Stapled Booklets (Saddle Stitched)

Our stapled booklets are perfect for anyone who needs to present detailed or multi-page content in a neat, readable and durable format. The term “saddle stitched” simply refers to the two staples applied along the spine fold – a traditional and reliable binding method for documents up to 72 pages (including the cover).

Booklets must be supplied in page multiples of 4. A common source of confusion is that some customers count a physical sheet of paper as a single page. However, in printing terms:

• One sheet folded in half creates 4 pages (a front, an inside left, an inside right, and a back)

• A 12-page booklet consists of 3 folded sheets (12 printed pages), which when nested and stapled, form your final booklet

• This means the minimum page count is 8, including the 4-page cover (front cover, inside front cover, inside back cover, and back cover)

• Page numbers include both the cover and inner content

If you're unsure how many pages your document will be, we're happy to help you work it out – just get in touch with our team.

Common uses for our booklets include:

• Event programmes for schools, shows or ceremonies

• Travel brochures and holiday guides

• Product catalogues and sales booklets

• Menus for cafes and restaurants

• Newsletters for clubs, charities and communities

• Instruction manuals and handbooks

• Workbooks for training and education

Whether you're creating a sleek corporate brochure or a community bulletin, our wide paper and finish options give you total flexibility to match your budget and your vision.

Recommended Paper Choices for Booklets

For a professional and durable finish, we recommend choosing a heavier stock for the cover and a lighter, more flexible stock for the inner pages.

• Cover: 250gsm or 300gsm silk is ideal for a smooth, high-quality feel. Add matt or soft touch lamination for an elegant finish, or opt for gloss lamination for a bold, vibrant look.

• Inners: 130gsm or 150gsm silk offers great colour reproduction and is easy to read without being too bulky. For a more tactile or writable surface, choose an uncoated stock like 100gsm or 120gsm.

This balance ensures your booklet feels premium while remaining easy to handle and flick through.

Material Recommendations by Use Case

Event Programmes or School Brochures

• Cover: 200–250gsm silk with matt lamination

• Inners: 130gsm silk
  A lightweight but polished option, ideal for large quantities and easy distribution.

Menus or Hospitality Booklets

• Cover: 300gsm gloss or silk with gloss lamination (wipeable)

• Inners: 170gsm silk or gloss
  Adds durability and visual punch—perfect for food images and daily handling.

Travel Brochures & Catalogues

• Cover: 250–300gsm silk or gloss with soft touch lamination

• Inners: 150gsm silk or gloss
  A high-end feel with excellent image reproduction for strong visual storytelling.

Instruction Manuals or Workbooks

• Cover: 200gsm uncoated or silk (laminated optional)

• Inners: 100–120gsm uncoated (ideal for writing or stamping)
  Keeps the booklet functional and easy to annotate.

Newsletters or Community Booklets

• Cover: 170gsm silk (laminated if budget allows)

• Inners: 100gsm uncoated or silk
  Cost-effective while still delivering a clear, tidy presentation.

FAQs

What is the difference between a booklet and a brochure?
They are often used interchangeably. Generally, a booklet refers to a multi-page document (often stapled) with structured content, while a brochure can be folded or bound and is typically promotional in nature.

What does 'saddle stitched' mean?
It refers to the two staples used along the spine to bind folded pages together. It's a simple and effective binding method for booklets up to 72 pages.

How do I count booklet pages?
In printing, each side of a sheet counts as one page. So, a sheet folded in half makes 4 pages. A booklet must have pages in multiples of 4, including the cover pages. For example, an 8-page booklet includes a 4-page cover and 4 inside pages.

What paper types are available?
Choose from silk, gloss or uncoated materials from 90gsm to 350gsm. Heavier stocks are often used for covers.

Can I choose different paper for the cover and inside pages?
Yes. You can choose a heavier or different stock for the cover or match the inner pages for a self-cover booklet.

Do you offer lamination?
Yes. Matt, gloss or soft touch lamination is available on the cover. Lamination adds protection and enhances appearance.

What is Spot UV?
Spot UV is a glossy highlight applied over specific areas of a laminated surface, creating a contrast with the matt or soft touch background.

What is foiling?
Foiling is a metallic or coloured finish applied to parts of the cover, often used for logos or titles. It is only available when the cover is laminated.

How long does it take to print stapled booklets?
Standard turnaround is 7–10 working days. Larger or more complex orders may take up to 14 working days.

Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes – we offer UK-wide delivery or collection from our Burton-upon-Trent facility.

Can I supply my own artwork?
Yes. You can upload print-ready artwork when ordering.

Do you offer a design service?
Yes – we offer a professional design service for an additional fee.

• Sizes Available: A4, A5, A6, 210mm square

• Orientation: Portrait (all sizes), Landscape (A4 & A5 only)

• Page Count: 8 to 72 pages (A6 max 60 pages), must be in multiples of 4

• Inner Page Stocks:

  • Silk, gloss, or uncoated (90gsm to 350gsm)

• Cover Stocks:

  • Same as inner, or heavier cover (90gsm to 350gsm)

• Finishing Options:

  • Lamination (Matt, Gloss, Soft Touch – covers only)

  • Spot UV (requires lamination)

  • Foiling (requires lamination)

• Printing: Full colour throughout (black and white artwork can be printed if supplied)

• Quantities: 10 to 1000 (larger or bespoke quantities available on request)

• Turnaround Time: 7–10 working days (up to 14 for large/complex jobs)

• Delivery: UK-wide or collection from Reflex Print, Burton-upon-Trent

• Artwork: Print-ready PDF upload or design service available