Helpful Hints

“They go the extra mile for you. If you have a deadline, they meet it. They are a pleasure to work with on any project. Anytime we get a job that requires binding, they get the call. I wouldn’t have any problem recommending them to anyone.” – Don Frank, McCarty Printing Company, Inc., Erie, Pennsylvania

Elements of Style
To make a good presentation, a print publication should include these elements:

  • An attractive cover to capture the reader’s attention and pull them into the content
  • A functional binding that makes it easy for the reader to use
  • Good organization with dividers or tabs separating topics or sections
  • A consistent look and feel throughout the entire document.

Choosing a Binding Style
When choosing a binding style, the project budget, schedule, and objectives are all considerations. However, the most important factor in choosing a binding style is the document itself, so ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the document application?
  • Who will be using the document, and how will it be used?
  • Will the document be updated or revised?
  • What size will the document be (page counts and dimensions of length, height, and width)?
  • What image or perception do you want to communicate to your audience?

Designing for Perfect-Bound Materials

  • Design the cover of a perfect-bound book to match the length of the folded signature.
  • Allow enough gutter between perfect-bound book covers printed multiple-up to match head and foot trim of folded signatures.
  • When ruled lines are close to the trim, minimize the pushout by folding heavyweight text in 8-page or 4-page signatures.
  • Coat or laminate perfect-bound covers when ink coverage on the outside is heavy.
  • Keep the inside spine and side glue-gutters of perfect-bound covers clear of coatings to assure best binding strength.

Designing for Mechanical-Bound Materials

  • For Plastikoil, Wire O, or GBC bindings, the binding edge gutter varies with book thickness and type of binding. (Call us for specs.)

Handing Off Your Project to a Bindery

  • Schedule bindery time as soon as possible after the job is awarded.
  • If we’ve given you a quote, please note it on your purchase order.
  • Clearly mark the contents on each skid or carton when packing a job for any bindery.
  • For timely turnaround and best quality, always enclose complete paperwork and samples with materials to be bound.

Storing & Shipping Bound Materials

  • Consider shrink-wrapping your materials if they will be shipped by UPS or FedEx, or if you’re generally concerned about keeping the materials in top-quality condition.