Perfect bound books are the most popular type of soft cover binding. Perfect binding offers a durable, high quality professional look at an affordable price that can’t be matched. It is the ideal binding choice for publications with higher page counts (28 pages up to 2 inches thick) such as catalogs, magazines, books, manuals, and more.
We accept your print-ready PDF files or offer our easy to use photo book maker. Delivered to your doorstep as fast as 3-4 days from proof approval. Satisfaction Guarantee!
Perfect binding booklet printing is single sheets (text weight) paper printed on both sides and collated in page number order, one on top of the other, and gathered into a book block. The spine edge is ground off. The softcover (a thicker cardstock) is placed over and around the book block (interior pages) and attached by the application of a strong yet flexible PUR glue along the binding edge, creating a professional looking square spine that can be printed on.
Our Most Popular Paper Options are
Learn MoreCoating Options
Gloss paper has a shiny and lustrous smooth coated gloss finish. Excellent for making full color printing appear more vibrant.
Matte paper is a dull coated sheet that exhibits low gloss finish. Paper has minimal glare, making it easier to read text.
Uncoated paper is easy to write on and should be used in projects such as a workbook or coloring book.
Softcover
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Perfect Bound Book Resources:
Crafting a Perfect Bound BookPerfect BindingHow Much Does it Cost to Print a Book?Book Layout: 9 Easy StepsPerfect Bound book printing may be used for a variety of purposes, such as self-publishing your own Art Book, Manual Book, Coffee Table Book, Guide Book, and so much more. Soft Cover Books are particularly useful for printing thick, higher page count books that cannot be saddle-stitched. PrintingCenterUSA produces high-quality perfect bound books with an expert, paperback appearance.
Product Catalogs
Display your products with images, descriptions, and prices. Add a way to track your conversions (like a QR code or special promo code) so you can easily determine the ROI. Companies with printed catalogs can boost sales 49%.
Memory Books
Preserve special events and milestones for your family and friends with a memory photo book. They are an easy way to give a touching gift for holidays and birthdays.
Magazine
Self-publish and start a monthly or quarterly magazine. Whether it’s a hobby, lifestyle, passion project, or business magazine, perfect binding is definitely your best binding option.
Page Count
We require that any multi-page PDF files be sent as single page images, not spreads. In the files, page 1 should be the front cover and the last page should be the back cover (see left). Learn More
Color
Save your PDF in CMYK Learn More
Resolution
PrintingCenterUSA recommends that the resolution of your images and document be 300 dpi or more. Learn More
What is the Minimum Page Count for Perfect Binding?
The minimum number of pages is 28 pages to 2" thick maximum. 2 page increments are required when ordering. Click here to learn more about page count for perfect binding.
What is perfect binding?
Perfect binding is when printed sheets are collated in page order, trimmed down to final size, and then finished by wrapping a cardstock cover around the pages, creating a square spine.
What is the difference between perfect bound and saddle stitch?
Printed sheets are gathered into a book, one on top of the other and the edges are ground off and the book is glued into a wrap around cover and then trimmed to size. This type of perfect bind creates a square spine. They provide an attractive looking durable book. They do not lay flat. Perfect bound book printing is great for directories, magazines, manuals, year books or any type of booklet that has many pages.
Perfect bound can have anywhere from 28 pages up to 2” thick. If it’s thick enough, you can design on the spine. A square spine gives it a very professional, high-quality look and feel. Saddle stitch can have as few as 8 pages and a maximum of 92. Saddle stitch is the most affordable and cost-effective option and it will lay flat and stay open when flipping through the pages. It does not have a printable spine.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side. *Recommended*
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog, or magazine. The soft covers are printed on a more durable heavier weight cover cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cover cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, when mailing your books.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound and saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer softcover Spiral bound and Wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALUE.
- The cover can be coated with Soft Touch Lamination to create a matte, velvety smooth, finish.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- A hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Self-Cover
SELF-COVER BOOKS have the same paper weight for the front and back cover and the inside pages. 100# Text (Gloss or Matte) is recommended. We only offer self-cover for Saddle Stitched Books.
- Easier to fold into a self-mailer or put into an envelope
- Does not require the durability and longevity of a heavier cover
- More easily damaged when mailed.
- 80# or 70# gloss text are also available when weight becomes an issue, for example, mailing.
Learn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog, or magazine. The soft covers are printed on a more durable heavier weight cover cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cover cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, when mailing your books.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound and saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer softcover Spiral bound and Wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALUE.
- The cover can be coated with Soft Touch Lamination to create a matte, velvety smooth, finish.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- A hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Learn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side. *Recommended*
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Spiral Bound Printing
Spiral bound printing is single sheets of paper printed on both sides, cut down to trim size and collated in page number order. Then a continuous plastic coil loop shaped like a long spring passes through a row of punched holes at the edge of the printed piece the binding can be on the left or top of the project depending on how the project is designed. Spiral Bound Books are easier to handle and will lie flat (180 degrees) for easy reading reference materials. Pages turn easily, lack spinal tension, and can fold or wrap back around themselves (360 degree).
Spiral bound book printing offers different coil colors, sizes, and diameters that are readily available and can accommodate a higher page count up to 2 3/4” thick. You cannot print on the spine or add or remove pages. Crossovers, or images that span two adjacent pages, inside of perfect bound books are not recommended.
Number of Pages Accepted
We can print spiral and wire-o orders that have 8 pages - 800 pages (or up to 2 ¾” inches thick) and we require them be in 2-page increments.
Upload Pages in this Order:
Design Tips
You must leave extra space for the hole drilling on the binding-side of your Spiral or Wire-O booklet. Set your binding-side margins to be 3/8”. Refer to our free downloadable templates for a design guide.
While bleeding images are fully acceptable, PrintingCenterUSA does not recommend crossover images due to the substantial gap between pages.
Available Sizes
Learn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Inside Paper Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt) This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side. *Recommended*
Learn MoreCover Paper
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9 pt) For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Recommended*
Learn MoreLearn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Softcover
A SOFTCOVER BOOK is like a paperback novel, catalog or magazine. The pages are bound within a pliable cardstock cover. Whereas a hardcover book has a cover made from thick, rigid paperboard (like an elementary school textbook). We do not offer hardcover books.
Softcover books are printed on a more durable heavier weight cardstock paper to give your book a little more thickness and heft. We recommend 80# or 100# gloss or matte cardstock for the cover and 80# or 100# gloss or matte text for the inside pages. 70# gloss text is available when weight becomes an issue, for example, mailing.
- We offer 4 types of softcover binding: Perfect bound, saddle-stitched are our most popular binding types. We also offer spiral bound and wire-o binding.
- Softcover books offer the BEST VALUE.
- They are more popular, affordable and offer a quicker turnaround time than hardcover books.
- They are more popular, affordable, and offer a quicker turnaround time compared to hardcover books.
- The cover can be UV Coated with a luxurious high gloss finish.
Learn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
INSIDE PAPER OPTIONS
Options
100# Gloss Text (5pt)– This shiny and lustrous coated sheet is excellent for full color printing making photographs stand out and look rich and beautiful. It is about 25% thicker and heavier than 80# text, giving a more upscale, sharp and appealing look with a higher end feel. This premium paper features high opacity for two-sided printing that will have minimal show through the opposite side. Most popular for Self-Cover.
100# Matte Text (6pt) – This dull coated sheet that exhibits low gloss finish. Excellent for jobs that require high quality color reproduction with minimal paper shine. Paper is glare free making it easier to read when there is a lot of typed copy.
80# Gloss Text (4pt) – is a perfect sheet with a great price for many printing projects. 25% thinner sheet than 100# gloss text with similar characteristics and about the thickness of a magazine page.
80# Matte Text (4pt) – is a perfect sheet with a great price for many printing projects. 25% thinner sheet than 100# matte text with similar characteristics and about the thickness of a magazine page.
70# Gloss Text (5pt) - perfect for all types of books and magazines with a high page count to keep weight down. Unavailable in 70# Matte.
70# Uncoated Text (5pt) - is a thicker stock than its 60# counterpart or copy paper, yet still offers the same premium look. Products printed on this paper will often have a high brightness and a high level of opacity. It is easy to write on and would be used in a project such as a journal or coloring book.
60# Gloss Text (4pt) perfect for all types of books and magazines with a high page count to keep weight down while still keeping your images vibrant.
60# Uncoated Text (4pt) - features a super smooth finish that is great for ink holdout and offers a professional look. This paper is higher grade of paper than normal copy paper. It is easy to write on and would be used in a project such as a journal or coloring book.
Coating Options
Gloss paper has a shiny and lustrous smooth coated gloss finish. Excellent for making full color printing appear more vibrant.
Matte paper is a dull coated sheet that exhibits low gloss finish. Paper has minimal glare, making it easier to read text.
Uncoated paper is easy to write on and should be used in projects such as a workbook or coloring book.
Learn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
COVER CARDSTOCK PAPER
Options
100# Gloss Cover Cardstock (9pt) - For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# gloss cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# gloss cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish. *Most popular for Softcover*
100# Matte Cover Cardstock (9 pt) - For a more upscale look and a higher end feel, upgrade to our 100# Matte cover. It has the same characteristics and uses as 80# Matte cover but is about 25% more bulk being thicker and heavier, making it our highest quality premium paper.
80# Gloss Cover Cardstock (8pt) - is a coated paper with a smooth finish similar to a glossy photograph. It is about twice as thick as 80# text and gives a sharp and appealing look with a substantial and sturdy feel. UV coating is available for a more shiny and luxurious high gloss finish.
80# Matte Cover Cardstock (8pt) - Dull coated sheet and exhibits low gloss finish. This lightweight cardstock is about twice as thick as 80# gloss text and has a substantial and sturdy feel. It is glare free making it easier to read when there is a lot of typed copy.
Coating Options
Gloss paper has a shiny and lustrous smooth coated gloss finish. Excellent for making full color printing appear more vibrant.
Matte paper is a dull coated sheet that exhibits low gloss finish. Paper has minimal glare, making it easier to read text.
Uncoated paper is easy to write on and should be used in projects such as a workbook or coloring book.
Learn More:
PDF File Checklist & ResourcesIf you do not submit print-ready PDF files, your order may be rejected. For more information on how to create print-ready PDF files, click here for our 24/7 Help Center.
Choose Options & See Pricing
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How Much Does it Cost to Get a Perfect Bound Book Printed?
You can get 100 copies of an 8.5” x 11” 36 page Softcover Perfect Bound Book on 80# Gloss Cover and 100# Gloss Text, Full Color, (4/4) printed and delivered to your doorstep in 4-11 business days with our Wait & Save Production Time option for only $0.00 ($0.00 each) or 500 copies for only $0.00 ($0.00 each) plus shipping and handling at PrintingCenterUSA.com. Get an instant price on our cost calculator.
| Size/Qty | 100 | 500 | 5000 | 10000 | 20000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 x 11 | $0.16 each $16.32 total | $0.13 each $62.82 total | $0.12 each $608.08 total | $0.12 each $1,201.16 total | $0.12 each $2,387.33 total |
| 5.5 x 8.5 | $0.11 each $10.51 total | $0.07 each $33.76 total | $0.06 each $295.31 total | $0.06 each $608.08 total | $0.06 each $1,201.16 total |
| 6 x 9 | $0.11 each $11.41 total | $0.08 each $38.27 total | $0.07 each $340.38 total | $0.07 each $700.06 total | $0.07 each $1,385.12 total |
• These are examples of our everyday competitive prices.
*Prices are subject to change/shipping NOT included.
Learn MoreHow to Print a Perfect Bound Book in 7 Easy and Affordable Steps
- Gather all of your Perfect Bound Book project’s content and images.
- Place and format your content and images in an Adobe Suite Program (InDesign or Illustrator) OR: Use our online design tool or downloadable templates to create your perfect bound book. Click Here for Perfect Binding Design Tips.
- Enter your Binding, Size, Quantity, # of Pages, Ink, Paper, In-Hand Delivery Date and get an Instant Quote.
- Order & Upload your print-ready PDF.
- We will then run your files through our 43-point checklist and send you a PDF or Hard Copy Proof for you to approve or reject.
- When approved, we will schedule and print your perfect bound book with a softcover that is thicker and more durable than the inside pages.
- Your perfect bound book will be delivered to your doorstep as promised for you to enjoy and distribute your perfect bound books.
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