Booklet Finishing Explained: Spiral Binding vs Perfect Binding
When you are printing a multi-page document like a training manual, an annual report, or a product catalog, the binding method changes the entire user experience. You want your document to be durable, professional, and easy to read. The two most common methods for thick books are Spiral Binding and Perfect Binding.
The Utility of Spiral Binding
Spiral binding involves punching holes along the edge of the pages and threading a continuous plastic or metal coil through them.
- The Function: This method allows the book to lay completely flat on a desk, and the pages can be folded entirely behind the book.
- Best Use Cases: This makes it the absolute best choice for employee training manuals, workbooks, and recipe cookbooks where the user needs their hands free.
The Professionalism of Perfect Binding
Perfect binding is the exact method used to create modern paperback books and high-end magazines.
- The Process: The pages are stacked together, roughened at the edge, and glued heavily into a wrap-around cover.
- The Look: It creates a glued square spine that can be printed with your title, allowing the book to sit beautifully on a retail shelf.
The Raven32 Recommendation
Your page count will often make this decision for you. As your printing and promotional experts, we must note that perfect binding requires a minimum page count of usually 28 pages or more to create a thick enough spine for the glue to hold. If your document is smaller, spiral or saddle-stitch binding is required. Reach out today to get your custom booklet project perfectly bound.