What are spiral-bound books? (3 Benefits of Using Spiral Bound Books)

Spiral-bound books are books bound by a plastic or metal coil instead of a traditional backstrip that can be found in paperbacks and hardcovers. Unlike hardcovers and paperback books, spiral-bound books provide more convenience and offer increased portability. Overall, spiral-bound books take the cake when it comes to functionality, durability, and longevity.

When purchasing a book, make sure to check if it comes in a spiral-bound format. Here at Lay It Flat, our goal is to make spiral-bound books more accessible to the public. We believe spiral-bound books are the future, that’s why we publish hundreds of spiral-bound books every single day - from cookbooks to DIY manuals - and we do not intend to slow down production any time soon. Check out our catalog of spiral-bound books today!

Spiral Bound Books vs Traditional Spine Books: What’s the Difference?

Right off the bat, one of the most obvious differences between spiral-bound books and traditional spine books is the spine found at the left-hand side of each format. Spiral-bound books typically have a plastic or metal coil, while traditional books have either a glued spine for paperbacks or a sewn spine for hardcovers. 

Here are some other key differences between spiral-bound books and traditional spine books:

Feature

Spiral Bound

Paperback/Hardcover

Flexibility

Lays flat, making it easier to use and read.

Does not lay flat easily, especially hardcovers.

Binding

Plastic or metal coil at the spine or the left margin of the book.

The spine is glued for paperbacks and sewn for hardcovers.

Durability

More durable and longer-lasting since spiral-bound books can lie flat and resist snags, making them ideal for frequent referencing. The coil binding of spiral-bound books allows for a wider range of motion than some other bindings, reducing stress on the pages.  

They have spines that are designed to withstand wear and tear.

Usage

Easy to use; pages are accessible and can be browsed easily.

Accessing and browsing through pages requires more work.

Just by looking at these differences, the huge disparity between spiral-bound books and traditional spine books becomes more apparent. Not only are spiral-bound books easier to use, they’re also more durable and flexible. 

Here are some features of spiral binding that other binding methods don’t have:

  • A spiral bound document allows the pages to rotate around the coil with ease, staying open without the need for constant holding, which enhances usability and presentation.
  • Spiral bound booklets are versatile and practical for various uses such as workbooks, manuals, and presentations. They can lay flat for comfortable reading and writing, and offer different paper options and design templates to enhance the final product.
  • Spiral bound book printing is a versatile and customizable option suitable for various professional and personal uses. It offers flexibility with options like colored coils, plastic covers, and durable materials, making it ideal for presentations, training materials, and personal planners.

3 Benefits of Using Spiral Bound Books

1. Lay-flat design

One of the best things about spiral-bound books is being able to leave them open by laying them flat on any surface. Unlike paperbacks and hardcovers that close on their own, spiral-bound books allow you to keep your book open for hands-free reading and are also perfect for tasks that require you to read while working. Some common examples of books that benefit from spiral binding include cookbooks, step-by-step guides, manuals, and many more.

Spiral bound printing is a versatile and durable binding option that combines affordability, professionalism, and longevity. It allows the book to lay flat and withstand heavy use, making it suitable for various printed materials like workbooks and manuals.

Different coil diameters can affect the lay-flat feature and overall functionality of spiral-bound books. A larger coil diameter is necessary for books with more pages, ensuring that the book remains flat and easy to use.

Additionally, you can enjoy uninterrupted reading without the hassle of holding the book open. The pages lie flat, allowing you to focus on the content without constantly adjusting your grip. This feature is especially appreciated when reading large-format books, where traditional binding methods may cause pages to curl or obscure text near the spine. With spiral-bound books, every word is easily accessible, enhancing the overall reading experience.

2. Durability

Spiral binding increases the durability of books, thanks to the sturdy coil at the left-hand side of the book that protects the edges of the pages from tearing or creasing. This makes spiral-bound books a practical choice for materials that will undergo extensive use, such as instruction manuals, workbooks, or field guides.

Creating spiral bound booklets involves careful attention to technical aspects, particularly proper binding margins and page number placement to enhance usability.

Using plastic coil binding further enhances durability and flexibility, providing a crush-resistant option that is ideal for long-term use and frequent handling.

Additionally, the coil binding allows for easy page-turning without the risk of pages falling out, enhancing the overall longevity of the book.

3. Convenience for On-the-Go Use

Spiral-bound books are designed with convenience in mind, making them perfect for readers on the go. Their lightweight construction and lay-flat design make them easy to carry and use in various settings, whether you’re commuting on a train, studying in a cafe, or attending a meeting.

It is important to request a digital proof to ensure that the layout, sequencing, and margins of spiral-bound books appear correctly before printing. This digital proof provides a visual representation of how the final product will look, helping you verify the accuracy of your designs and avoid potential issues in the binding area.

Plastic covers enhance the professional look and durability of spiral-bound books, making them an excellent choice for presentations and professional documents.

The flexibility of spiral binding allows you to fold the book back on itself, saving space and making it easier to hold with one hand. With a spiral-bound book, you can take your reading or writing wherever life takes you, without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

Conclusion

Spiral-bound books offer readers a lot of advantages that enhance the reading experience. From their ease of use and durability to their convenience in usage, spiral-bound books provide practical solutions for everyday reading and writing tasks. Our spiral binding service emphasizes our expertise and high-quality offerings in custom book printing.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or avid reader, check out our collection of spiral-bound books today!