Flexibound
Flexibinding is a format of bookbinding that is a cross between paperback and hardback binding.
Differences between paperback, hardback, and flexibound books
Flexibound books are most similar to hardback books, which have a hard case glued or sewn to the spine of the book block. This case is then covered with paper or fabric. Flexibound books also have cases, but they are made of thin, flexible cardstock rather than thick binding boards.[1] These cases, much like hardback book cases, are covered in thick paper or fabric. Many flexibound journal and Bibles today are made of faux leather. This provides more durability than a paper cover, as flexibound books do not have protective dust jackets like most hardcovers.[1]
Paperback books are similar to flexibound books only in their pliability. The binding styles for the two are very different, as paperback covers are made of a single piece of thick paper that is then glued to the spine of the book block. [3]
Benefits of flexibinding
There are a few reasons why a publisher may choose flexibinding over the more traditional paperback or hardback style of binding. Flexibound books have the same high quality feel and appearance that hardbacks do, but can be cheaper to produce. They are also more durable than paperbacks, but still have the same flexibility and portability. [5]
Popular uses of flexibinding
Flexibinding is most commonly used for Bibles, because the finished product is lighter and more portable than a hardback Bible. A lot of journals are flexibound as well, because it allows them to lay flat for easy writing.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 “Flexibound Books & Flexibinding.” Imago Group, 13 Sept. 2024, imagogroup.com/books-and-binding/flexibound-books/. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025.
- ↑ “What Is a Flexibound Book? | A Visual Guide (Infographic).” Imago Group, 2025, imagogroup.com/what-is-a-flexibound-book-a-visual-guide-infographic/.
- ↑ Berne, Debbie. The Design of Books. University of Chicago Press, 2024, p. 16.
- ↑ "KJV Holy Bible." Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/KJV-Holy-Bible-Center-Column-Leathersoft/dp/0785215417/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2HND7DGERD2N0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KPcisuL0xc6YcUAV2XHB35Qk9kyuamqgvbHLe1vM3l_LZU6JSkRkbJJDRdl59XjI9FeK4KVCrKBFKtrYzDY0Q61LMlrQt4MKsOjdBZ_1R1mCoyJTEVdSXpd3KmcqXI0qUzSy4wTHiN-3Xgt9ouZXcS4fT3wiU90T1e6qksOyzOaTKbg_Tv2gGA5G0-j2TFQzJ-RSMT6qazjdnYVPHCWEZrxYxKgkuuM0fVcmF5Wf9eOQkyFB84m-MVVAwPbgcHrmrd7tWXoaKpJJw11M597MZGkRjSX8dAu_27t7vLIlkKQ.Rz29SLtYhl34dXSgxFpiMz3pz4wqXq8D8TYG4AT4wTo&dib_tag=se&keywords=soft+cover+bible&qid=1764042571&s=books&sprefix=soft+cover+bible%2Cstripbooks%2C685&sr=1-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
- ↑ “What Is Flexibound?” Sure Print & Design, 20 July 2022, sureprintanddesign.ca/article/what-is-flexibound/?srsltid=AfmBOoqq8GS6wJiRotaq856vmJ5TIx57-9ZEPTHL0XNTByarhEXQOik9. Accessed 8 Sept. 2025.
