Why use perfect binding?

The way a publication is bound will impact on its look, its durability and its affordability. Selecting the right binding technique will help you to create a piece that’s stylish, long lasting and cost effective.

One of the most popular techniques for binding a paperback book, magazine or catalogue is perfect binding. Cost effective and aesthetically pleasing, it could be the perfect choice for your next printed publication.

What is perfect binding?

Perfect binding is a process, commonly used by printers and bookmakers, where groups of pages are bound together using adhesive to create a clean, crisp and professional printed product. It involves printing one or more sheets containing sets of pages which are then laid out so that once the sheet is folded, they create a group of pages known as signatures. These signatures are stacked together and the edges, which will form the spine, are roughened to improve adhesion. An adhesive is then applied to the spine before a cover is wrapped around them. Once the glue has dried, three of the sides are trimmed to create the finished publication.

The benefits of perfect binding

Perfect binding has a number of compelling benefits. Firstly, and most importantly for many, it’s very affordable. Not only are perfectly bound books more cost effective than hardcover binding methods, perfect binding can be used on relatively small print runs, allowing customers to create high quality printed products on a budget.

Another benefit of perfect binding is that it creates a flat spine that can then be printed on. This allows information such as the title of the publication and author to appear on the spine.

  

When can perfect binding be used?

Perfect binding is an incredibly versatile binding method. Making is suitable for a wide variety of publications, such as a 32 page magazine or a catalogue with several hundred pages. However, it is not recommended if the thickness of the spine is less than 4mm as this will not provide enough surface area for the glue to stick to. Saddle stitching would be a more suitable option.

How to calculate the width of a spine

To work out the thickness of book or magazine try using our spine width calculator.

If you would like to find out more about perfect binding or other binding options, explore our site or contact our sales team.

What is a hard copy?

A hard copy refers to a physical printout or document that you can hold in your hands. It is a tangible representation of information or data that you can see and touch.

Why would I need a hard copy?

There are several reasons why you might need a hard copy. For example, you may want a physical copy of important documents for safekeeping or legal purposes. Hard copies can also be useful when you need to share information with others who may not have access to digital devices or when you want to make annotations or markups directly on the document.

How can I create a hard copy?

To create a hard copy, you need a printer. You can connect a printer to your computer or mobile device and send the digital file you want to print to the printer. The printer then uses ink or toner to transfer the information onto paper, creating a physical copy of the document.

What types of printers are available for creating hard copies?

There are various types of printers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Inkjet printers are common and affordable, using liquid ink sprayed onto the paper. Laser printers use toner and are generally faster and more suitable for high-volume printing. There are also specialized printers for specific purposes, such as photo printers for high-quality image prints or label printers for printing adhesive labels.

What kind of paper should I use for hard copies?

The type of paper you use for hard copies depends on your needs and preferences. For everyday printing, standard office paper is usually sufficient. It is affordable and works well for documents like letters, reports, or forms. If you want higher-quality prints, you can choose specialty paper, such as photo paper for printing photographs or cardstock for creating cards or invitations.

Can I print in color or only black and white?

Many printers support both color and black-and-white printing. When you send a print job, you can usually choose whether you want the document to be printed in color or grayscale. Color printing is ideal for documents that require vibrant visuals, such as presentations or marketing materials. On the other hand, black-and-white printing is often more cost-effective for text-heavy documents or drafts.

Are there any limitations to creating hard copies?

While hard copies are useful, there are a few limitations to consider. First, printing can consume paper and ink or toner, which may have associated costs and environmental impacts. Additionally, the quality of a hard copy is limited by the resolution of the printer and the type of paper used. If you need extremely high-quality or large-scale prints, you may need to use professional printing services.

What are the advantages of hard copies over digital documents?

Hard copies have some advantages over digital documents. They provide a physical backup of information that can be preserved even if digital files are lost or corrupted. Hard copies can also be easier to read and navigate for some people, particularly those who are not accustomed to using digital devices. Furthermore, hard copies can be useful when you need to present or share information in situations where digital devices may not be practical or permitted.

Can I scan a hard copy to convert it into a digital document?

Yes, you can scan a hard copy to convert it into a digital document. Scanners are devices that capture the content of a physical document and create a digital image or PDF file. You can use a flatbed scanner, which is similar to a photocopier, or a sheet-fed scanner, which automatically feeds the documents. Once scanned, you can store, edit, or share the digital version of the document on your computer or other devices.

Can I convert a hard copy into editable text?

Yes, it is possible to convert a hard copy into editable text using a process called optical character recognition (OCR). OCR software analyzes the scanned image of the document and attempts to recognize the characters and words. The resulting text can be edited and manipulated on a computer. However, the accuracy of OCR depends on the quality of the scan and the clarity of the text. Complex layouts or handwritten documents may be more challenging for OCR software.

Can I print multiple copies of a hard copy?

Yes, you can print multiple copies of a hard copy. When sending a print job to the printer, you usually have the option to specify the number of copies you want to print. The printer will reproduce the document multiple times, allowing you to have multiple physical copies of the same document.

What are some common uses for hard copies in the workplace?

Hard copies have various uses in the workplace. They can be used to create physical copies of important documents like contracts, reports, or invoices. Hard copies are often used for distributing information during meetings or presentations. In certain industries, such as healthcare or legal, hard copies are still required for compliance and record-keeping purposes.

Can I print from mobile devices like smartphones or tablets?

Yes, you can print from mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. Many printers nowadays support wireless connectivity options such as WiFi or Bluetooth®. By installing a printer app or using built-in printing functionality on your mobile device, you can send print jobs directly to the printer. This allows you to print documents, emails, photos, or web pages from your mobile device.

What are some tips for reducing paper and ink usage when printing?

To reduce paper and ink usage when printing, you can follow these tips:

• Print only what is necessary: Before hitting the print button, consider if you really need a hard copy. If possible, read or review documents digitally instead of printing them.
• Print double-sided: Utilize the double-sided printing feature on your printer to save paper.
• Adjust print settings: Use print settings like draft mode or grayscale when appropriate to reduce ink consumption.
• Preview before printing: Always preview your documents before printing to avoid unnecessary pages or errors.
• Use print preview software: Some software allows you to preview and adjust the print layout, which can help optimize paper usage.
• Recycle and reuse: If you have printed documents that are no longer needed, consider recycling them or reusing the paper for drafts or notes.