Binding Methods Explained

If you’re publishing, or self-publishing a book, or creating another multiple page document such as a company report or catalogue, one of the elements of the process to consider is the book binding method

Deciding on which book binding method is most effective and appropriate for your book is not always straightforward. The book itself is the major consideration, but aspects such as number of pages it contains, the number of copies you want printed, and, of course, your budget constraints all play a part.

Perfect Binding

Perfect binding is an ideal option for paperback books – these books are bound so they have a definitive spine which is ideal for printing the book title and author and increases the visibility on display on a shelf in a shop or library.

The pages are glued against the spine as single sheets making the book more durable as well as providing an appealing and attractive finish. Publications such as magazines, catalogues and photo books are good examples for perfect bound books.

Case Bound

Ideal for a hardcover or hardback (also known as hardbound, and case-bound) book. It’s one of the most durable book binding methods involving the pages of the book being attached to a rigid cover. The cover is usually made from thick cardboard – this is what we refer to as the case.

The cover is then usually covered in a material such as cloth or leather.

Spiral Bound Books

A binding consisting of a cylindrical spiral plastic that is passed through a row of punched holes at the edge of a notebook or booklet, and will open completely flat on a desk and allow for 360 degree rotation of bound pages.

Wire Bound Books

Wire-O binding is a popular commercial book binding method. Documents that are bound with wire binding will open completely flat on a desk and allow for 360 degree rotation of bound pages.

Saddle Stitched Books

Saddle Stitching refers to a very popular book binding method in which folded sheets are gathered together one inside the other and then stapled through the fold line with wire staples. Available as square back as well as standard.

This book binding technique is cheaper, faster, and easier for printers to perform and is therefore ideal for shorter publications such as programmes, catalogues, booklets, and brochures, but not so practical for larger publications.