NOCTI Graphic Production Technology Practice Test

Hardcover books are bound with a method that securely anchors the pages inside a rigid cover. This approach is case binding, where the book block is prepared (often sewn for strength) and then attached inside a strong cover made of boards wrapped in cloth, paper, or leather. The case, along with endpapers, creates a durable, long-lasting structure that can withstand frequent handling and shelving.

Saddle-stitching uses staples and is suited to thin booklets rather than thick, durable books. Perfect binding relies on a strong adhesive along a flexible spine and is typically used for softcover books, not hardcovers. Comb binding employs plastic combs and is common for loose-leaf or mass-market manuals, not hardcover binding.

So, for hardcover books, the binding method most commonly used is case binding.