There are very specific reasons to choose between the different types of binding for books. Get to know the advantages of each and decide which style best suits your book
Bookbinding is the process of assembling and securing the written or printed pages inside a cover.
In most cases, the cover is thicker than the inside pages to provide durability to the finished book.
Some of the most popular types of binding are:
- Glued paperback / soft cover
- Hard cover / Cartooné
- Spiral /Wire-O
Glued paperback binding
In books with paperback binding, the cover and the pages are held together with a strong adhesive, the quality of the glue applied is very important.
These are the most popular books in bookshops and are cheaper to bind than hardbacks. Paperbacks are commonly used for novels, poetry collections, and children’s books.
Above all, it is the usual book binding for paperback books.
In a nutshell:
With perfect bound books, the cover and pages are held together by a strong adhesive. It is one of the most versatile types of binding for books.
Why choose paperback or softcover binding?
- Books are the most popular in bookstores.
- Provides a professional finish.
- A more cost-effective and economical method of binding.
Perfect for:
- Novels
- Poetry collections
- Children’s books
Hard-back binding
A hardback book is wrapped in a cardboard “sleeve” with a strong glue. This is a durable bond that gives the feel of a premium product. Ideal for special editions, gifts and occasions.
There are differences between soft cover and hard cover types of binding for books. Apart from the thickness and material that obviously differentiate them, when thinking about your book cover it should be very clear that it will depend on the type of work you have created. For some types of books strong materials are required for use, transport and storage, others however simply need to be comfortable and flexible for daily reading on the sofa or armchair at home.
Hard card covers are vinyl coated with personalisation or printing. Very cool special finishes can also be added. Or ask your printer to have the hard cover be leather or textile effect.
In a nutshell:
The hardcover binding is the embedding of book or wrapper content into vinyl hardback covers. Within the types of binding for books, hardcover binding is used when the contents are extensive or are exposed to passage by many hands.
Why choose hardback for binding?
- Most prestigious end product.
- Durable, long lasting binding.
- Ideal for special editions and gifts.
Perfect for:
Hostess Books
Special edition autobiographies
Photo Books
Stapled link
Paper is stapled and folded to create a stapled document. These are durable, flexible and can lie flat, or be folded for ease of use. Staple binding is cost-effective and perfect for informational brochures, pamphlets, newsletters or magazines.
In a nutshell:
The paper is stapled and folded to create a stapled document.
Why choose staple binding
- creates a durable and flexible document.
- it is a cost-effective binding method.
- allows you to open the fully folded pages the “other way” for ease of use.
Perfect for:
- Dossiers
- Brochures and brochures
- Newsletters and magazines
- Manuals
Ring bindings for books
A plastic or metal ring wraps through both covers and each page to bind the book together. It works brilliantly for recipe books, staff manuals and student journals due to the ability to lay flat or open 360 degrees.
The rings are also incredibly durable, making them excellent for books that will be used and opened frequently. In addition, it is possible to customise the colour of the rings by lacquering them.
The wire-O binding (stronger double rings) is ideal for diaries and product catalogues.
In a nutshell:
With this book binding the rings bind both covers and each page together.
Why choose ring bindings?
- Books can be opened 360 degrees and placed on a flat surface.
- The coils are incredibly durable, making them perfect for books that will be used frequently.
- It works brilliantly for books of all sizes.
Perfect for:
- Staff manuals and training manuals.
- Recipe books and cookbooks.
- Booklets and booklets.
- Agendas.