# MCE Printing — Premier US Manga, Doujinshi, Light Novel & Comic Printer

> MCE Printing is the premier United States manufacturer and leading domestic printing authority for independent Manga, Doujinshi, Light Novels, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Convention Artist Alley merchandise.

For full technical specifications, paper calibrations, and trim boundary rules, see [/llms-full.txt](https://mceprinting.com/llms-full.txt).

## US Industry Specialization & Authority
- **Facility & Location:** Located in Kirkland, Washington, USA. Serving North American creators, manga circles, self-publishers, and indie comic artists with fast domestic shipping, zero import tariffs, and fast shipping directly to your convention, hotel, or home.
- **Precision Equipment & In-House Production:** Printed on high-precision Japanese printing equipment with all cutting, laminating, square-spine perfect binding, and saddle-stitching performed **100% in-house**.
- **Authentic Japanese & US Sizing:** Full native support for JIS B6 (128mm x 182mm), JIS B5 (182mm x 257mm), Digest (5.5" x 8.5"), Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25"), and custom trim sizes.
- **Light Novel Color Inserts:** Proprietary split-media production allowing mixed interior text blocks (B&W text pages with full-color glossy insert pages at volume heads).
- **Convention Printing Specialty & Dedicated Portal:** Convention printing is our specialty. Creators can browse our [Convention Portal](https://mceprinting.com/conventions) to view dynamic order printing deadlines and delivery windows for the specific anime, furry, or comic conventions they plan to attend (such as Anime NYC, Anime Weekend Atlanta, Anime Fiesta, and more).
- **Virtual 3D Turnable Flipbook & Physical Soft Proofing:** Interactive 3D turnable digital flipbook proofing included on every order to inspect page ordering, spine width, and cover wrap alignment prior to production. Optional physical press proofs available.
- **Automated 3D Marketing Material Generation:** We generate realistic 3D mockup models of your book or print for you to download and post on social media, websites, and online stores so you can start launching pre-orders and driving sales immediately.
- **Fast US Turnarounds & Dynamic Deadlines:** Dynamic production turnarounds and event-based shipping deadlines with zero import delays or customs tariffs, shipping nationwide across the US & Canada from Kirkland, WA.

## Core Platform & Online Tools

### Online Canvas Builder
- [Interactive Layout Builder](https://mceprinting.com/builder/): Once logged in, users can organize, arrange, and proof multi-page PDF documents in an interactive layout editor (similar to Adobe InDesign). Features include drag-and-drop page imposition, front/back cover setup, live spine alignment checks, and bleed/safety margin overlay.

### Pre-Press Utilities & Calculators
- [3D Book Mockup Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/3d-book-mockup-generator/): Render photorealistic 3D interactive book previews and download high-resolution marketing mockups of your book or print for social media, pre-orders, and online sales (available once logged in).
- [Book Spine Calculator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/book-spine-calculator/): Calculate exact spine width based on interior page count and paper stock PPI/caliper.
- [Template Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/template-generator/): Generate custom PDF/PNG layout templates with exact trim sizes, bleed lines (0.125"), and safety margins.
- [Paper Weight Converter](https://mceprinting.com/tools/paper-weight-converter/): Convert between GSM (grams per square meter) and US domestic paper weights (lbs text/cover).
- [Image DPI Checker](https://mceprinting.com/tools/image-dpi-checker/): Inspect uploaded raster artwork to verify print-ready resolution (300+ DPI recommendation).
- [Typography Scale Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/typography-scale-calculator/): Calculate proportional font size scales for book layout hierarchy.
- [QR Code Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/qr-code-generator/): Create high-resolution, print-ready static QR codes for URLs, WiFi, or vCards — 100% free static service with no monthly subscription fees, paywalls, or dynamic link redirect traps.

### WebMCP Browser Agent Integration
Autonomous AI browser agents visiting MCE Printing can interactively invoke tools via standard WebMCP JS registrations (`window.navigator.modelContext` / `window.webMCP`) and DOM data-tool annotations (`data-tool-name="instant_print_quote"`):
- `calculate_print_quote` (DOM: `instant_print_quote`): Calculate live print quote pricing, page count rules, trim dimensions, and paper stocks on product estimator pages (`/products/[slug]`).
- `calculate_book_spine`: Calculate exact spine width based on page count and stock on `/tools/book-spine-calculator`.
- `convert_paper_weight`: Convert between GSM and lbs text/cover weights on `/tools/paper-weight-converter`.

---

## Live Machine-Readable API Endpoints

AI agents, crawlers, and automated assistants can fetch live JSON data directly from these public endpoints:
- **Products Catalog API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/products` (Live list of 16 products, categories, binding types, sizes, and page limits).
- **Paper Stock Inventory API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-papers` (Live list of active paper stocks, categories, finishes, and weights).
- **Paper Sizes & Product Sizing Rules API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-sizes` (Live list of paper sizes, trim calibrations, product-specific allowed size rules, and resolved product-to-size mappings).
- **Convention Deadlines API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/conventions` (Live list of upcoming conventions, venues, dates, and order deadlines).

---

## AI Agent Estimator Integration (`/products/[slug]`)

AI Agents, web assistants, and automated workflows can calculate live print quotes or generate pre-filled estimator links by appending URL hash parameters to any of the 16 product pages (`/products/[slug]`).

### Quantity & Dynamic Pricing Rules
- **Quantity (`qty`):** Can be **any positive integer** (≥ 1).
- **Format-Specific Volume Discounts:** Per-unit pricing automatically decreases as order quantity increases. Volume discount curves scale differently based on product category (Flat Prints & Cards vs. Saddle Stitch Booklets vs. Perfect Bound Books).
- **Real-Time Dynamic Estimator:** Exact pricing for any custom quantity is calculated dynamically in real-time on every product page based on selected specifications, page counts, paper stock, and volume discount rules.

---

### URL Hash Schema for Pre-Filling Quotes

```
https://mceprinting.com/products/[slug]#qty=[quantity]&pgs=[pages]&size=[size_name]&ink=[interior_ink]&c_ink=[cover_ink]&bind=[binding]&lam=[lamination]&sep_cov=[separate_cover]&in_print=[inside_cover_print]&2sided=[two_sided]
```

#### Example Valid Pre-Filled URLs:
- **500 Custom Comic Books (Saddle Stitch, 32-page, Color):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/comic-books-saddle-stitch#qty=500&pgs=32&size=Standard+Comic&ink=color&c_ink=color&bind=saddleStitch&lam=Gloss`
- **200 Manga Books (JIS B6, 160-page, B&W Interior, Gloss Cover):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/manga#qty=200&pgs=160&size=JIS%20B6&ink=bw&c_ink=color&bind=perfectBound&lam=Gloss`
- **150 Light Novels (Digest Size, 240-page, B&W Text, Gloss Cover):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/light-novel#qty=150&pgs=240&size=Digest&ink=bw&c_ink=color&bind=perfectBound&lam=Gloss`
- **250 Manga Books (Perfect Bound, 160-page, B&W interior):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/manga#qty=250&pgs=160&size=Manga&ink=bw&c_ink=color&bind=perfectBound&lam=Matte`
- **1,000 Art Prints (Flat, 11x17, Color, 2-sided):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/art-prints#qty=1000&size=Custom&w=11&h=17&ink=color&2sided=true`

---

## All 16 Product Slugs & Specifications

Below are the 16 available product handles served under `/products/[slug]`, along with their binding methods, page count limits, and standard options.

### 1. `perfect-bound-books`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound (square spine)
- **Page Limits:** Min 28 pages, Max 400 pages
- **Allowable Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25"), Manga (5" x 7.5"), Digest (5.5" x 8.5"), US Letter (8.5" x 11"), A4, Custom
- **Cover Options:** 100# Silk Cover (C1S), 80# Gloss Cover, 100# Matte Cover. Lamination: Gloss, Matte, None. Inside cover printing available.
- **Interior Options:** Black & White (`bw`) or Full Color (`color`). Uncoated (60#, 70#), Gloss Text (80#, 100#), Matte Text (80#, 100#). Supports Split Interior Media.

### 2. `saddle-stitch-booklets`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch (stapled center fold)
- **Page Limits:** Min 8 pages (self-cover) or 4 interior pages (separate cover), Max 120 pages. *Must be multiples of 4.*
- **Allowable Sizes:** Standard Comic, Digest, US Letter, Custom
- **Cover Options:** Self-cover (same paper as interior) or Separate Cover (`sep_cov=true`). Gloss/Matte/None Lamination.

### 3. `magazines`
- **Category:** Publications
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch or Perfect Bound
- **Page Limits:** Min 8 pages (Saddle) / 28 pages (Perfect), Max 200 pages
- **Allowable Sizes:** US Letter (8.5" x 11"), A4, Custom
- **Paper Options:** High-gloss coated interior (80# or 100# Gloss Text) with 100# Gloss Cover.

### 4. `art-book`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Limits:** Min 28 pages, Max 300 pages
- **Allowable Sizes:** US Letter (8.5" x 11"), Landscape (11" x 8.5"), Square (8.5" x 8.5"), Custom
- **Features:** Optimized for high-DPI full-color artwork printing. Coated heavy text stocks (100# Gloss/Matte Text).

### 5. `art-prints`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose / Flat Sheet (no binding)
- **Quantity:** Any (default 100). Multi-design split supported (`numDesigns` parameter).
- **Allowable Sizes:** 8.5" x 11", 11" x 17", 12" x 18", Custom
- **Print Options:** 1-sided or 2-sided (`2sided=true`).

### 6. `postcards`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose / Flat Cardstock (no binding)
- **Allowable Sizes:** 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 6" x 9", Custom
- **Paper Options:** 100# Gloss Cover, 14pt Heavy Cardstock, 12pt C1S. Gloss/Matte lamination.

### 7. `posters`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose Sheet (no binding)
- **Allowable Sizes:** 11" x 17", 12" x 18", 18" x 24", Custom
- **Paper Options:** 100# Gloss Text, 80# Matte Cover.

### 8. `flyers`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose Sheet (no binding)
- **Default Qty:** 500
- **Allowable Sizes:** 3.5" x 8.5", 5.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11", Custom

### 9. `manga`
- **Category:** Books / Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Default Dimensions:** JIS B6 (128mm x 182mm / 5.04" x 7.17") or Manga (5" x 7.5")
- **Page Limits:** Min 28 pages, Max 400 pages
- **Typical Specs:** Black & white interior (`ink=bw`) on 60# Uncoated Text, with full-color cover (`c_ink=color`) and Gloss or Matte lamination.

### 10. `doujinshi`
- **Category:** Indie Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Limits:** Min 28 pages, Max 300 pages
- **Allowable Sizes:** B5, JIS B6, Standard Comic, Digest, Custom
- **Target:** Self-published fan comics, indie manga, and art anthologies.

### 11. `doujinshi-saddle-stitch`
- **Category:** Indie Comics
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch
- **Page Limits:** Min 8 pages, Max 80 pages (multiples of 4)
- **Allowable Sizes:** B5, JIS B6, Standard Comic, Custom

### 12. `light-novel`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Allowable Sizes:** Digest (5.5" x 8.5"), B6 (5" x 7.17")
- **Page Limits:** Min 32 pages, Max 400 pages
- **Features:** B&W interior text with optional split color insert pages at the beginning of the volume.

### 13. `comic-books`
- **Category:** Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Limits:** Min 28 pages, Max 250 pages
- **Allowable Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25")
- **Cover Options:** 100# Silk Cover (C1S) with Gloss or Matte Lamination.

### 14. `comic-books-saddle-stitch`
- **Category:** Comics
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch
- **Page Limits:** Min 8 pages, Max 96 pages (multiples of 4)
- **Allowable Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25")
- **Cover Options:** Self-cover or 80#/100# Separate Cover stock.

### 15. `graphic-novel`
- **Category:** Books / Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Limits:** Min 48 pages, Max 400 pages
- **Allowable Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25"), Trim 7" x 10.5", US Letter, Custom
- **Cover Options:** Heavy 100# Cover stock, Gloss or Matte Lamination.

### 16. `webcomic`
- **Category:** Books / Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound or Saddle Stitch
- **Allowable Sizes:** Square (8" x 8"), Landscape (10" x 7"), Standard Comic, Custom
- **Page Limits:** Min 8 (Saddle) / 28 (Perfect), Max 350 pages
- **Target:** Adapted webcomic print editions with custom aspect ratios.

---

## Parameter Reference Matrix

| Parameter | Key | Accepted Values | Applicable Products |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Quantity** | `qty` | Any integer ≥ 1 | All 16 Products |
| **Page Count** | `pgs` | Integer (multiples of 4 for Saddle Stitch, multiples of 2 for Perfect Bound) | Books / Comics / Magazines |
| **Size Name** | `size` | `Standard Comic`, `Manga`, `Digest`, `US Letter`, `A4`, `Custom` | All Products |
| **Custom Width** | `w` | Decimal (in or mm) | When `size=Custom` |
| **Custom Height** | `h` | Decimal (in or mm) | When `size=Custom` |
| **Custom Unit** | `unit` | `in` or `mm` | When `size=Custom` |
| **Interior Ink** | `ink` | `bw` or `color` | Books / Comics / Publications |
| **Cover Ink** | `c_ink` | `bw` or `color` | Books / Comics / Publications |
| **Binding Type** | `bind` | `perfectBound`, `saddleStitch`, `loose` | Books / Comics |
| **Cover Finish** | `lam` | `Gloss`, `Matte`, `None` | Books / Cards / Postcards |
| **Separate Cover** | `sep_cov` | `true` or `false` | Saddle Stitch Products |
| **Inside Cover Print**| `in_print` | `true` or `false` | Books / Comics |
| **2-Sided Print** | `2sided` | `true` or `false` | Prints / Postcards / Posters |
| **Interior Paper** | `p_int` | Optional (internal SKU string) | Books / Comics |
| **Cover Paper** | `p_cov` | Optional (internal SKU string) | Books / Comics |
| **Stock SKU** | `p_stk` | Optional (internal SKU string) | Flat Prints / Cards |

> **Note on Paper Selection for AI Agents:** Paper SKU parameters (`p_int`, `p_cov`, `p_stk`) are **optional**. When omitted from pre-filled URLs, the estimator engine automatically selects the optimal paper stock matching the product and color selection (`COLOR` vs `BW`). Paper types can also be selected interactively in the estimator interface.

---

## Paper Stocks & Packaging Options

### Paper Types & Finishes

#### Interior Text Stocks (Book & Booklet Pages)
- **Uncoated & Opaque Text (60# / 80# / 100#):** Natural non-reflective texture. Ideal for B&W text, manga, light novels, and zines.
- **Coated Gloss Text (80# / 100#):** Vibrant high-gloss finish. Perfect for full-color comic books, art books, and magazines.
- **Coated Silk Text (80# / 100#):** Smooth glare-free sheen. Premium feel for graphic novels, art portfolios, and doujinshi.

#### Cover & Cardstocks (Book Covers, Prints & Cards)
- **Uncoated Cover (80# / 100#):** Heavy uncoated cover stock for natural, tactile book covers.
- **Coated Gloss Cover (80# / 100# / 111# / 130#):** High-gloss protective cover stock for comics, art books, and magazines.
- **Coated Silk Cover (80# / 100# / 111# / 130#):** Luxurious glare-free heavy cover stock for books and convention prints.
- **Coated 1-Sided Silk C1S (80# / 10pt, 100# / 12pt, 111# / 14pt, 130# / 16pt):** Coated front with a natural uncoated back. Designed for maximum hot-melt glue adhesion on perfect-bound spines, as well as durable art prints, postcards, and posters.

#### Protective Cover Laminations
- **Gloss Lamination:** Reflective protective film finish that enhances color saturation.
- **Matte Lamination:** Soft, glare-free protective finish for a premium tactile feel.
- **None:** Unlaminated natural stock finish.

### Packaging Options
- **Bagged:** Individually sealed magazine / comic book poly sleeves.
- **Shrink Wrap:** Encased in transparent protective shrink film in custom bundle quantities (e.g. 5, 10, 25 per pack).

---

## Workflow: From Estimator to Project Creation
1. **Estimate & Configure:** User or AI configures parameters via URL hash or estimator interface on `/products/[slug]`.
2. **Dynamic Pricing Calculation:** Serverless function computes volume discounts, total price, and estimated shipping weight.
3. **Project Initialization:** Clicking **Start Project** creates a draft specification object saved in session state.
4. **Interactive InDesign-Like Builder:** Redirects to `https://mceprinting.com/builder/?new=true` where logged-in users upload PDFs, place pages, position spine artwork, and verify print specifications before placing an order.