Booklet Binding – A difficult choice?

There is a wide range of booklet binding to choose from. Alternatives to typical staple binding are loop binding, perfect binding and spiral binding. However, the choice of binding is dependent on the purpose of the booklet. The statement made by an image brochure is different to that of an instruction book. The wide variety of formats, paper weights and also the type of binding mean that it is important to carefully consider the purpose of the brochure. This article highlights the most important aspects to take into account.

The main priority is to determine in advance what sort of effect the brochure is to achieve and how the content can be coordinated with this aim.

When considering the above-mentioned examples, operating instructions and image brochures are distinguished by the requirements with regard to look and feel. For an instruction book the main thing is to present all of the information in black and white and, along with the chosen end format, ensure that it fits inside the product packaging. For an image brochure priority is given to the emotional appeal and the transfer of information.

After deciding on the number of pages, end format and paper weights for the content pages, it is just a case of selecting the correct type of binding.

Here is a summary of the most important considerations when choosing a suitable form of binding:

Perfect binding

Perfect binding is particularly suitable for holding together large numbers of pages (40-160 pages). Retailers and service providers can use them to present their products and services in a stylish manner. Thanks to the finish with polyurethane adhesive (PUR) this type of binding is also very sturdy and durable, which is why it is particularly popular in the publishing industry. With a UV coated cover the look and feel is accentuated and makes this brochure resistant to scratches.

Examples of use:

Catalogues, notebooks, image brochures, company reports, annual reports, small book publications

Staple binding

The individual pages are folded and secured along the spine with wire staples facing inwards. Double page spreads, lengthy articles or graphically designed advertisements can all be presented very effectively using this type of brochure binding. This form of binding is also suitable for brochures with a low number of pages ideally between 8 and 92 pages. The brochure can be produced with a 4- or 6-sided cover.

Examples of use:

Menus, (customer) magazines, club newsletters, event brochures, information brochures, company reports, operating instructions

Loop Binding

The folded pages are stapled with looped wire staples the appropriate distance away for standard lever arch files and folders. Thanks to the unobtrusive loops this type of binding is perfect for brochures which are to be put in archives or kept in a file. This binding is particularly suitable for brochures up to 92 pages. The brochure can be produced with a 4- or 6-sided cover.

Examples of use:

Training material, supplementary material and collector’s albums

Spiral binding

This form of binding allows you to rotate the individual pages of the brochure around the coil, without losing the page. It is ideal for a small number of pages and you may choose between a black, white or silver spiral. The 4-sided cover is optional.

Examples of use:

Menus, lecture notes, sheet music, menu cards, handbooks

Books with Hardcover

For the latest member of our product family we apply the high-quality and solid perfect binding plus an extra lamination on the outside of the book cover. The many-faceted the possibilities of use the customisable the book features. You may choose from a variety of paper grammages for the inside pages and decide for various colours on the end page and the headband. The book spine can vary from straight to round depending on the number of pages.

Examples of use:

Specialist books, textbooks, lexicons, annual reports, notebooks, cash journals, product catalogues, high-value complimentary gifts

Update: This article was first published on 17 April 2013 and got updated on 20 February 2015.