What is the binding process that uses staples through the middle called?

The binding process that uses staples through the middle is known as saddle stitch. In this technique, folded sheets of paper are nested together and staple-bound along the crease. This method allows for a clean and efficient way to bind booklets or pamphlets with a relatively low cost.

Saddle stitching is particularly effective for smaller publications, such as brochures, magazines, and smaller booklets that have a limited number of pages since it works best when the total page count is divisible by four. The staples hold the pages securely and can add to the aesthetic of the finished product, making it a popular choice in the printing industry.

In contrast, other binding methods serve different functions or are suited for different types of publications. Glue binding involves applying adhesive to the spine of the pages, spiral binding uses a plastic or metal spiral to hold the pages together, and perfect binding gives a polished, professional appearance often used for thicker books by gluing the pages to a cover. Each of these methods has unique characteristics and applications, distinct from the saddle stitch's straightforward and efficient approach.