Perfect Bound
Books & Booklets
The Perfect bound method in book binding uses a strong glue to bind publications to create a squared spine giving your books an elegant look. It is generally used in the production of paperbacks, softcover novels or when higher pagination brochures and booklets is required.
Perfect bound books and booklets are ideal for reports, catalogues, manuals, brochures, magazines, journals, programmes and self-published. Perfect binding is widely used in education, publishing, corporate communications, retail, property, healthcare, events, hospitality and creative industries where higher page counts need a practical low-cost binding option.
Popular sizes include A5, A4, B-format, Demy, Royal and 6×9 US Royal formats, with mono or full colour text pages printed on uncoated or silk stock. Inner page counts can typically range from 32–400 pages, depending on paper weight and spine thickness, with covers produced on FSC-certified paper; 350gsm silk or 300gsm uncoated board and finished with matt or gloss lamination to improve handling and durability.
Use our cost calculator to work out the best options for your perfect bound book.
Create a quote to suit your budget by selecting the various options eg. book size, paper weight, colours and turnaround times.
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What is perfect binding?
The method and advantages
Perfect binding aka perfect bound is a bookbinding method where the pages and cover are glued together at the spine to create a clean, square-edged softcover book. Perfect binding is also the most cost-effective method for higher page counts as opposed to hardback books. It is commonly used for paperback novels, magazines, catalogues, and printed manuals.
How to supply artwork
File setup for perfect binding
For perfect bound documents, we require 2 separate PDF files; a cover file and the other containing all inner pages as single pages.
Cover file
The cover should be setup as a spread which includes (from right to left) the front page + spine + back page with a 3mm bleed all around.
Inner pages file
Your file should contain all pages as single pages not spreads in reading order. Pages should include a 3mm bleed area all around and please keep text within a quiet area of approximately 5mm away from the page edge.
Colour Profiles
Wherever possible always try to work CMYK colours preferably to fogra 39l standards. If using non DTP programs for example Microsoft word, Canva etc. these programs usually output to the RGB spectrum which is suited for colour screens not professional printing. Our rip (raster information process) will automatically convert to CMYK, however bear in mind these colour may not be the same as intended from your origination file.
When you should use the perfect binding method
Perfect binding has the distinct advantages of being a lower cost option to hardcover books and elegant compared to saddle stitched booklets while allowing for higher pagination, it can be used for mid to longer term publications. Here are some it's uses and recommended papers.
Paperback books & Novels
For paperback books and novels, perfect bound is the binding of choice. With reading books or if containing a few illustrations, a lightweight uncoated paper would be the best fit. Uncoated papers provide reduced glare when reading and works best for text heavy pieces. We offer a choice of white 90gsm, 100gsm or 120gsm papers in a most popular novel sizes:
• A4 - 210 x 297 mm
• A5 - 148 x 210 mm
• Novel - 127 x 203 mm
• Demi - 138 x 216 mm
• 6x9 US Royal - 152 x 229 mm
• Royal - 156 x 234 mm
• Square - 210 x 210mm
• Trade - 200 x 250 mm
Perfect bound books
A few examples of perfect bound books include product or photographic catalogues, annual reports, training manuals, lookbooks, course handbooks, magazines, high end zines and are usually printed in silk or uncoated papers. Because of it's squareness and flatten profile perfect binding makes these publications easier to stack, display, store, and present to readers or customers.
Booklets & brochures
Usually booklets and bound brochures are normally saddle stitched as they are usually intended for single or short term use. With higher pagination publications, example over 40 pages, although technically it can be saddle stitched, stapled booklets tend to bow-out in the middle as booklet makers don't have enough pressing power to flatten them completely. In this case we recommend using perfect binding, it may cost a bit extra, but it presents a lot better.
Documents
For stand out documents use perfect binding because it gives a professional finish that suits premium content and strong visual presentation. A few examples include manuals, Dissertations, workbooks, property brochures, real estate portfolios, fashion portfolios, investment prospectuses, university course prospectuses, event programmes for premium venues, designer presentation books and company brochures.
