Some of the common methods of binding books and other multi-page documents include:

  • Perfect binding: Gluing the outside edges of the pages together to create a flat edge.
  • Saddle-stitch binding: Using staples along the folds of the pages to bind them together.
  • Spiral binding: Wires in a spiral form threaded through punched holes along the binding edge of the papers. Allows the document to lay open flatly.
  • Plastic comb binding: Similar to spiral binding but using a tubular plastic piece with teeth that fit through rectangular holes punched into the binding edge.
  • Three-ring binding: Holes are punched into the pages and fitted into a binder.
  • Case binding: Sewing the pages together and then attaching them to a hard cover.