Book structure
Book Binding Types Compared
How each binding works, what it costs and which books it suits.
Binding comparison
| Binding | Page range | Lays flat | Durability | Cost | Print on demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Binding | 24–828 | No | Good | Low | Yes |
| PUR Perfect Binding | 24–900 | Better | Very good | Low–Medium | Yes |
| Case Binding (Hardcover) | 24–800 | Partial | Excellent | High | Yes |
| Smyth Sewn (Section Sewn) | 48–1000 | Yes | Excellent | High | No |
| Saddle Stitching | 8–64 | Yes | Fair | Very low | Yes |
| Loop Stitching | 8–64 | Yes | Fair | Low | No |
| Spiral / Coil Binding | 10–400 | Yes (360°) | Good | Medium | Yes |
| Wire-O (Twin Loop) | 10–300 | Yes (360°) | Good | Medium | Yes |
| Comb Binding | 10–400 | Yes | Fair | Low | No |
| Lay-Flat (Otabind / Swiss) Binding | 48–600 | Yes | Very good | Medium–High | No |
| Section-Sewn Paperback | 48–800 | Better | Very good | Medium | No |
| Japanese Stab Binding | 10–200 | No | Good | Handmade | No |
| Coptic Stitch Binding | 40–300 | Yes | Good | Handmade | No |
| Singer Sewn | 8–64 | Yes | Good | Medium | No |
| Tape Binding | 10–350 | No | Fair | Low | No |
| Screw Post Binding | 10–400 | No | Good | Medium | No |
| Board Book Binding | 8–24 | Yes | Excellent | High (offset) | No |
All bindings
Perfect Binding
24–828 pagesPaperback novels, Nonfiction, Trade paperbacks
PUR Perfect Binding
24–900 pagesCoated-paper books, Workbooks, Photo books
Case Binding (Hardcover)
24–800 pagesHardcover fiction and nonfiction, Gift editions, Library editions
Smyth Sewn (Section Sewn)
48–1000 pagesQuality hardcovers, Reference books, Bibles
Saddle Stitching
8–64 pagesBooklets, Zines, Picture books (short)
Loop Stitching
8–64 pagesPresentation folders, Booklets for ring binders
Spiral / Coil Binding
10–400 pagesCookbooks, Manuals, Workbooks
Wire-O (Twin Loop)
10–300 pagesCalendars, Premium notebooks, Presentations
Comb Binding
10–400 pagesReports, Internal manuals, Training material
Lay-Flat (Otabind / Swiss) Binding
48–600 pagesCookbooks, Music books, Manuals
Section-Sewn Paperback
48–800 pagesLiterary paperbacks, Poetry, Art books
Japanese Stab Binding
10–200 pagesHandmade books, Poetry, Art journals
Coptic Stitch Binding
40–300 pagesJournals, Sketchbooks, Handmade gifts
Singer Sewn
8–64 pagesPremium booklets, Zines, Wedding programs
Tape Binding
10–350 pagesReports, Proposals, Internal documents
Screw Post Binding
10–400 pagesPortfolios, Swatch books, Menus
Board Book Binding
8–24 pagesBaby and toddler books