Report, magazine, catalogue: which methods to use to bind a file?

If the document you wish to print is longer than three pages, it may be useful to bind a file to make it easier to read. make it easier to read and to protect your document.

With so many different bindings to choose from, here are a few things to think about:

• • why bind a file,
  • how to have a file bound, including what type of binding to choose depending on the use of the document,
  • and finally what impactthe different methods of binding a file have on readers on future readers. readers.

At Copymage, we master the entire range of brochures and folders. Based on this experience, we present below some thoughts on the three main methods for binding a folder.

Binding a file with a spiral

The spiral-bound file is the most classic way to bind a file. It has the the advantage of being adaptable to a wide range of content, while being strong and economical.

In addition, it is possible to bind a file with a spiral binding in case of a last minute presentation or a dissertation that has just been completed the day before it is due. With the 4H express option, your material will be ready on time!

You have two main options: you can bind a file with a plastic spiral or with a metal spiral.

• In both cases, several colours are available to match the colours of your document cover or your graphic charter (black, white, blue, red). 
• Binding a file with a plastic spiral allows you to add sheets after the binding has been made by carefully spreading the rings. 
• The metal spiral binding is more resistant and offers a very professional look.

There are many uses for a spiral bound document: from a thesis to a monthly report, from a product catalogue to a calendar, this binding method is highly adaptable to the size of the prints and their portrait or landscape orientation. 

Moreover, binding a file with a spiral has two advantages: the spiral allows you to bind a very large number of pages (up to about 600 pages of a standard weight) and makes it easier to read and take notes (ideal for training reports, for example) by allowing a complete flat opening.

If you want to bind a file with a spiral, you must however pay attention to one important point: this binding implies piercing the sheets to insert the spiral. When designing your documents, you should therefore pay close attention to pay close attention to the pagination and margins required.

At Copymage, we offer to check your files free of charge before printing and binding to make sure that check that the output will meet your expectations.

Binding a file with a stapled binding

Ideal forprinting of magazines and booklets, stapled binding offers a clean and simple look. Binding a file using this method has two major constraints:

• the document must have a number of pages that is a multiple of four,
• the number of pages should not exceed 40 pages (of a standard paper weight).

Regardless of the format chosen (A3, A4, 45), staples are applied to the centre fold of the pages. This method of binding is economical and can benefit from the 4H express option.

Binding a file with a stapled binding has many advantages in terms of reading comfort: 

• this method allows you to read a text or see an illustration on two pages side by side without a break.
• In addition, on this lightweight material The metal staples ensure that the pages are held together well and therefore have a long life.It can be passed from hand to hand without being damaged.

The stapled binding can be used for for the production of advertising brochures, magazines, cultural programmes, newsletters and songbooks, for example.

Finally, we can offer you a range of finishes numerous finishes to enhance and reinforce your stapled brochure and improve the impact of your message. Binding a folder with a stapled binding leaves a lot of freedom in the choice of size and paper weight for example.

• It may be worth choosing a semi-rigid 170g matte or glossy paper for the cover to accentuate the professional appearance of your brochure. 
• It is also possible to bind a folder with a laminate or selective varnish, which will allow you to highlight a particular element of your cover and further increase the standing of your booklet.

Binding a file with a glued square back binding

The glued square back binding is the binding method that most closely resembles a bookstore rendering. It consists of binding the pages of your document together by applying a layer of PUR glue on the edge.

• The pages are then unsealable and the personalisation of the cover (including the edge) definitely offers a very professional professional look to your document. look to your document.
• Furthermore, binding a file using a glued square back binding guarantees the longevity of your document. Like a real book, it can be consulted indefinitely without any alteration.

This method is generally used in the production of books, theses or high-end catalogues from 40 pages upwards. of 40 pages or more. Binding a file by this method requires more preparatory work, as the cover must be because you have to plan the cover according to the thickness of your document and do not forget to create an edge.

In terms of finishesThe cover is clearly a key element that must be carefully thought through: what thickness of paper should be used? Which varnish or laminate? What colours to choose? All these questions must be thought through beforehand. Binding a file with a glued square back binding also requires more time than the above methods. than the methods presented above. However, the quality of the resulting presentation is beyond comparison.

Because deciding to bind a file opens up a multitude of possibilities, take the time to to consult us directly at the Copymage print shop.

• • our knowledge of printing techniques will enable us to check the conformity of the file you provide to the that you will provide us with, free of charge, with the order that you wish to place.
  • we will also guide you to the best binding method best binding method and the best suited to your objectives and according to your objectives and your constraints (timing and budget).

You can then, with complete peace of mind, link a file with the method that best suits your needs.