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Printing & Binding a Thesis: The Ultimate How-to Guide

You have studied hard to make it this far. All the hard work towards researching and writing your Bachelor’s thesis, research paper or a different final paper is ending. You have completed your write-up and are ready to submit it to your supervisor. However, one important thing remains – Thesis printing and binding (or thesis binding/thesis printing).

You are probably wondering, “how do I print and bind my thesis? What is the best method and material to use? Where can I find the best service provider to print and bind my thesis?”

Almost every student asks these questions. Finding answers to these questions should no longer stress you out. We compiled resourceful tips that can help you navigate this stage successfully. Read on to gain insightful ideas that you can utilize when working on your thesis or any other research paper.

How do I go about printing and binding my thesis?

If this is your first time printing your research paper, it can be challenging to identify the best method and material to use. In this blog , you will find all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision.

What do I have to watch out for when printing my thesis?

When starting, you will likely ask yourself these questions: • Should the printout be coloured or black and white? • What is the best paper size, quality and brand? • Should the printout be single or double-sided? • How do I find the service provider offering the best services at affordable rates? You no longer have to worry about all that since we have put together all the information you need to answer the above questions.

What do I have to watch out for when binding a thesis?

The first thing you should consider is the guidelines given for your thesis or research paper. If your supervisor or institution has issued specific instructions, it is wise you adhere. Adhering to guidelines for content and structure contributes to your final mark.

If there are no instructions on how to bind your thesis, you can opt for different methods depending on your preferences and stage. For example, you can spiral-bind your regular term paper since it is cheaper and doesn’t have many pages. On the other hand, you may opt for leather binding for your major final paper since it has more pages and the leather is sturdier.

Which binding is the right one for my final paper?

There are several options available, and the choice often depends on your personal preference, institutional requirements, and budget. Here are some options for your final paper:

Leather binding for your thesis

Leather binding is an elegant method where the cover of your thesis is made from leather. This technique has been used for centuries and is highly regarded for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and luxurious feel. You can request the service provider to add corner protectors or decorations to endpapers and headbands for additional aesthetic appeal and structural support.

Recommendations: Leather binding is an excellent option for your; • Master thesis • Bachelor’s thesis • Dissertation • Research paper

Thermal binding for your thesis

This method uses heat to adhere pages together. The front cover is usually transparent, making your thesis title visible at a glance. You can choose different material designs and colours for the back cover.

Recommendation: It is fast, easy to use, and can bind relatively thick documents. It also creates a clean and polished look, making it an ideal final paper.

Softcover for your thesis

Choose a softcover if you want your thesis to look unique and stand out among your peers. Softcover allows you to design the cover with different pictures, writings, logos, or patterns. Simply put, you can design it the way you want. However, do not clutter it with irrelevant stuff since it’s your final paper and should appear professional.

Recommendation: Softcover binding is versatile since you can use it for different types of final papers. It is also cost-effective and allows for easy printing on the spine, making it simple to include the paper’s title, author, and other information. However, the softcover may not be durable, especially where the paper is stacked and retrieved many times. Additionally, it cannot contain many pages, such as those of a comprehensive dissertation.

Spiral binding for your thesis

This method is used to secure multiple pages of a document together. A continuous plastic or metal coil is threaded through small holes punched along the edge of the pages. The coil is then twisted into a tight spiral shape, effectively holding the pages together. Spiral binding utilizes a transparent front cover and a hard back cover.

Recommendation: It is suitable for small projects like term papers.

Where can I go for printing & binding a thesis?

There are several options available for research paper printing and binding, depending on your location. Some common places where you can get your thesis printed and bound include your school print services, local print shops, or order online.

Numerous online platforms specialize in printing. One of the best online prints is BachelorPrint . They offer online services where you can upload your thesis, select printout options, and have the final product delivered to your doorstep through their free express shipping.

How you benefit: • Your document is printed on a high-quality paper at an affordable price • A complete preview of your bound document before shipping • Free express shipping to your location • Your document is delivered on time and in perfect condition

Printing and binding a thesis – making sure nothing goes wrong!

We know that writing and printing your thesis is a serious investment of time, energy, and money. That’s why we have compiled relevant and insightful information that you need to print and bind your Bachelor’s thesis, term paper, or research paper.

We understand that you have the liberty to choose where to print your thesis. However, if you need a tried and tested online service provider, visit BachelorPrint. Their online platform is user-friendly, fast and effective. Once you get in touch with them, you are assured of a stress-free experience.

We wish you success as you finalize your thesis!

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How Long is The Print Time?

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The print time makes up the smallest part of thesis printing and binding and is usually completed within a few minutes, but the time required for binding a bachelor’s thesis with or without embossing varies considerably!

It all depends on which type of binding you choose for your Bachelor’s thesis  or PhD thesis, or dissertation, and then how much you’d like to refine it afterwards. We’ll give you a clear overview of the print time for printing, binding and refining a thesis, dissertation or other kind of work as our customers or students need to factor in the print time for production.

to exact delivery time calculation

Printing Your Thesis With BachelorPrint

• High-quality bindings with customizable embossing
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Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1  Leather Binding With Embossing
• 2 Leather Binding Without Embossing
• 3  Print Time With Softcover
• 4 Thermal Binding Print Time
• 5  Spiral Binding Print Time
• 6 Print Time Summary
• 7 Print Time at BachelorPrint

 Leather Binding With Embossing

All information on leather binding

Leather Binding Without Embossing

 Print Time With Softcover

All information on softcover binding

Thermal Binding Print Time

All information on thermal binding

 Spiral Binding Print Time

All information on spiral binding

Print Time Summary

As stated above, the duration of printing, binding and embossing of a bachelor’s thesis with leather binding is on average approx. 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes for three copies. With softcover, thermal binding, and spiral binding, the print times are considerably shorter and manufacturing time for three copies is approximately 30-45 minutes.

Author’s tip:

Warning: The times mentioned are purely based on production time, but not on the waiting time in the queue before production! At submission times in particular, the rush on print shops or copy shops is extremely high!

More time and personnel resources are needed, in particular with leather binding with embossing, and this can lead to unpleasant delays. It is therefore recommended that you place your order online and avoid stressful waiting times in the copy shop.

Print Time at BachelorPrint

The print time is consistent with the previously mentioned information, but it must be factored into the production time especially at academic work submission times in order to coordinate and handle the large volume. A longer print time is necessary in particular for leather binding and we therefore recommend that you provide us with your PDF print file in advance via email or when ordering in our 24 hour online shop.

If you’d like to hold your bachelor’s or master’s thesis or dissertation finished and bound in leather binding the day after ordering, then submit your order in the morning before 9 a.m. (Mon.-Fri.) and get your bound copy the next working day!

How can I print my thesis?

When it comes time for you to print and bind your thesis, or any other piece of academic work, you have a few options. You’re able to print and bind your work in a print shop, OR you can print and bind your work in an online print shop, from the comfort of your own home. The printing costs are straightforward and you have control over every aspect of the printing and production . You can choose the type of paper used for printing and then use the look inside function to check the formatting of your thesis before your submit your order.

Can a thesis be printed double-sided?

Yes! It’s perfectly fine for a thesis to be printed double-sided. You just have to ensure that the paper is opaque so that the readability of the thesis isn’t effected. If you’re considering double-sided printing, then you will most likely need 120g/m² paper for printing to ensure that your thesis is still legible.

Can I have my thesis printed and bound by the next day?

Yes! Order your printing and binding in the BachelorPrint online print shop by 9:00am and you will have your printed and bound thesis in your hands the next day. Regardless of whether you order leather binding or spiral binding! Every order comes with express shipping at no extra cost, so that this promise can be fulfilled.

How long does it take to print and bind a dissertation?

If you have a paper of around 200 pages and you’d like three copies with leather binding, then the required print time with binding is approximately 1.5 hours. However, it’s important to remember that these estimations don’t factor in queues, so be sure to submit your dissertation for printing and binding a few days earlier, just in case.

Tip: Order before 9:00am and receive your order the next day! Check the countdown at the top of the page to see how much time you have left.

What are the costs for printing and binding?

Several factors influence the printing and binding costs for your thesis or research paper. These factors include: type of binding desired, number of pages, type of paper, how many copies you require etc. However, one factor will always remain the same: with BachelorPrint, you’ll receive free express delivery.

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Printing & binding a thesis: The ultimate how-to guide

by William Wadsworth | Last updated Feb 3, 2023 | First published on Feb 9, 2020 | 0 comments

If I’m honest, I only ever had to bind a small handful of assignments for submission, so I never really gave it too much thought. But as I started talking to more different students in different positions, I realised there were actually some important decisions to make when it comes to binding major pieces of work like a thesis or dissertation. So I asked invited BachelorPrint , a popular printing company, to share their take on the options, and what’s going to work best for you. Enjoy ! William, Exam Study Expert Founder

You’ve finally made it:

All those hours in the library, all that time bashing away at your keyboard; your big paper is nearing completion. You’ve done your proofreading , and all that remains is to choose the right printing and binding for your thesis or dissertation.

There are three things to think about:

• What’s the best thesis binding option?
• What print settings should I choose?
• Where should I get it printed?

Let’s walk through each of these in turn.

What’s the best binding option for my thesis?

For a big project or thesis, you can’t just stick a staple in it and hope for the best. Your institution might have specific submission guidelines that dictate how your research paper should be bound, which you’d be well-advised to check.

There are four main binding options:

Each method of binding a thesis, dissertation or research paper is best for different reasons, as we’ll explain.

Overview of thesis binding options

Choosing the right option can be confusing, so we’ve put together a handy overview of binding options for your thesis or dissertation, showing you which type of project each is suitable for, how many pages the binding type can accept, what options you have for the cover, and how they compare on cost:

Leather binding: go classy

Leather binding is the highest quality binding option for your thesis : perfect for major final research papers such as dissertations, or your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis. Some print shops will let you emboss the cover with your title and institutions logo, or add finishing touches such as a bookmark or corner protectors to make your submission really stand out.

Thermal binding: go versatile

Thermal binding is the most versatile of all bindings . It’s perfect for smaller research projects, but can handle page counts of up to 450 pages too, more than any other bind type. It has a transparent front cover, which immediately brings the title of your thesis to the forefront. The back is often a leather-effect cover, for a quality finish.

Softcover binding: go creative

If you want your dissertation to stand out and look more creative , then we suggest going for a softcover binding. This gives you the option of designing the cover the way you want to. Different fonts, logos, pictures or totally wild designs – when you choose softcover, you can let your creative juices flow!

But go easy on the clipart and don’t let it get too cluttered – you still want to keep a professional-looking finish. In principle, you can use softcover binding for any type of final paper, but the page limit of 300 makes it less suitable for really big projects.

Spiral binding: go low-cost

Spiral binding is the simplest and cheapest option , perfect for smaller research projects and term papers. There are two different types of spirals available – plastic and metal – with plastic spiral bind machines often being found in university / college libraries.

Spiral binding is less suitable for larger submissions such as dissertations and theses as page count is often restricted, and with plastic spiral binding in particular, the plastic binding can interfere with a smooth page turn, making for a less polished reading experience.

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What print settings should I choose for my thesis?

Settled on a binding option for your thesis? Great. Now you just need to choose how the interior pages are going to appear.

There are four main things to think about here:

1. Black and white or colour

Printing in colour can be more expensive, but will definitely help your research paper to stand ou t, and may be particularly important in some fields like laboratory science or art history where colour is an essential component of your figures.

Be careful with to avoid gratuitous use of colour in your finished document – overdoing the colour can start to look a little cheesy!

2. Single or double-sided

Opting for double-sided keeps the finished document slimmer, (and is kinder on the planet!) though bear in mind it isn’t necessarily cheaper.

Examiners and assessors sometimes prefer single-sided so they can make notes on one side of the page, so check your institution’s submission guidelines – they often specify whether you must print on both sides of the paper or just one.

3. Paper thickness matters

Paper thickness is measured in “grams per square metre” – “gsm” or “g/m²”.

A higher gsm means a thicker paper and a more premium feel, but typically at a higher price.

Some print shops default to 80gsm. This can cause “bleed-through” when printing double-sided, which is where whatever is printed on the reverse of the page is visible from the front of the page, cheapening the overall feel of your submission.

You’ll see some improvement on bleed-through by upgrading to a thicker paper at 100gsm.

If you’re printing a major submission double-sided, especially if it’s got a lot of ink-heavy figures, you’d be best off opting for a premium 120 gsm paper.

4. Thesis printing and binding: delivery time!

Finally, make sure it arrives in time! At BachelorPrint, we offer free 24-hour express delivery as standard on all orders.

Where to go for thesis binding?

For morning-of-deadline printing and binding panics, you’re left with no alternative than to take your finished thesis, paper or dissertation to your local print shop. Most university towns will have one – though even a physical shop may have a limit on how quickly they can turn a document round, especially if it’s long and you need multiple copies.

So try and plan ahead if you can.

If you’re ready a day or more before the deadline, consider saving yourself some time (and money!), and getting access to a wider range of options through an online provider such as BachelorPrint.

At BachelorPrint , we offer:

• Free express shipping as standard: place your order by 9am (Mon-Thurs) for next-day delivery by 6pm the following day.
• A 3D preview of your binding and “look-inside” function, so you know exactly how the finished print is going to look.
• A wide range of print and bind options at student-budget-friendly prices!

Whatever options you choose for your binding and printing, and wherever you go to get the job done, we’d like to wish you all the best with your thesis!

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Thesis binding and printing options

• By DiscoverPhDs
• November 29, 2020

If you have recently completed your dissertation congratulations are in order! But the work is not finished – you now have to get your dissertation in front of examiners in a professional format. There are a number of factors to consider when producing a physical copy of your thesis :

• Type of binding (for example: helical or softback)
• Paper size (are some pages better suited for A3?)
• Print options (single or double-sided?)
• Paper quality (a range of gsm options are available)

What is Thesis/Dissertation Binding?

Thesis binding involves fastening the physical pages of your dissertation together to produce a single presentable document. As simple as it sounds, there is a lot to get right, and dissertation binding is important in giving a good impression of your work.

What are the different types of dissertation binding?

Spiral/helical/wired binding.

Spiral binding (also known as helical binding) and wired binding are very common for bachelors and masters dissertations. These options give a professional look and allow pages to be rotated 360 degrees, making for easy reading. Spiral binding uses a plastic coil, whilst wire binding uses a metal wire.

Fastback/softback binding

Fastback binding (also referred to as softback binding) uses glue to keep your dissertation pages together. This is not a very common choice for dissertation binding as it is rather formal for bachelors and masters, and perhaps not formal enough for PhD theses. Fastback binding also comes with a risk of glue losing fixity over time leading to pages falling out.

Thermal binding

Thermal binding is not very common but can be used for bachelors or masters dissertations. This type of binding is permanent (so pages cannot be easily added/removed) but is generally inexpensive. Another disadvantage of thermal bindings is that pages cannot be opened 360 degrees (as with fastback binding).

Plastic comb binding

Comb binding involves punching holes down the side of the page and binding with a plastic comb strip. This binding option is also suitable for bachelors and masters dissertations. It is a cheap option but can sometimes become difficult to navigate as pages become stuck on the plastic combing. One advantage of plastic comb binding is that it is easy to add and remove pages.

Paperback binding

Paperback binding will give your manuscript the appearance of a book and comes with personalisation options i.e. a titled cover page, spine and back. This gives a very professional appearance, too formal for a bachelors or masters dissertation, but ideal for a PhD thesis.

Hardback binding

Hardback binding again gives a book like appearance, but is expensive and typically reserved only for PhD theses. In addition to custom titling, spine and back, there is a range of material and colour options for hardback binding e.g. the gold lettering you may have seen on academic books.

What Paper Size Should I use?

Most universities will provide very clear instruction on paper sizes, most often A4. However, some pages such as technical drawings or maps may be best shown on A3. In these cases ‘fold out’ pages are an option but must be approved by your university guidelines.

Print Options:

Check your university guidelines when deciding whether to print single or double sided. If printing double sided, be careful as some pages should not be printed back to back. For example, new chapters should start on the right hand page (of a double spread) so blank pages may be required.

What Paper Quality is Suitable?

Paper thickness is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Although there is no ideal paper thickness, too thin and you risk your dissertation feeling low quality. Too high and you risk your dissertation pages feeling like cardboard, and again pointing to low quality.

Popular UK Services:

Ryman is an affordable thesis binding service, with a range of options for dissertations and theses. Ryman often have stored on University campuses or nearby, so you can check the services provided by your local store (as an alternative to ordering online).

Doxdirect is an online service which offers a large amount of customisation when choosing a thesis binding option. The door to door service also offers a wide range of delivery and production options so you get your bound thesis in your hand as quick as possible.

Thesis Online has been around for a long time (established in 1920), and have a very good reputation. They offer an online thesis binding service and have a hand online calculator which allows you to modify your binding, printing, and deliver options and see the impact on cost in real-time.

Things to Note:

Whichever service you use to bind your thesis or dissertation, there are a few important things to remember:

When using an online service check the turnaround time. Most services take around a week to print, bind, and deliver, though faster services are available at a cost. Some universities have an onsite printing service that students can use. These services likely offer binding options which satisfy your department’s dissertation submission requirements.

An electronic copy and physical copy of your dissertation will be read differently. Whilst consecutive pages are easy to compare on a computer screen, a physical copy may have pages printed on opposite sides of a single page (if double page printed) which makes side by side comparisons difficult. This is something to consider if your text frequently refers to images or tables overleaf.

Most thesis printing services only accept PDF file formats. Ensure that when you convert your dissertation to PDF that you review the document to ensure no errors occur during conversion.

Check your university dissertation guidance on margin requirements. It is also important to factor in margins when considering binding options. Typically a minimum margin of 2.5cm is required on the side of the page to be bound.

Although it comes with an additional cost, it may be useful to purchase personal copies of your bound thesis. You can then bring your bound copy to your Viva , and ensure that what you and your examiners are looking at are identical.

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Printing and binding a thesis: your ultimate guide

You have finally completed your thesis . It has been a long process of getting your bachelor’s thesis or other college paper to completion. Before you can submit it, high-quality printing and binding is essential. Any student has two concerns when it comes to printing and binding their thesis:

• What is the best way for printing and binding my thesis?
• Which is the best place to have my thesis printed and bonded?

Here is a detailed guideline on salient issues to keep in mind when going about printing and binding your thesis .

What is the best way for printing and binding your thesis?

Most students have never printed and bound any research paper before their thesis paper. Therefore, it may be a difficult task selecting the ideal printing and binding configurations. This article provides all the information you need for printing and binding a thesis.

What issues do I have to keep in mind when printing a thesis?

Some of the questions that are in the minds of students when it comes to printing their papers include:

• Do I print in colour or just black and white?
• Which is the right kind of paper
• Where do I get the best deal so that I can print at a reasonable price?

We have compiled some guidelines on printing a thesis to make it easier for you.

What issues do you have to watch out when binding your thesis?

Most students just think about the ‘how’ to go about binding as they do not know the best type of binding to pick for the thesis. Your choice depends on the type of thesis. A paper that requires extensive research and work, such as research paper may require better binding than your regular term paper that takes just a fraction of the time.

The weight of these papers also differs. Your term paper counts just a small percentage of your final mark where your thesis, whether masters, bachelors or a research paper takes the higher percentage.

Keep in mind: printing and binding your thesis is a very important thing. You should find a appropriate binding to make your dissertation worthy and unique. Here, a simple spiral binder may not be the best choice. It is best to go for leather book binding as it is sturdy and looks worthy of a major paper.

Essentially, the choice of the binding to use depends on the type of college paper that you would like to submit.

Most tertiary institutions have specific requirements when it comes to the type of binding to pick. Therefore, check with your institution, whether there any regulations on printing and binding your paper.

What is the right binding for my paper?

There are several options out there for your binding. We shall explain each to make it easier for you to make a choice.

Printing and binding your thesis with the leather book binding

Our recommendation for important papers: thesis printing and binding with the high-quality leather book binding . The leather-look gives your thesis a solid look, which is classy and professional-looking. When you decide to use BachelorPrint, you are given a wide choice of customized options that include a bookmark, custom embossing and corner protectors to have a superb look for your thesis.

Recommendations:

Leather book binding works great for your final papers such as

• Research Paper
• Bachelor thesis
• Dissertation
• Master’s thesis

Thermal binding as a classic way for printing and binding your thesis

Thermal binding is the most versatile type of binding. Its cover is transparent, thereby allowing you to show the title of your thesis right on the cover. Besides, it comes with a leather-like back cover and you get to choose the colour of the cover. A very good way for printing and binding your thesis.

Recommendation :

Thermal binding works great for smaller research papers. It is also ideal for situations where you need various print-outs of the paper.

The softcover as the most flexible way for printing and binding your thesis

If you would like to have a final paper that looks creative and stands out, consider going for the softcover. This is because it allows you to design the cover in the way you want. There is a wide choice of pictures, fonts and logos available when you need to go wild with your designs, especially if you are quite creative. However, ensure that your paper does not get too cluttered with creative pieces. You are interested in printing and binding your thesis, not a comic – it has to look serious and professional.

Recommendation:

The cheapest way for printing and binding your thesis: the spiral binding

Spiral binding is the simplest binding method and the sleekest. It has similarity to the thermal binding in that you have a transparent front cover and a leather-like back cover with several colour choices. However, unlike other binding types where your pages are glued together, in this case, your papers are held together by spirals. You have a choice of metal or plastic spirals if you decide for printing and binding your thesis with the spiral binding.

Spiral biding works well for small research papers like the term papers. It is not recommended for important, large final papers such as research papers and dissertations.

A quick look at binding methods

We have tabulated the information above about various types of binding to help you determine which would be the best way for printing and binding your thesis.

Where can I get thesis printing and binding services?

We have researched so that you find it easy when going about printing and binding your thesis. We would also like you to know where to get the best quality service. You can consider going to an online printing provider. This allows you to make an order from home, which saves you some time. Even when you are making online orders, it is important that you research on the providers that can offer quality service. In our research, we found one online printer that stood out from many others.

BachelorPrint is your choice thesis printing and binding provider. This authoritative online printing provider offers you several high-quality binding selections. They also have a free express shipping service that ensures that you have your paper soon after it has been printed.

Here are some of the benefits offered

• There is free express shipping to all customers
• There is a 3D preview function where you look at the inside and outside of your thesis in the selected binding using this function on their website.
• They offer high-quality papers at reasonable prices

Ensure everything goes right in your thesis printing and binding

Writing a good thesis takes much time and effort. We guarantee that these tips shared above on Master’s thesis, term paper or dissertation printing and binding , your paper should get ready without any hiccups.

You are the one to determine where your papers will be printed. There is a choice of going to a copy shop or making an order online. However, if you would like to simplify the process of printing and binding your thesis and go for a high-quality paper and a smooth printing and binding process for your final paper, go for BachelorPrint. They have set up a user-friendly online print shop that not only allows you to put together your final thesis but also see how it looks like before it is completed. These are a few reasons why we recommend their services.

We wish you all the best as you complete your thesis!

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Thesis Printing and Binding: All You Need to Know

It may have felt like there was no end to the sleepless nights spent writing your thesis, but at last you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, is the deadline to hand in your thesis steadily approaching and you have no idea what to do about your thesis printing and binding ? If this is the case, you’ve come to the right place because in this article, we’ll fill you in with all the details you must know about thesis printing. We’ll look at: 

• The thesis printing configurations 
• The different thesis binding types
• How to find the right print shop

Continue reading and you’ll have your completed thesis in your hands in no time! 

The Thesis Printing and Binding Process

If you’re an undergraduate student, then it’s quite possible that you’ve never had a need for professional thesis printing and binding before. Most of your term papers and essays would have been submitted digitally. Getting professional thesis printing and binding can seem like an overwhelming task, but it really doesn’t have to be difficult. 

We’ll quickly run you through the thesis printing configurations before taking a look at the different bindings available. 

Choosing your Thesis Printing Configurations

In the table below, we’ve listed the main thesis printing configurations that you’ll have to decide on. This way, you won’t have to spend more hours researching for the answers to your dissertation printing and binding queries. 

In the end, details such as the type of paper and any add-ons you choose will have an influence on the price of your thesis printing and binding package. Take a look at different providers and compare their offers, as you’ll want something with a good price to quality ratio. 

Choosing Your Thesis Binding 

The next step is choosing your thesis binding. Don’t be alarmed when you see all the choices! Each binding will be suitable for a range of different papers and you can choose whichever one you find to be the most aesthetic, whilst keeping within the guidelines provided by your educational institution.

The suitability of each dissertation printing and binding configuration depends on the academic work you’re submitting. A bachelor’s thesis you’ve spent half a year researching and writing deserves a better binding than the essay you wrote during an all-nighter. The chosen binding should reflect your hard work. 

For example, the standard spiral binding won’t be able to reflect the hard work you’ve put into your undergraduate or postgraduate thesis. Furthermore, the elegant leather binding may be a bit too much for your ten page essay. 

In the end, your dissertation printing and binding decisions come down to the type of academic work you’re submitting.

Tip! Check with your academic institution regarding the thesis printing and binding requirements from their side. There may also be specific requirements depending on your study program.

Introducing the Thesis Binding Types

In this section, we’ll take a look at the different thesis binding types one by one so you can make a well-informed decision regarding which binding is the best for your academic work. 

The Elegant Leather Book Binding

The classy leather book binding is simply perfect for your extensive research paper or bachelor’s thesis. With add-ons such as corner protectors, bookmarks and custom embossing, your professor will certainly be impressed. There’s no doubt that this thesis binding will do justice to what lies inside its covers.

Recommendations: Almost all lengthier academic papers are suitable for leather book binding. These include:

• Research paper
• Dissertation
• Master’s thesis
• Bachelor thesis

The Timeless Thermal Binding

The classic thermal binding is as versatile as it gets. Present your research paper with this binding or use it for extra copies of your paper that will be going into storage. With the transparent front cover, your title page will be on display and you’re able to choose from several colors for the leather-like back page. You can’t go wrong with the timeless thermal binding.

Recommendation : Use the thermal binding to print a few extra copies of your thesis. Future employers may be interested in your research, so it’s good to always have a few copies in storage.

The Creative Softcover Binding   

The creative softcover binding can be designed exactly how you’ve always envisioned. Pictures, logos, different colors and fonts are all among the possibilities. Thus, this dissertation binding is a great option for those studying creative degree programs. Just ensure that your design is not too cluttered and that it still looks professional.

Recommendation: The softcover binding will make any thesis stand out. However, this binding is unable to hold a large number of pages, so it’s not suitable for lengthy research papers.

The Classic Spiral Binding

The spiral binding is the most cost-friendly option. Just like the thermal binding, it’s great for putting copies of your paper into storage. The main difference is that the pages are bound together with metal or plastic spirals instead of glue. Your title page will be on display and you can choose from several colors for the back cover- so it shares quite a few similarities with the thermal binding.

Recommendation: The spiral binding is great for smaller papers that don’t hold much weight. It’s the perfect cost-effective solution.

The Thesis Binding Types: An Overview 

Here you’ll find all of the information above compiled into one all-inclusive table. We advise you to frequently refer to this table whilst configuring your thesis printing and binding.

An Online Shop for Dissertation Printing and Binding

So, you’ve decided on your dissertation printing and binding configurations, your formatting has been perfected and you’re ready to hand it in and be done with it. Your last job is to choose a reliable professional printing service. You’ve put your heart and soul into writing this, so you want only the best thesis printing and binding.

Your choice comes down to online printing services, or your university campus print shop. We advise an online print shop because this way, you can order your thesis printing and binding online and have it delivered to your door. There will be no need to leave the house and wait in line at a print shop with other frantic college students.  

One such online print shop is BachelorPrint . Their free express shipping will be your savior if you’ve left your thesis printing and binding to the last minute.

The BachelorPrint online shop has an innovative look inside function and 3D preview so you can perfect your formatting and view your thesis printed and bound, before placing your order. With add-ons like custom embossing, corner protectors and bookmarks, you’ll find everything you could possibly need for a perfect thesis printing and binding experience with the BachelorPrint online shop. 

The BachelorPrint thesis printing and binding benefits

• Express shipping straight to your door
• 3D preview and look inside function
• Assemble your thesis without leaving the couch

Summary: Thesis Printing and Binding

Completing your thesis is a huge milestone! That’s why you deserve nothing less than perfect thesis printing and binding to do justice to what lies inside of the pages. 

Remember to think about your thesis printing configurations first before you get carried away by the different thesis binding types. Only once you’ve decided on the type of paper, whether you need double-sided printing and your formatting, can you then take a look at the thesis binding table above to choose your binding. Research some different providers and think about the advantages and disadvantages of both in-store print shops and online print shops.  

We wish you lots of luck with your thesis printing and binding!

BAUCE MEDIA PARTNER

This content was produced via a paid partnership with BAUCE Magazine.

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Dissertation Binding and Printing Options | Comparison and Tips

Published on 3 April 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on 10 July 2019.

Your dissertation is finally finished, you got it proofread and checked for plagiarism . The final step is printing your dissertation, which means choosing between:

• Types of binding
• Colour vs. black & white

Single vs. double sided

• Paper type and thickness

You also need to decide which printing and binding service to use. This independent article explains all options and helps you make the right decisions.

Overview of printing services

Table of contents

Types of dissertation binding, dissertation printing options, production and delivery times, last checks before printing, overview of printing and binding services.

Aside from keeping the pages of your dissertation together, the binding is also responsible for your supervisor’s first impression of your dissertation. There are various types of binding, ranging from the cheaper spiral binding to the more expensive hardcover book binding .

The type of binding should depend on:

• Guidelines from your university or professor
• Your dissertation’s version (draft vs. final)
• Type of dissertation (PhD vs. undergraduate dissertation)

Spiral binding (± £7)

• Professional appearance
• Browsing through the pages is easy (can be opened flat)
• Fairly cheap

Comb binding (± £5)

• Enables easy browsing of the pages
• Binding can be opened and closed (not easily)
• Has a cheap appearance

Fastback binding (± £8)

• Professional book-like appearance
• Available in different colours
• Risk of pages falling out after a while

Paperback binding (£10-20)

• Durable and professional
• Book-like appearance
• Opening and browsing is less smooth than with spiral or comb binding

Hardback binding (£20-40)

• Customizable cover
• Quality comes at a price

Colour vs. Black & White

Unless specifically stated in your university guidelines, it is up to you to decide whether to print your dissertation in colour or black & white. Printing in colour is on average two to four times more expensive.

In general, a colour-printed dissertation looks more professional, but it is not required. Does your dissertation contain graphs or figures that rely on colour? Be sure to print at least these pages in colour.

Printing double sided is often cheaper than printing single sided due to the paper savings – it makes your dissertation half as thick. However, some universities require you to print your dissertation single sided. Be sure to check the guidelines.

When printing your dissertation double sided, pay attention to the following points:

• New chapters should start on the right side. You will need to take this into account and insert “blank pages” when preparing your dissertation.
• Add a blank page after the title page so that the acknowledgements or abstract are not printed on the back of your title page.
• The page numbering is often placed bottom right on the right side of the page and bottom left on the left side. You can easily set this in Word by choosing “outside alignment”.

Paper weight

The thickness of the paper (measured in gsm or grams) is something most students don’t think about, but it does have a significant impact on the look and feel of your dissertation.

Standard printing paper has a weight of 75-90 gsm. For a bachelor’s or master’s dissertation this is fine. If you want the paper to look and feel more professional and durable, a paper weight of 100-130 gsm is better. This is often used for PhD dissertations.

Number of copies

It is common to print three to five copies of your dissertation. Depending on your university’s guidelines you might need to submit one to three copies to your supervisor. In addition, you might want to have a copy for yourself or your family.

The production (printing and binding) takes on average two days, and delivery takes another day. For an additional charge (ranging from +20 to +80%), the production and delivery time can be shortened.

Have a looming deadline? Your local printing shop is probably able to print and bind your dissertation faster, and it eliminates delivery time. However, keep in mind that this is often a little more expensive.

Before sending your dissertation to a printing shop, there are three things you should do:

1. Save your dissertation as a PDF By saving your file as a PDF, the formatting will be consistent on every computer. This way you prevent any unpleasant surprises such as offsets when receiving your printed dissertation.

2. Check for language mistakes There’s nothing worse than finding a language mistake in your printed version. Make sure to proofread your dissertation or make use of a professional dissertation proofreading service .

3. Update the contents page Before saving your dissertation as a PDF, update the (automatic) table of contents. Don’t forget to cross-check the page numbers listed in the table of contents with the actual page number.

The table below provides an overview of the most popular dissertation printing and binding shops, both online and offline. The shops are ordered by price, with information on delivery costs and review score.

*Prices are based on a spiral bound dissertation of 40 pages , printed single-sided , in black , on 80-90gsm  paper, including a clear outer front and back cover .

**Prices are based on a hardback bound dissertation of 200 pages , printed single-sided , in black , on 90-100gsm  paper.

Cite this Scribbr article

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Streefkerk, R. (2019, July 10). Dissertation Binding and Printing Options | Comparison and Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved 18 November 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/binding-printing/

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Dissertation Printing

Online dissertation printing and binding.

• Print hardback, paperback or spiral bound
• Instant quote and free Royal Mail Tracked delivery for orders £10 or over
• Online cover designer (hardback/paperback)

Upload & Print

Print your Dissertation online

Doxdirect specialises in online dissertation printing and dissertation binding services for students around the world.

We know that it’s the most important (and possibly the most challenging) piece of work you’ll complete during your time at university. That’s why we’ve made printing and binding it easier.

Doxdirect offers undergraduate, postgraduate and PHD students a high quality and easy to use device-to-door solution to print your dissertation online, and have it bound professionally and delivered quickly.

How should I bind my Dissertation?

The most popular dissertation binding option is a full colour hardback book . We also offer a paperback version, and an economical spiral bound option (also known as coil binding, wire binding and wir-o binding). Your printed dissertation will look something like this…

Options for dissertation printing

Size / Orientation Hardback A4/A5 portrait or landscape (left binding edge) Paperback A4/A5 portrait or landscape (left binding edge) Spiral bound A4/A5 portrait or landscape (left or top binding edge) A3 landscape (left binding edge)

Paper Hardback 80-300gsm (plain or satin) Hard cover with spine Paperback 80-300gsm (plain or satin) Soft cover with spine Spiral bound 80-300gsm (plain or satin) Printed covers are 300gsm and printed single sided

Quantity / Pages Hardback 20 to 638 pages (double sided) Paperback 20 to 638 pages (double sided) Spiral bound 2 to 586 pages (double sided)

How much will my dissertation cost?

Royal Mail Tracked delivery to UK addresses is free for all orders over £10, and creating a cover for hardback or paperback dissertations is also free.

Cover Design Tool

You can create a cover online for both paperback and hardback dissertations, using the free in-browser Cover Designer. For spiral bound dissertations, the front and back page of your Word Doc or PDF can be used for the front and back cover.

When should I order my Dissertation by?

Standard Service

• 2 day processing + Royal Mail Tracked delivery = Delivery in 3-5 working days (estimated)
• Please note : Royal Mail do not guarantee delivery dates

If you have a little less time on your hands, you may want to use a faster premium service.

Premium Services

• Same day processing* + Courier delivery = Delivery next working day
• Next day production + Courier delivery = Delivery in 2 working days

*(Order before 2pm for same day processing. See the Delivery Policy for further details or Contact Us for guidance.)

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• Standard: 80gsm, 100gsm
• Higher quality: 120gsm, 130gsm
• Premium: 160gsm, 170gsm
• Thin card: 300gsm
• Plain - matt and bright white, better for large amounts of text
• Satin - soft sheen, off-white, ideal for full coverage
• No cover: All pages will be printed on the same paper
• Colour Printed: Covers will be printed on 300gsm card in Colour
• B&W Printed: Covers will be printed on 300gsm card in B&W

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