Stapled Booklets
Stapled booklet printing in Tooting, A5 and A4, for programmes, brochures, church books and reports. Short runs, proofs and free layout help included.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Booklet printing near you
A stapled booklet, known in the trade as saddle stitched, is a set of folded sheets held by two staples through the spine. It is the most common way to bind programmes, brochures, price lists, zines, newsletters, course notes and orders of service. It is affordable, it opens easily, and it looks tidy at almost any quantity. We print small runs for schools, churches, theatres, charities and small companies around Tooting, and can also print a single copy for you to check first.
Popular booklet sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm | Pocket guides and small handbooks |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm | Programmes, event brochures and church booklets |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | Reports, magazines and catalogues |
| Square | Often 210 x 210 mm | Lookbooks and photo-led brochures |
A5 is the popular one. It is comfortable to hold and it is made from A4 sheets folded in half, which keeps the cost down.
Page counts: why multiples of four?
Each folded sheet produces four pages, so a stapled booklet must have 8, 12, 16, 20 pages and so on. The covers count too. If your document comes to 18 pages, you would add two pages, perhaps for notes or an advert, or cut it down to 16.
Stapling works best up to around 48 pages, depending on paper weight. Beyond that, the folded pages start to creep outwards and the booklet does not close flat, so we may suggest perfect binding instead.
Paper and covers
A self-cover booklet uses the same paper throughout, which is the cheapest approach and works well for 8 to 16 pages. A heavier cover adds stiffness, and it makes a booklet feel more substantial when you are handing it out or leaving it on a table. Silk or gloss papers give photos a lift. Uncoated paper is better if people need to write in the booklet, as with workbooks and quizzes. See our guide to paper weights for what each one feels like.
Preparing the file
Set your document up as single pages in reading order, not arranged in spreads for printing. We will rearrange them into the correct order for folding. Then:
- Add 3 mm of bleed where images reach the page edge.
- Keep text at least 5 mm from the trim, and allow more on the inside edge for thick booklets.
- Number your pages, then check that the count is a multiple of four.
- Check the PDF once it has been exported, because Word sometimes shifts page breaks.
If this sounds like a lot, send us what you have. We can set up the layout free of charge when we print, and we will send you a proof to check before the run.
Programmes, orders of service and events
If you need something for a performance, sports event or celebration, tell us your date as soon as possible. For funerals and weddings, our order of service page explains how we handle short-notice jobs and sensitive details. Booklets for an awards evening can sit well alongside certificates and roller banners.
How quickly can you print booklets?
Folding and stapling take longer than flat printing, but small runs from a ready file can often be turned around quickly, sometimes on the same day if you get in touch early. The length of your booklet, the number of copies and how busy we are will all make a difference. Call 020 8133 4499, and we will tell you what is realistic. We can deliver in the UK for a quoted charge if you cannot collect.
Questions we hear about stapled booklets
How many pages can a stapled booklet have?
It must be a multiple of four, usually from 8 to around 48. Beyond that, perfect binding is usually a better choice.
Do the cover pages count towards the total?
Yes. A 12-page booklet includes the front and back covers, both inside and outside, unless you choose a separate cover.
What file should I send?
A PDF of single pages in reading order, with bleed if images reach the edges. Do not arrange the pages into printer spreads, as we will do that.
Can you print just one booklet?
Yes. Small runs and sample copies are normal here, and a single copy is a good way to check your layout before a larger order.
Can you help with the layout?
Yes. Send us your words and pictures, and we can lay out your booklet free of charge when we print it, with a proof for you to check.