Hundreds of thousands of companies across the country have a plastic comb binding machine sitting in their offices. However, many companies have decided that plastic comb binding does not present the professional image that they are looking for. Over the years, plastic comb binding has become more and more common and the look and feel that it represents has become less desirable for professional presentations and proposals. However, if you have a plastic comb binding machine and are looking for an alternative to traditional plastic comb binding you might want to consider GBC Zipbind. Zipbind uses the same hole pattern as plastic binding combs but offers a reclosable solution with a completely new look and feel. This article is designed to provide a simple set of instructions for binding documents using Zipbind. Here are five steps for binding documents with Zipbind binding spines.

1. The first step for binding documents using Zipbind is to assemble your document. After printing the pages for your document you need to assemble the document along with the binding covers and any index dividers or inserts that you want to add to the document.

2. After you have assembled your document, you can choose the size of Zipbind spine that is most appropriate for your document. Currently there are only two sizes of Zipbind binding spines available. Small (3/8") and Medium (1/2"). Depending on the thickness of your document, you will need to round up to the size slightly larger than your document. It is also important to note that zipbind binding spines are only available in 11" lengths so they are not a good option for binding half size documents or documents with longer binding edges.

3. After you have selected the appropriate size of Zipbind binding spine you will need to select the color for your spines. Currently there are two colors available for Zipbind binding: Black and Frost.

4. After preparing your document, and selecting the size and color of the Zipbind spine, you can finally start the binding process. You are ready to punch the pages. Depending on the binding machine that you are using, punching your document will work differently. Most manual binding machines involve inserting small stacks of paper into the punching slot and pulling the handle to punch the holes. If you have an electric comb binding machine you will either press the button or use the foot pedal to punch the document.

5. After your document is punched you will need to take the Zipbind spine that you have chosen and prepare it for binding your document. In order to make the binding process go easier you will want to crease your spine slightly so that it will close more easily. You will then want to take the spine and insert it through the holes of your document. The easiest way to do this tends to be to hold the document with one hand and use the other hand to string the Zipbind spine through the holes. If you have a hard time inserting the pages onto the spine this way, each box of zipbind comes with a special tool that will set on your comb opener. This provides a place to hang your Zipbind spines while you insert the pages onto the spine.

6. Once the spine has been threaded through the holes of the document you will need to snap the first few loops shut manually using your hand. After you have snapped the first few loops shut you can use the Zipbind zipper tool (one is included in every box of Zipbind strips) to zip the rest of the spine shut.

Zipbind binding spines provide a new modern look for your reports and presentations. Documents bound with Zipbind allow for 360 degree rotation, allow for easy editing and look great. Plus if you follow the six steps above, binding with Zipbind should be simple.