When planning your next book project, choosing the right binding method is just as important as the content itself. Whether you’re creating a children’s board book, a stylish photo album, or a run of custom notebooks, the binding style will affect not only the look and feel of your product but also how it’s used.
Today, books aren’t just for reading — they’re also designed to be gifted, shared, and even posted on social media. With the rise of self-publishing and personalised printing, more creators and brands are looking for binding solutions that match the purpose, format, and audience of their books.Here’s a guide to help you match the right binding with your product:
Board Books – Board Binding
Popular use: Custom baby books, toddler storybooks, early learning products
Best binding: Board binding (thick paperboard pages glued together)
Board books are built to last. Each page is made of thick card and sealed with a protective coating — ideal for teething toddlers and sticky fingers. This format is perfect for early learning titles, animal books, bedtime stories, or anything made for 0–3 years. Sensory and tactile books are on the rise — think felt textures, finger trails, and peek-a-boo holes — all of which require strong, reliable board binding. Rounded corners and matte lamination are highly recommended for safety and durability. Some clients even add lift-the-flap elements to increase interactivity.
Photo Books – Perfect Binding or Layflat Binding
Popular use: Wedding albums, baby milestone books, influencer-style keepsakes
Best binding: Perfect binding or layflat binding
Perfect binding gives your book a clean spine and a polished, bookstore-style finish. Layflat binding, on the other hand, allows pages to open 180 degrees flat — ideal for stunning panoramic photos or double-page spreads without a visual break. Layflat books are popular for guest books, Instagram-style baby albums, and luxury gifts. They cost more, but the final product is highly photogenic — perfect for social sharing. Ask your printer about FSC-certified papers and low-VOC adhesives for more eco-friendly production.
Journals & Workbooks – Spiral or Wire-O Binding
Popular use: Educational workbooks, personal planners, corporate training tools
Best binding: Spiral (plastic) or Wire-O (metal)
These bindings are functional and user-friendly. They allow the book to lie completely flat, making them ideal for writing, drawing, or flipping through exercises. Combine with thick covers and back boards to ensure the book holds up to daily use. You can even add tear-out pages or perforated worksheets for school or office use. Real-world trend: More educators and small brands are self-publishing custom journals or learning kits — binding flexibility is key when you’re printing small batches on demand.
Zines, Catalogues & Lookbooks – Saddle Stitch
Popular use: Independent magazines, product brochures, mini storybooks
Best binding: Saddle stitch (stapled in the centre)
Fast, affordable, and neat – saddle stitch is the go-to for booklets under 48 pages. It’s especially popular for Kickstarter zines, craft fair books, school programmes, and brand lookbooks. It’s best suited for thinner paper stocks. And don’t forget to keep your page count in multiples of 4! Many small creators now treat zines as collectible art pieces. A well-designed saddle-stitched book can feel handmade, limited-edition, and meaningful.
Hardcover Books – Case Binding
Popular use: Premium children’s stories, autobiographies, high-end product books
Best binding: Case binding (book block + hard cover)
If you’re creating a legacy piece, nothing beats the look and feel of a hardback book. The rigid structure not only offers excellent protection but also communicates value, tradition, and quality. It’s the format of choice for special editions, luxury brands, and storybooks meant to last for generations. Enhance your cover with a cloth wrap, foil stamping, or embossing to take it to the next level. Hardcover books also offer great shelf presence in retail settings. Ask about recycled greyboard and soy-based inks — many clients are now seeking sustainable options without sacrificing quality.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to book binding. Your product’s purpose, target audience, and budget all play a role. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Whether you’re printing a hundred children’s books, launching your first photo journal, or preparing a workbook series for schools — we’ll help you choose a binding style that works for your design, feels great in hand, and aligns with your values.
