article
![A press operator working in a printing factory](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_661281107.png)
Self-Publishing a Book: How to Choose a Printing Company
Read This Article
![A man holding an open book over two stacks of books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_783626863.png)
Perfect Bound Book Printing: 7 Reasons to Bind with PUR Glue
Read This Article
![A stack of colorful Comic Books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_736335967.png)
Comic Book Binding: Exploring the Two Most Popular Methods
Read This Article
![A spelling error being circled in red while Proofreading a document](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_403033029.png)
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Follow These 10 Tips for Proofreading
Read This Article
![Examples of three Book Orientations - Portrait, Landscape, and Square](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_950882539.png)
Choosing a Book Orientation: Portrait vs Landscape vs Square
Read This Article
![Four Spiral Bound books in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_940757847.png)
The Practical Advantages of Spiral Bound Book Printing
Read This Article
![Pages of a Book with Colorful Identifiers for each Section](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_478602339.png)
Consider this clever alternative to traditional Index Tabs
Read This Article
![A book's pages bound with a white Wire-O spine](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_905816922.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is Wire-O Binding?
Read This Article
![A Saddle Stitched booklet lying open on a counter](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_709998503.png)
Booklet Printing: 7 Fast Facts about Saddle Stitch Booklets
Read This Article
![Two comb bound books pictured above four spiral bound books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_583194276.png)
Book Printing: Comb Binding vs Spiral Binding
Read This Article
![A young woman reading a Product Assembly Manual](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_404955493.png)
10 Ways to Reduce Printing Costs for Instruction Booklets
Read This Article
![A person holding open a Perfect Bound book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_201192439.png)
Book Printing: How the Margins of a Book enhance Readability
Read This Article
![A young woman reading a Perfect Bound book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_983296242.png)
Perfect Bound Book Printing: Tips for getting the Best Value
Read This Article
![An ISBN number and barcode printed on a blue and red background](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_988097505.png)
Self-Published Books: What is an ISBN number? Do I need one?
Read This Article
![A Spiral Bound book, a Comb Bound book, and a Wire-O Bound book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_238855560.png)
The Most Popular “Punch and Bind” Methods for Creating Books
Read This Article
![A Perfect Bound book made with PUR adhesive](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_221296267.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is PUR Binding?
Read This Article
![Three Comb Bound books with red, blue, and yellow spines](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_203071684.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Comb Binding
Read This Article
![A variety of Saddle Stitched books arranged on a table](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_599729622.png)
What is Saddle Stitch Binding?
Read This Article
![A person reading a Perfect Bound book about food](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_829714912.png)
Custom Book Printing: What is Perfect Binding?
Read This Article
![A person reading through a large book with yellow pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_725926279.png)
Requesting a Book Quote: What info will your Printer need?
Read This Article
![An open magazine with a Crossover Image of a fisherman spanning both pages](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_588745725.png)
Book Printing: What are Crossover Images?
Read This Article
![A variety of softcover books aligned in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_854412213.png)
What is the Spine of a Book?
Read This Article
![A man holding a Self Cover booklet](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_239921700.png)
What is a Self Cover Booklet?
Read This Article
![A stack of Spiral Bound books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_879184807.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Spiral Binding
Read This Article
![Different Book Binding Types placed in a stack](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_937230071.png)
The 5 Most Affordable Types of Book Binding
Read This Article
![A stack of Saddle Stitched books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_830848807.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Saddle Stitching
Read This Article
![Pages of a book being flipped to show the Page Numbering](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_107510915.png)
Book Printing: Helpful Advice for Page Numbering
Read This Article
![A stack of four books with Perfect Binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_804553792.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Perfect Binding
Read This Article
![A diagram illustrating the concept of Saddle Stitch Page Creep](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_575256683.png)
Saddle Stitch Binding: What is Creep?
Read This Article
![A book with Wire-O binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_737899897.png)
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Wire-O Binding
Read This Article
![An open book depicting the concept of verso and recto](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_759260051.png)
Printing Terminology: Recto and Verso
Read This Article
![Book pages printed with images and text](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_219754934.png)
Book Printing: How to Provide an Accurate Page Count
Read This Article
![A stack of Perfect Bound and Saddle Stitched Books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_959568095.png)
Book Printing: Perfect Binding vs Saddle Stitch
Read This Article
![A tall stack of Perfect Bound Books](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_734449637.jpeg)
Book Printing: 9 Advantages of Perfect Binding
Read This Article
![A person reading a Comic Book](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_859159559.png)
Comic Book Printing: Is there a Standard Comic Book Size?
Read This Article
![A woman reading an Instruction Manual](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_715348956.jpg)
Why is a “Self Cover” Booklet more Economical?
Read This Article
![plastic comb book open](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_918121585.jpeg)
Plastic Comb Books: What does the "Comb" refer to?
Read This Article
![an example of flexible PUR binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_476382951.jpeg)
The Benefits of PUR Binding
Read This Article
![examples of Saddle Stitch Binding](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/300x300/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_925457180.jpeg)
What is the Best Page Count for Saddle Stitch Binding?
Read This Article