Book binding types

Hard cover

Soft cover

Saddle stitched

Wire-O
Sewn binding
Sewn binding is a durable and high-quality bookbinding method where folded sheets of paper, known as signatures, are stitched together with thread along the spine. This technique allows the book to lay flat when opened and provides added strength compared to perfect bound.








Jacket
A book jacket, also known as a dust jacket, is a removable outer cover typically made of paper and wrapped around the hardcover of a book. Its primary purpose is to protect the book from dust, scratches, and wear.









Raw-Cut
When a hardcover book is cut to size after it, it’s referred to as a “raw cut” hardcover. In this process, after the book block (the inner pages) is sewn or glued and attached to the cover, the edges are trimmed to ensure all pages and the cover are even. This trimming process gives the book a clean, professional finish, with smooth edges.



Quarter bound
Quarter bound refers to a style where the spine and a portion of the cover near the spine are covered in a different material from the rest of the cover. Typically, the spine is bound with a more durable or contrasting material, such as leather or cloth, while the remainder of the cover may be made of paper, fabric, or another material.





Flat spine
A flat spine refers to a type of bookbinding where the spine remains straight and does not curve, creating a flat, even surface along the edge of the book. Unlike a rounded spine, which curves outward, a flat spine allows the book to maintain a more angular, rigid appearance.



Round spine
A round spine refers to a bookbinding style where the spine is curved or rounded. This type of spine is commonly found in hardcover books, particularly those that are sewn or case-bound. The rounding of the spine occurs during the process when the book block is compressed and shaped to create a smooth, curved appearance.



Open spine
An open spine refers to a style where the spine is intentionally left uncovered, exposing the stitching or glue that holds the pages together. This design choice is often used in artistic, minimalist, or eco-friendly books, allowing the binding method to become a visible part of the book’s aesthetic.





Head and Tail band
Head and Tail bands are decorative elements found at the top (head) and bottom (tail) of a book’s spine. While in the old days the purpose was to reinforce the spine and protect it from wear, nowadays head and tail bands are enhancing the aesthetic of the book. They come in various colors and patterns, complementing the overall design.


Ribbon markers
Ribbon markers are thin, woven strips attached to the spine of a book, used to mark your place in the book without the need for external bookmarks.







Endpapers with flaps
Endpapers with flaps are specially designed sheets of paper placed at the beginning and end of a book, connecting the cover to the bookblock. What sets these apart from regular endpapers are the fold out flaps.
These flaps serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They provide additional space for design elements, such as author biographies, book summaries, or illustrations, while also enhancing the overall elegance of the book’s presentation. Endpapers with flaps add a premium touch and can be a practical feature in special editions or high-quality publications.



Pages with flaps
Pages with flaps are designed with extended edges that fold inward, similar to endpapers with flaps or dust jackets. These flaps can appear on the outer edge of a page, offering additional space for text, images, or other content without disrupting the main flow of the book.
Pages with fold out flaps add an interactive and dynamic element to the design. They allow readers to engage with supplementary information, such as charts, infographics, or detailed descriptions, while also enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the printed material. Flaps can make the content more engaging and give the publication a more premium or creative feel.









Sewn binding
Sewn binding is a durable and high-quality method where folded sheets of paper, known as signatures, are stitched together with thread along the spine. This technique allows the book to lay flat when opened and provides added strength compared to perfect bound.








Perfect binding
Perfect binding, also known as perfect bound, is a widely used method where the pages and cover are glued together at the spine using a strong adhesive. The other three sides of the book are then trimmed to create clean, sharp edges, resulting in a “perfect” finished look. This method is commonly used for paperback books, magazines, catalogs, and reports.





Soft covers with flaps
Soft covers with flaps are a type of paperback book cover that includes extended flaps folded inward on the front and back covers. These flaps are similar to those found on dust jackets of hardcover books and can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.







Rounded corners
Rounded corners refer to a design feature in bookbinding where the corners of the cover and pages are rounded off instead of having sharp, square edges.




Pages with flaps
Pages with flaps are designed with extended edges that fold inward, similar to endpapers with flaps or dust jackets. These flaps can appear on the outer edge of a page, offering additional space for text, images, or other content without disrupting the main flow of the book.
Pages with fold out flaps add an interactive and dynamic element to the design. They allow readers to engage with supplementary information, such as charts, infographics, or detailed descriptions, while also enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the printed material. Flaps can make the content more engaging and give the publication a more premium or creative feel.



Regular saddle-stitches
Regular saddle stitching, also known simply as saddle stitching, is a popular bookbinding method often used for binding booklets, magazines, and thin publications. This technique involves folding sheets of paper in half and stitching them together along the fold, creating a spine that is both sturdy and flexible.


Child Protect saddle-stitching
Child protect stitching is a specialized bookbinding technique designed to enhance the durability and safety of children’s books. This method combines traditional stitching with additional features to create a more resilient and user-friendly product.


Hardcover Wire-O
Hardcover Wire-O binding is a method of bookbinding that combines the durability of a hardcover with the flexibility and functionality of a Wire-O binding system. This technique is popular for various types of books, including calendars, manuals, and notebooks, where the ability to lay flat is essential.




Softcover Wire-O
Softcover Wire-O binding is a versatile and popular bookbinding technique that combines the flexibility of a softcover with the practicality of a Wire-O binding system.


Different punching holes
Choosing the correct punching holes and wire sizes according to the thickness of the book is essential for ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing Wire-O binding.



