Hardcover Graphic
Don’t Forget Your Margins When Binding!
Most Graphic Designers have learned early on that you need to take into consideration the finishing processes (folding, trimming, binding and finishing etc) before you progress too far with a design job. Not taking these things into consideration can incur costly re-designs or re-prints, for example if you did not allow a wide enough inner margin on the inside pages of a perfect bound publication. This article will help you to understand some of these processes better, and hopefully prevent you from making some of these common errors.
There are many different ways to combine multiple pages into a single finished piece. In its most simple form we could use staples, paper clips or binder clips to combine sheets of paper, but on a more professional level, methods are a little more elaborate. These include Saddle Stitching, Side-stitch Binding, Perfect and Case Binding, Comb Binding, Coil or Spiral Binding, Wire Binding and Post Binding to name but a few.
So, how do these binding methods actually work . . . let’s find out!
Saddle Stitching
This is a very common, simple and cheap binding method and uses one or more staples on the spine of a signature. (A signature refers to the group of pages that are printed on the same sheet of paper which is then cut down and trimmed to the finished page size. The number of pages on a signature depends on your page size and the size of the printer’s sheet or roll of paper.) Magazines are the type of media that most often use this method of binding. The staples that are used to anchor the signature at the spine are more commonly created from a spool of wire. When binding, the loose sheets of pages are laid over a saddle-like holder (which is where the name comes from), the wire is put into position, cut to the correct shorter length, bent into shape and then the legs of the staple are forced through the signatures. The legs are then bent into the staple shape. This whole process is done incredibly quickly, usually less than 2 seconds from start to finish. Creep can be a major factor though when using this method of binding if large numbers of signatures are used, so remember to allow for larger margins when using this method, especially when the outside edge of the bound job is trimmed to produce a flat outer edge.
Side-stitch Binding
A similar process to saddle stitching, but rather than putting the staple through the spine, the staple is instead put through the sides of the signatures, close to the fold. The resulting binding is not quite as nice as saddle stitching.
Perfect Binding
This method of binding is commonly used in larger publications (50+ pages) such as annual reports and textbooks. In this method of binding, all of the project’s signatures are placed together (usually in smaller groups of 16-page signatures) and stitched through the spine and then the spine edge is ground to a perfectly flat edge. The cover of the project is then glued to the outside edge of the signatures.
Whilst perfect binding does not suffer from the same degree of creep that you might find in a magazine, consideration should still be made for the effects of combining a large number of pages with the relatively stiff spine of a perfect binding. Even a 192-page magazine (relatively slender by comparison to some) can show a large degree of pinching of the pages in the centre of the finished magazine, making it difficult to read text near the interior bound edge. Remember to compensate for this by using wider inside margins when designing your pages.
Case Binding
This process is almost the same as perfect binding and is ideal for larger hardcover books. In this method, after the signatures have been ground off, the spine is reinforced with a gauze or cloth strip before affixing a hard cover.
Comb Binding
This method of binding is ideal for business reports, cookbooks and workbooks and is often used by companies to bind their own short-run publications internally and it allows the bound booklet to lie flat when opened. Small rectangular holes are punched down the edge of a stack of pages and the plastic teeth of the comb binding are then inserted into these. The spines can be removed and reattached if required, but this method does make adding a printed spine difficult, but not impossible. Once again, remember to allow wider inner margins to avoid the punch holes.
Coil or Spiral Binding
In this method of binding, a wire or plastic spiral is threaded through round holes punched in the edges of a stack of pages. As with comb binding, this binding method allows the pages to lie flat when opened.
Wire Binding
Wire binding uses tooth-like loops of wire in a similar fashion to comb binding; however it produces a much sturdier binding than the plastic comb binding method.
Post Binding
When producing heavy-duty publications with content that is constantly changing, this method might be the most suitable solution. Often seen in wallpaper sample books, metal posts are pushed through punched holes in the book and anchored with bolts that thread into the centre of the posts. This allows you to easily add or remove pages and can also allow an exterior cover with an imprinted spine.
There are many different variations on these basic binding methods, such as using ribbons or screws for example, but these tend to entail limited print runs and a large amount of hands-on work to produce them, resulting in larger make-up expense. Whichever method you choose to use, plan it carefully and don’t forget the margins!
View the full article with images here . . .
About the Author
Graphic Design & Website Design services: Logo Design, Packaging, Corporate Identity, Website Design, Hosting & Programming, Display Panels, Exhibitions, Powerpoint, Brochures, Posters, Banner Advertising plus many more customer-driven services. Wherever you are . . . whatever you need . . . we can do it!
Kick-Ass Review
 |
 BATMAN Vol 1 THE COURT OF OWLS Hardcover Graphic Novel DC Comics New 52 $19.99 Time Remaining: 26d 7h 51m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 INCOGNEGRO SHORTCOMINGS Graphic Novels Hardcover $5.01 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 22m |
 Vintage art book Graciela Rodo Boulanger signed by artist 1st ed 1987 graphics $49.99 Time Remaining: 33m |
 JOE HILLS THE CAPE Hardcover Graphic Novel Joe Hill IDW 20 OFF $19.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 18m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Daybreak by Brian Ralph zombie themed comic graphic novel $1.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 23h 52m |
 BLACKEST NIGHT by Geoff Johns Hardcover Graphic Novel DC Comics Green Lantern $23.99 Time Remaining: 26d 8h 2m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 Buy It Now |
 Pricing Estimating Budgeting Graphic Design Basics $0.99 Time Remaining: 2h 35m |
 SPIDER MAN THE SHORT HALLOWEEN Hardcover Graphic Novel Marvel Comics NEW HC GN $7.99 Time Remaining: 7h 14m |
 VENOM CIRCLE OF FOUR Hardcover Graphic Novel Rick Remender Marvel Comics $23.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 29m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 Buy It Now |
 Heritage of the Graphic Arts A Selection of Lectures Delivered at Gallery 303 $5.99 Time Remaining: 2h 38m |
 ALIENS FAST TRACK TO HEAVEN Hardcover Graphic Novel by Liam Sharp Dark Horse $8.79 Time Remaining: 16d 5h Buy It Now for only: $8.79 Buy It Now |
 Huge Hardcover graphic novel tpb lot 19 Books Many sealed FREE US shipping $99.99 Time Remaining: 9h 36m |
 Avengers Disassembled Hardcover Graphic Novel Marvel Bendis Finch $12.00 Time Remaining: 1h 41m |
 BLACKEST NIGHT BLACK LANTERN CORPS Volume 1 Hardcover Graphic Novel 20 OFF $19.99 Time Remaining: 19d 9h 8m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Maru Graphic Hardcover Japanese Reconnaissance Plane RARE $27.80 Time Remaining: 11h 1m |
 JUSTICE LEAGUE Vol 1 ORIGIN Hardcover Graphic Novel NEW 52 DC Comics 20 OFF $19.99 Time Remaining: 16d 8h 59m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Stephen King The Stand lot of 4 hardcover HC graphic novels sealed plus bonus $74.99 Time Remaining: 8h 51m |
 AVENGERS X SANCTION Hardcover Graphic Novel Loeb McGuinness Marvel Comics $19.99 Time Remaining: 26d 5h 11m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Marvel Masterworks Daredevil Volume 5 Hard Cover HC Graphic Novel SEALED $14.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 29m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Algorithms and Data Structures With Applications to Graphics and Geometry BCS $9.99 Time Remaining: 2h 38m |
 BABYS IN BLACK Brand New BEATLES Graphic Novel By Arne Bellstorf Stu Sutcliffe $13.99 Time Remaining: 29d 7h 47m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 Buy It Now |
 Thor Flash Graphic Novels $20.00 Time Remaining: 3h 15m |
 THE LAST UNICORN Deluxe Edition HC GRAPHIC NOVEL Oversized UNREAD Rare IDW $59.99 Time Remaining: 28d 8h 7m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 Buy It Now |
 Anthology of GRAPHIC FICTION CARTOONS TRUE STORIES V2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 9h 16m |
 Marvel Masterworks Deathlok Volume 1 Hard Cover HC Graphic Novel SEALED $15.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 2h 15m |
 Batman Detective 27 Hardcover Graphic Novel Elseworlds Uslan Snejbjerg $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 9h 11m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Last of the Mohicans Graphic Novel Comic Book Hardcover HC Marvel New and Sealed $10.99 Time Remaining: 3h 3m |
 Mighty Avengers Vol 2 Venom Bomb Hardcover Graphic Novel New Sealed $14.00 Time Remaining: 12d 6h 51m Buy It Now for only: $14.00 Buy It Now |
 Stephen King Dark Tower lot of 5 hardcover HC graphic novels sealed $74.99 Time Remaining: 8h 51m |
 JERRY HERRINGDesign of the ANNUAL REPORThb dj1st1990GraphicCorpRefGuide $8.95 Time Remaining: 6h 44m |
 X MEN VS AVENGERS Hardcover Graphic Novel Marvel Comics 20 OFF $15.99 Time Remaining: 26d 8h 46m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 Buy It Now |
 DEVIL DINOSAUR Marvel Omnibus JACK KIRBY HC Hardcover GN Graphic Novel $14.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 9h 9m |
 The Exile An Outlander Graphic Novel Diana Gabaldon Very Good Book $7.08 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $7.08 Buy It Now |
 Fear Itself Thunderbolts Hardcover Graphic Novel $8.49 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 5h 14m |
 JOKER by BRIAN AZZARELLO LEE BERMEJO Hardcover Graphic Novel DC Comics Batman $15.99 Time Remaining: 8d 31m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 Buy It Now |
 The Art of Graphic Design by Bradbury Thompson 1988 1st Edition In Great Shape $99.99 Time Remaining: 2h 29m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 Buy It Now |
 HALO GRAPHIC NOVEL 1st edition 1st printing HC DJ Fine $19.99 Time Remaining: 9h 33m |
 IDENTITY CRISIS Michael Turner Variant Cover Hardcover Graphic Novel DC Comics $19.99 Time Remaining: 26d 8h 16m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Maru Graphic Hardcover IJN Small Vessels Part 1 $20.99 Time Remaining: 11h 19m |
 SERENITY BETTER DAYS AND OTHER STORIES Hardcover Graphic Novel Joss Whedon $15.99 Time Remaining: 12d 11h 15m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 Buy It Now |
 Maru Graphic Hardcover IJN Small Vessels Part 2 $21.99 Time Remaining: 11h 42m |
 Pin Up 1 hardcover HC graphic novel by Yann Berthet 1997 Blaze Publishing $49.99 Time Remaining: 11h 40m |
 Graphic Description of Pacific Coast Outlaws $9.67 Time Remaining: 28d 13h 13m Buy It Now for only: $9.67 Buy It Now |
 Batman Arkham Asylum graphic novel first edition 1989 rare $19.64 Time Remaining: 3h |
 SUPERMAN REIGN OF DOOMSDAY Hardcover Graphic Novel DC Comics 20 OFF $18.39 Time Remaining: 5d 9h 31m Buy It Now for only: $18.39 Buy It Now |
 Maru Graphic Hardcover Japanese Heavy Cruiser Part 1 $21.49 Time Remaining: 11h 24m |
 Maru Graphic Hardcover Japanese Battleship $21.49 Time Remaining: 11h 47m |
 The Hulk Marvel Encyclopedia Vol 3 New Hardcover Graphic Novel $12.00 Time Remaining: 22d 13h 2m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 Buy It Now |
 The Graphic BibleFrom Genesis to RevelationLewis Browne1928Maps ChartsHC $14.75 Time Remaining: 12h 13m |
 Interior Graphic and Design Standards by SC Reznikoff 1986 Hardcover $20.95 Time Remaining: 29d 22h 39m Buy It Now for only: $20.95 Buy It Now |
 Twilight The Graphic Novel 1 by Stephenie Meyer 2010 Hardcover $2.57 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 21m |
 The Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) List Price: Sale Price: $13.59 You save: $6.40 (32%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionYou've read the book. You've seen the movie. Now submerge yourself into the thrilling, stunning, and action-packed graphic novel. Mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking out of the pages of twelve-year-old Percy Jackson's textbooks and into his life...  |
 The Halo Graphic Novel List Price: Sale Price: $16.49 You save: $8.50 (34%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMarvel and Bungie team up to create The Halo Graphic Novel HC based on the best-selling video game. The graphic novel brings the Halo universe to life for the first time in the sequential art medium in a 128-page, full color, high quality, jacketed, hardcover graphic novel... |
 Yellow Graphic Pattern Scalloped Trimmer Sale Price: $3.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFrame your displays with these colorful, scalloped trimmers. Plastic-coated and fade-resistant. 36 feet long and 2-1/4” tall. For use with Grades PreK5. |
 11 Inch Extra Large Hardcover Writing Journal, Genuine Calfskin Leather, Lined Pages, 8-3/4" x 10-3/4", British Tan Sale Price: $115.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionExperience our traditional bookbinding skills in their purest form.These beautiful hard cover books include 384 lined, cream-white, acid-free, archival paper chosen for keeping a journal; gilt edges, and double-faced cream satin ribbon marker... |
 Life of Schamyl List Price: See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCircassia—under which name the country occupied by a great number of tribes of which the Circassians are one, is best known to foreigners—lies in the Caucasus, a range of mountains which, running in the direction between north-west and south-east, extends from the shores of the Black Sea to those of the Caspian, and divides by its wall of rock the two continents of Europe and Asia... |
 Kevin Smith's Green Hornet Volume 2 HC List Price: Sale Price: $16.49 You save: $8.50 (34%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Not yet published See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCollecting issues #6-10 of the series based on Kevin Smith's unproduced Green Hornet film, this volume also features a complete cover gallery by industry greats Alex Ross, John Cassaday, J. Scott Campell, and more. |
 Fallout: New Vegas Collector's Edition Sale Price: $69.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWelcome to Vegas. New Vegas. It's the kind of town where you dig your own grave prior to being shot in the head and left for dead...and that's before things really get ugly. It's a town of dreamers and desperados being torn apart by warring factions vying for complete control of this desert oasis... |
 The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel List Price: Sale Price: $13.79 You save: $9.20 (40%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Not yet published See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAndalusian shepherd boy Santiago travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest... |
 Year Of the Black Rainbow (CD/Book/DVD) List Price: Sale Price: $46.88 You save: $8.10 (15%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe eagerly awaited prequel to "The Amory Wars" tetralogy, Year of the Black Rainbow provides the long awaited prelude to the band's four previous inter-related concept albums -- The Second Stage Turbine Blade (2002); In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (2003); Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness (2005) and Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow (2007) - which comprise "The Amory Wars," the conceptual narrative driving the band's lyrics, penned by Coheed and Cambria frontman Claudio Sanchez... |
 The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel List Price: Sale Price: $16.50 You save: $8.50 (34%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSample Pages from The Exile View larger View larger View larger View larger View larger View larger |
|
|
Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Hardcover Graphic Novel) $12.32 In "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," F. Scott Fitzgerald, the great chronicler of the Jazz Age, tells the tale of a baby born as an old man. Fitzgerald follows Benjamin Button as he ages in reverse, growing younger year by year, and in the process... |
