Binding & Folding Methods

There are a number of standard binding and folding methods used in the printing industry. The images below illustrate some of the more popular methods used. The type of binding or folding method may be limited by paper weight or the number of pages in a document. If you have questions about these or other binding methods, Contact Us.

Standard Binding Methods

Case Binding

Also known as hard cover binding, case binding cover materials can be paper, vinyl, cloth, or leather. A loose, paper dust jacket often wrapped around the cover to protect it.

Perfect Binding

A paper cover wraps around the pages and glued to the spine. The cover forms the front, spine and back. Popular for paperback and softcover books, this method results in a professional appearance. Suitable for most book types and sizes.

Saddle Stitch Binding

This inexpensive method binds pages using two or more staples placed along a folded edge. Suitable for 48 pages or less, there is no printable spine with this option.

Wire-O Binding

Also known as twin-loop binding or double-loop binding. A wire is threaded through small holes in the edge of the paper. The result is very similar in look and function to coil binding. A variety of colors are available.

Coil/ Spiral Binding

A round plastic coil is wound through the pages to hold them together. Pages bound this way can be opened 360 degrees and can remain flat when open. Available in black (standard ) and other colors.

Velo Binding

Thin strips of plastic are permanently locked together through holes in the front and back of the pages. Velo bound pages do not lie flat and have an exposed, unprintable spine. A variety of colors are available.

Tape Binding

A strip of cloth like tape is applied to the spine of a stack of pages, overlapping the bound edge. The pages are often stitched together before the tape is applied. Limited color range.