Professional Book Binding

binding machine preparing a stack of pages

Any project requiring printed books should have binding that both looks the part and is long-lasting, to be fit for its purpose. Our professional book binding services bring together traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create books that feel solid in your hands and stand up to regular use.

person compiling printed brochures

Whether you're binding a shorter run of special edition books or need consistent results across a bulk order of copies, we match the right binding method to your book's purpose, budget, and style. We get that choosing the right binding can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. That's why we take time to understand how your book will be used, who’ll be reading it, and what kind of impression you want to make.

From budget-friendly options that still look professional to premium bindings that turn heads, we'll walk you through the pros and cons so you can make the choice that's right for your project.

Book Binding

Types of Book Binding We Offer

Our binding expertise spans multiple industries, creating durable, professional results with the following binding options:

Book Binding Methods Explained

  1. paperback book folded in a roll

    Perfect Binding (or PUR Binding)

    The go-to choice for novels, manuals, and most softcover books. This versatile binding can be used for both thicker paperbacks with a square, flat spine that's perfect for displaying titles and author names, as well as thinner softcover books like annual reports, magazines and catalogues without folding pages for a compact, yet durable finish.
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    Perfect binding involves glueing the pages of a book at the spine with a flexible adhesive. While perfect binding usually involves using a standard adhesive like EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) glue, all perfect bound books at Foliofox actually use a PUR (polyurethane reactive) adhesive that has a much higher strength than standard perfect binding adhesive, for greater durability and longevity.

  2. a small stack of thin saddle stitched booklets

    Saddle Stitching

    Great for booklets, magazines, programs, and shorter publications that are usually up to about 64 pages, depending on the chosen paper stock. This binding method involves folding printed sheets in half and securing them with staples through the fold, creating a clean spine. It's cost-effective and works beautifully for projects where pages need to lay flat when opened, making it perfect for catalogues, newsletters, and event programs where readability is key. For projects with more pages or custom finishes, thread-sewn saddle-stitched books are an option, but keep in mind that broken threads could cause pages to unravel, and production takes longer.

  3. woman writing in a spiral-bound notebook

    Spiral Binding (or Coil Binding)

    Perfect for workbooks, planners, manuals, calendars, and anything that needs to lay completely flat when open or fold back on itself. This binding uses a continuous plastic coil threaded through holes punched along the spine edge. The coil allows 360-degree rotation of pages, making it incredibly practical for reference materials, training guides, and books that get heavy hands-on use in workshops or classrooms.

  4. close up of a notebook's wire binding

    Wire-O Binding

    The professional cousin of coil binding that delivers a sleek, modern look. Uses a metal wire formed into a loop pattern that's inserted through rectangular holes along the spine. This binding allows books to fold back completely on themselves while maintaining a more sophisticated appearance than plastic coil binding, making it ideal for presentations, reports, and premium training materials.

  5. various coloured hardcover books standing up

    Case Binding (Hardcover or Hardback)

    The premium option that always says "this book matters" and is built to last generations. This traditional binding method involves sewing folded sheets (signatures) together, then attaching them to a hard cover made of cardboard wrapped in cloth, paper, or other materials. The result is exceptional durability and a substantial feel that conveys quality and permanence, perfect for coffee table books, textbooks, corporate histories, photo books, diaries, and any publication designed for long-term use.

  6. person adding a cover to a comb bound book

    Comb Binding

    Practical and affordable for training materials, reports, and documents that might need updates over time. This binding uses a plastic comb with curved tines that can open to insert or remove pages, then close to secure them. The beauty of comb binding is its flexibility - pages can be easily added, removed, or rearranged as needed, making it perfect for evolving documents, modular training programs, and reference materials that require regular updates.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which binding is right for my book?

It depends on many factors, such as the page count, how it'll be used, and your budget. With our print experts, you can discuss your project and get tailored recommendations to make sure your books hit the mark.

Can you bind different paper types in the same book?

Absolutely. We can work with mixed paper stocks, including pages that have different sizes, book sections with flaps, pockets and more. When working with Foliofox, your assigned account manager is there to plan the production of your project to ensure that the binding method aligns to the fit and purpose of your books accordingly.

Do you offer custom cover materials for hardcover books?

Absolutely. Part of our expertise in book printing and binding is our capability to work with your custom commercial book projects, and that includes the ability to customise your hardcover books with various materials.

Do you provide shipping or delivery services?

We ship print orders nationwide for delivery express or via courier. Your account manager can arrange the most convenient option for your project. Please note that our express delivery partner cannot deliver to PO Boxes, Mail Service points and some remote locations, therefore orders to these destinations use Australia Post.

What's the difference between perfect binding and case binding?

Perfect binding creates paperback books, also known as softcover books, by glueing the pages together at the spine, while case binding produces hardcover (or hardback) books with sewn pages and a hard cover. Case binding is more durable as it’s made to last multiple lifetimes and offers a premium look and finish, while perfect binding is more versatile, flexible, cost-effective and portable.

How many pages can each binding method handle?

The right binding method depends on your project's page count. Saddle stitching is the most restricted; depending on the thickness of your chosen paper stock, it typically binds between 8 and 64 pages. The page count must also be a multiple of 4, as the pages are printed as spreads and folded in half to make four pages. Perfect binding and case binding, in contrast, can accommodate much thicker books. Part of our process involves a personalised consultation so we can advise you on the best approach for your page count, project goals, and requirements.

Can you repair or rebind existing books?

Unfortunately, we specialise in binding new books, but we’re happy to chat and provide some suggestions for alternative book binders that offer repair services.

Can you help with book distribution or fulfilment?

While we currently only focus on producing outstanding books, we can point you toward reliable distribution partners from our network that have distributed books we have printed to help you with this and fulfillment.

Explore our product range and see what we can create together.

Paperback Books
Hardcover Books
Booklets & Catalogues
Reports & Magazines
Marketing Materials
Custom Commercial Printing

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Every great book starts with a conversation about possibilities.