Types of binding

Saddle stitch

Image of a book with saddle stitch binding, with folded signatures placed over a "saddle" and then stapled along the spineFolded signatures are placed over a "saddle" and then stapled along the spine. This style of binding is excellent for booklets, brochures, newsletters, pamphlets, direct mailers and catalogs. Page numbers have to be in multiples of 4 to make the folded booklet. As few as 8 pages with cover can be used or up to 64 with self-cover.

White or black tape perfect bound

Image of an open book with white tape perfect bound binding, with two pages visible with nondescript words and two images on the bottom of each pageThe printed and folded signatures are first gathered together. The cover is scored to the thickness of the spine, creating a channel or groove for the gathered signatures. The gathered signatures are pressed together and the bind edge is ground to expose the paper's fibers, hot glue is applied to the roughened edge, and then the cover is joined to the signatures and clamped until dry. The bound books are then trimmed on three sides and finished.

Comb binding

Image of an open book with two visible page with an image on each page and illegible words and serves as an example of a book with comb binding, a black plastic comb that runs up the middle of the bookPlastic comb binders first punch the holes in the paper. The binding comb is then inserted in the binding machine. The comb binder's handle is pulled, opening the combs to allow placement of the paper through the combs. When the plastic comb is closed, the paper is bound together.