Saddle stitching is a binding method where folded sheets are nested together and secured with wire staples through the spine. It's one of the most common and cost-effective binding methods available, and produces a clean, flat booklet that opens easily and lies flat when reading. You'll recognize it from magazines, programs, and product catalogs.

Saddle stitching works best for publications up to around 64 pages, though we can sometimes go a little higher depending on the paper stock. Beyond that range the spine begins to bulge and the booklet loses its clean, flat appearance. If your page count is pushing that limit, perfect binding is likely a better fit.

The minimum is eight pages, since saddle-stitched booklets are always produced in multiples of four. If your content doesn't quite reach that threshold, we can add blank pages or suggest a flat card or folded piece as an alternative.

Each sheet of paper in a saddle-stitched booklet creates four pages when folded — a front, a back, and two interior sides. Because of this, your total page count must always be divisible by four. If your content lands at an odd number, we simply add blank pages to bring it to the next multiple of four.

The most common sizes are 5.5x8.5 and 8.5x11, but we can produce booklets in a range of custom sizes depending on your needs. Smaller sizes work well for pocket guides and programs, while larger formats are better suited for catalogs and marketing pieces. Tell us how you intend to use it and we'll suggest the most practical size.

Yes, and it's a popular option. Using a heavier cover stock gives the booklet a more substantial feel and helps it hold up to repeated handling. We can produce self-cover booklets where the cover and interior are the same stock, or plus-cover booklets where the cover is printed on a heavier card.

Interior pages should be supplied as single pages in the correct reading order, not as printer spreads. The cover should be supplied as a separate file. All files should be print-ready PDFs with bleed included and fonts embedded. We review every file before going to press and will let you know if anything needs adjustment.