staplebound

Staplebound refers to a binding method in which sheets are stacked and secured along one edge with metal staples. It is commonly used for inexpensive booklets, pamphlets, magazines, zines, and manuals that require quick, low-cost production and a limited number of pages. When sheets are folded before stapling, the technique is often called saddle-stitch binding.

Two common forms are saddle-stitch binding and side-stapled binding. Saddle-stitch binding folds sheets and stitches them along the fold line (the spine), producing a booklet that lies relatively flat when opened. Side-stapled binding uses staples along the outer edge of a flat stack rather than along a central crease, and is typical for thinner catalogs or reports that do not require folding.

Production typically involves printing, collating, and sometimes folding the pages, followed by stapling and trimming the edges to create a uniform finish. Staples are usually galvanised or stainless steel, and the exact number and placement depend on page count and thickness. For thicker or more durable documents, other binding methods such as perfect binding or spiral binding are used instead.

Advantages of staplebound formats include low cost, simplicity, and suitability for short print runs or DIY projects. Limitations include reduced durability, especially for frequently handled materials, a less formal appearance for some uses, and constraints on page count and thickness that can limit how many pages are securely bound. Staples can also be prone to tearing at the binding edge if subjected to heavy use.