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What Book Binding Methods Does Bookvault Offer?
Compare the binding options available with Bookvault, including perfect bound, case bound, saddle stitch, Wire-O and spiral binding, and find the best format for your book.
Bookvault offers a range of binding methods for different types of books, from standard paperbacks and hardbacks to journals, booklets and lay-flat formats.
The best option depends on your page count, book type, how you want the finished book to look and how you expect readers to use it.
What is perfect bound binding?
Perfect bound is one of the most common binding methods for paperback books.
The interior pages and cover are glued together along the spine, creating the familiar square-spine finish used for novels, non-fiction books and higher-page-count publications.
Perfect bound is a good choice for:
- Paperback books
- Novels
- Non-fiction
- Workbooks
- Premium magazines with larger page counts
What is Case Bound PPC?
Case Bound PPC is a hardback binding option.
The book uses a rigid board cover with the printed artwork wrapped around the board. The book block is then attached to the cover using endpapers.
PPC stands for Printed Paper Case.
This is a good option if you want the durability and premium appearance of a hardback while still displaying full-colour artwork directly on the cover.
What is Case Bound Cloth?
Case Bound Cloth is another hardback option, but instead of printed artwork covering the board, the cover is wrapped in a cloth-style material such as Wibalin or leatherette.
Case Bound Cloth books can also support premium finishing options such as foil blocking.
This format is particularly suited to:
- Special editions
- Collector's editions
- Premium hardbacks
- Gift books
- Limited editions
What is saddle stitch binding?
Saddle stitch is commonly used for shorter booklets, brochures and magazines.
The printed sheets are folded and nested inside one another before being secured through the centre fold with wire staples.
This binding is best suited to publications with relatively low page counts.
Typical uses include:
- Booklets
- Magazines
- Brochures
- Catalogues
- Short publications
What is Wire-O binding?
Wire-O binding uses coated metal wire loops to hold the pages together.
Because the pages can open flat, it works particularly well for publications that need to remain open while being used.
Wire-O binding is often suitable for:
- Journals
- Diaries
- Notebooks
- Workbooks
- Manuals
- Reference books
Bookvault's standard Wire-O colour is black.
What is spiral binding?
Spiral binding uses a plastic coil running through the edge of the pages.
Like Wire-O binding, it allows the book to open flat and makes it practical for books that are regularly written in or referred to while open.
It is commonly used for:
- Journals
- Diaries
- Notebooks
- Workbooks
- Manuals
Bookvault's standard spiral coil is black.
Which binding method should I choose?
The right binding depends on how your book will be used.
| If you're producing… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Standard paperback novel | Perfect Bound |
| Premium hardback | Case Bound PPC |
| Special-edition hardback | Case Bound Cloth |
| Short booklet or magazine | Saddle Stitch |
| Journal or workbook | Wire-O or Spiral |
| Book that needs to open flat | Wire-O or Spiral |
Page-count limits and available specifications vary between binding types, so check the Bookvault quote tool before finalising your files.
Can all binding methods be printed at every Bookvault location?
Not necessarily.
Available binding methods and specifications can vary between Bookvault's UK facility and global print partners.
Use the Bookvault quote tool or check the available print-partner options to confirm where your chosen book specification can be produced.