Post-print binding refers to the binding and processing of printed sheets after printing. It involves connecting batches of scattered semi-finished pages (including charts, endpapers, covers, etc.) that have been printed according to different specifications and requirements using various methods such as stitching, locking, or gluing. Then, different binding methods are selected for packaging and processing to create printed materials that are easy to use, read, and store.

This article briefly describes several main binding methods of ancient Chinese books.

1. Scroll binding. Also known as roll binding, it is an early form of bookbinding. It is similar to mounted paintings and calligraphy. Wooden rods are installed at the left end of long silk or paper scrolls for rolling up. A large number of Tang and Five Dynasties manuscripts discovered in Dunhuang stone rooms all adopted this method. According to records, scroll-bound books collected by ancient courts were very exquisite; the "Sui-Tang Classics Catalog" describes the secret library's collection: "Top quality red glass rods, medium quality blue glass rods, lower quality lacquer rods"; "Tang Liudian" describes the inner court's collection: "For scripture library books, white ivory rods with yellow ribbons; for history library books, green ivory rods with red ribbons." With the advent of woodblock printing, books changed to a booklet format but some still used scroll binding, such as the "Kaibao Zang" and "Zhaocheng Jincang."

2. Whirlwind binding. Pages are sequentially pasted onto a long roll of plain paper with text written on both sides of each page; when unfolded, it can be read like flipping through pages. Shou Zhang Bangji described it in "Muzhuang Manlu": "Each leaf flips over; when unrolled to the end, it still forms one roll." This type of binding has an exterior resembling a long roll while containing neatly arranged pages inside; it is essentially a form between scroll binding and accordion folding. It was popular during the Tang Dynasty. The Palace Museum has a Tang manuscript titled "Kanmiu Buque Qieyun" in five volumes that uses this whirlwind binding.

3. Accordion folding binding. Also known as fan-clasp or folded bookbinding. The long scroll is folded left and right at certain widths and covered with a book cover to create a booklet that can be read at any time. Throughout history, many Buddhist scriptures and Taoist texts were published using this type of binding method. Ancient memorials and letters also often used this format.

4. Case-back binding. The printed pages are folded outward with the spine facing outwards and then bound into a booklet using paper twists before adding a cover; since thick paper is used for covering the entire book without visible stitching holes, it is called case-back binding. This method appeared in the Southern Song Dynasty and was popular during the Yuan Dynasty until before mid-Ming Dynasty. Qing court books such as historical records from various dynasties and the "Complete Library in Four Sections" also adopted this type of binding method. Case-back binding changed from butterfly-style inward-facing formats to eliminate blank pages but did not solve issues related to loose pages falling out; thus it later evolved into thread-bound formats.

5. Thread-bound books are the most commonly used form of ancient bookbinding that has survived through time. The difference from case-back bindings is that instead of wrapping around an entire sheet for case-backing, one page each is used for front and back covers with holes punched through which thread binds them together into a booklet format. This type may have appeared during the Southern Song Dynasty but became popular only after Ming Jiajing period; by Qing Dynasty it was basically adopted as standard practice for bookbinding due to its advantages in preventing loose pages compared to butterfly-style or case-back bindings.