Bindings and Folds - The Graphic Design: Reference and Specification - page 75

w h i c h b i n d i n g m e t h o d wo r k s b e s t ?
Bindings differ in their appearance, cost, and function. Some binding styles are suitable
for publications with many pages, whereas others will only work for those with a limited
number of pages. Some methods allow pages to lie flat, whereas others don't. Durability
and cost are other considerations. Saddle stitching, for instance, is relatively inexpensive
but not as permanent as case binding. The following chart should give you a better idea
of which options will best suit your publication's design and budget.

Binding Girth Lays Flat Printable Durability Relative Advantages Limitations

Style Spine Cost

Case 3” for Yes Yes High High Strength, dura- Most costly

hardcover, bility, and a look option. Requires

1 3 ⁄ 4 ” for of quality. more production

paperback time. Requires

signatures.

Perfect Up to 2 3 ⁄ 8 ” No Yes, for Moderate Low Inexpensive for Paper grain must

1 ⁄ 8 ” and

moderate runs of run parallel to the

larger of 1,000-5,000. binding edge.

Can bind single Image area may

sheets. be lost in gutter.

Saddle Up to 1 ⁄ 2 ” Yes No Moderate Low Fast and inex- Requires signa-

Stitch pensive. Can tures. Pages must

easily accomo- be in increments

date inserts. of four. May need

adjustments for

creep.

Side

Up to 1” No No High Low Fast and inex- Pages won't lie

Stitch pensive. Variety flat when open.

of wire styles Requires a mini-

and widths mum 1” margin.

available.

Screw Up to 1” No No High High Easy to insert Hand assembly

and Post additional pages. is time consum-

Can accommodate ing and not

pages of different appropriate for

materials. large quantities.

Tape Up to 1 3 ⁄ 4 ” Yes No Moderate High Durable option Requires signa-

that is less costly tures. Pages must

than case binding. be in increments

Tape comes in a of four.

range of colors.

Plastic Up to 1 3 ⁄ 4 ” Yes Possible Low Low for Widely available. Time consuming

Comb with foil small runs Can be reopened and costly for

stamping to insert other large quantities.

pages. Facing

pages align.

Spiral Up to 2” Yes No Moderate Moderate Well suited to Because of jog-

and folds short runs. Can ging, crossover

over 360 ˚ accommodate designs may not

pages of different align.

materials.

Ring

Up to 3” Yes Binders Low Cost of Easy to insert Hand assembly

can be materials additional pages. is inappropriate

screen for in-house Can accommodate for large runs, but

printed hand pages of different good for custom

assembly materials. applications.