Binding

Saddle stitch binding is a popular and affordable method commonly used for Comic Books, Brochures and other items with low page counts. We slot folded printed sheets inside each other, and at the fold line, we secure them from the outside with metal staples. 

Important page setup information

Paperback Books and Magazines are usually perfect bound. This option is available when you select a certain number of pages or reach a particular paper density. It's ideal for reinforcing your inner pages as they are glued together and attached to the spine before the cover is added. You do not need to include blank pages in your design. We will add any necessary blank pages automatically.

If you choose this binding method, you can print a spine. We calculate the spine length for you, and you can find it in your Shopping Cart. If you choose not to supply a spine print file, no print work will appear in this area.

One difference you should be aware of is PUR bound items. This binding type is more hard-wearing than standard Perfect Binding. The difference is in the adhesive? Perfect binding uses Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), an efficient and fast-setting adhesive. In contrast, PUR uses Polyurethane Reactive (PUR), which provides greater flexibility, and makes it tougher to pull pages out from your book.

For wiro binding, we punch holes along one side of your printed pages before fastening them with a coated, metal coil binding. This option is a popular choice for Booklets. The main advantage of wiro binding is that your prints will lie flat when opened or can easily fold back on themselves. 

Important page setup information

Hardcover Bookbinding, or Casebound Bookbinding, is used on books with higher page counts to ensure they're durable. The cover is a non-flexible cover supported by a backboard, making it incredibly sturdy.

When ordering a Hardcover Book, note that the artwork setup is different from our other products. Most covers need four-page design files (front page, inside front page, back page, and inside back page). But Hardcovers only need a front cover, a back cover and a spine.

Thread-sewn binding is also available. Besides glueing your pages together, thread-sewn binding adds extra strength to your book. Mixam uses Smyth Sewing, whereby groups of pages are stitched together with a binder thread, providing unbeatable strength and longevity. We recommend this option for items with high page counts and heavy paper stocks.

Important page setup information

Interior pages

Cover

Mixam offers right-to-left binding. Right-to-left is used for left-handed readers and languages like Hebrew, Arabic, and Japanese. After uploading your files, click the text direction icon to switch sides. Your pages should be in reading order. Do not reverse your files if you plan to use right-to-left binding, as this may affect the final page order.