Choosing the Right Binding for Your Printed Materials

Book binding is an important part of the publishing and printing process, playing a significant role in the durability, usability, and appearance of a finished book or catalogue. It refers to the process of physically assembling a book from loose pages to a secure bundle within a cover.

When choosing which book binding method to use, the four most common types are coil, Cerlox, saddle stitch, and perfect bound. Keep reading to learn about the differences and pros and cons of each.

Coil Bindings

Coil binding, also known as spiral binding, involves inserting a plastic or metal coil through punched holes along the spine of a book to hold it together. The spiral-bound format is quite durable and flexible which allows for the pages to lay flat and be folded a full 360 degrees. This is ideal for books that are frequently used, such as manuals, reports, notebooks and educational materials. The UPS Store’s coil bound books are available in a few different paper sizes. You can also customize your books by selecting the number of pages, single or double-sided, colour or black-and-white printing and the location and colour of the binding.

Cerlox Bindings

Cerlox bindings resemble a cylindrical shape with curved prongs made of plastic. It has been a popular choice for bookbinding for many years as you can add and remove pages from the spine with relative ease. Cerlox binding shares many advantages with coil binding, such as strength and durability, and it provides a professional appearance that is ideal for user manuals, legal reports and workbooks. When printing Cerlox binding books at The UPS Store, you can customize them by selecting the number of pages, single or double-sided print, and colour or black-and-white printing.

Saddle Stitch Bindings

Saddle stitch binding is popular for books with fewer pages such as magazines, short catalogues, and event programs. How does it work?  As an example, letter sized saddle stitch booklets are printed as 11X17, then folded in half and staples are inserted along the spine to hold the book together. Important to note that due to the folding, saddle stitched booklets are printed in increments of 4 sheets. If you intend on having blank sheets within your booklet, for example an inside front or back cover, it is important to note where those pages need to be and have the file set up properly for that.  The UPS Store can print saddle stitched books in 8.5″ x 5.5″, 8.5” x 11″ and 11″ x 8.5” booklet sizes and they can be customized by selecting the number of pages and your colour preference (colour, black-and-white, etc.).

Perfect Bound Bindings

Perfect bound binding is a type of bookbinding where the pages of a book are glued together at the spine with a strong adhesive. This binding method is often used for thicker books, such as novels, cookbooks and textbooks, due to its stacking ability, polished appearance and durability. The UPS Store can print perfect bound books in six different sizes, with several different cover options, finishes and stocks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bindings

When choosing the binding method to use, you should consider the following factors:

• Purpose and Usage: Determine how the book will be used. For documents that require frequent handling or updating, coil or Cerlox binding may be more suitable. For formal presentations or publications, perfect bound binding may be ideal.
• Volume and Page Count: The number of pages impacts your choice. Saddle stitch is best for smaller books, while perfect bound is best for a larger volume.
• Aesthetic and Professionalism: Consider the desired appearance of your book. Perfect bound binding offers a more professional look, while coil and Cerlox may be more practical/inexpensive.
• Flexibility and Durability: Assess the importance of your document being able to lay flat or the need to withstand heavy use. Coil binding offers great flexibility, while Perfect Bound binding provides durability.

Book Binding with The UPS Store

Ready to take your book binding to the next level? The UPS Store can help. At most locations, we’re happy to offer coil and Cerlox binding services.

If you’re looking for more binding options, like saddle stitch and perfect bound, our online print portal has you covered. You can choose from all available binding methods and their customizations, giving you the flexibility and convenience to find the perfect finish for any project.

Whether you visit us in-store or online, we’re here to help you print exactly what you need.