thesis binding in reading

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you.

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings.

This site may not work correctly on Internet Explorer. We recommend switching to a different browser for a better experience.

Printing & binding

As we no longer offer in-house binding services, we have teamed up with experienced university binders, Spink & Thackray Ltd., to offer a fast and convenient alternative.

Competitive pricing

Preview your cover which can include the University crest

No printer queues

Print & bind your thesis or dissertation now

The University of Reading is an introduction agent for Spink & Thackray Ltd. It has no authority or ability to negotiate or vary the services or terms of the services offered on this website, or enter into any contract on behalf of Spink & Thackray Ltd. The University receives a commission for any purchases made from Spink & Thackray Ltd via this website. The commission is spent on Library resources to benefit all University members.

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

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.

Stay up to date with current information being provided by the UK Government and Universities about the impact of the global pandemic on PhD research studies.

Learn 10 ways to impress a PhD supervisor for increasing your chances of securing a project, developing a great working relationship and more.

The scope of the study is defined at the start of the study. It is used by researchers to set the boundaries and limitations within which the research study will be performed.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

Reference management software solutions offer a powerful way for you to track and manage your academic references. Read our blog post to learn more about what they are and how to use them.

When you should and shouldn’t capitalise the names of chemical compounds and their abbreviations is not always clear.

Dr Williams gained her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York in 2020. She is now a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, researching simplifying vaccine manufacturing in low-income countries.

Dr Ayres completed her PhD at the University of Warwick in 2017, researching the use of diamond to make electrochemical sensors. She is now a research scientists in the water industry, developing different analytical techniques and sensors to help keep our water systems safe.

Join Thousands of Students

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• Dissertation Binding and Printing | Options, Tips, & Comparison

Dissertation Binding and Printing | Options, Tips, & Comparison

Published on September 9, 2022 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on July 18, 2023.

Congratulations, you’ve finally finished your dissertation . It’s been professionally proofread and checked by a solid plagiarism checker .

The final step is printing your dissertation, which means choosing between:

• Types of binding
• Color vs. black & white

Single vs. double-sided

• Paper thickness

There are a few printing and binding services to choose from as well. This article presents a few options that can help you make the right decisions.

Printing service options

Table of contents

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

Binding keeps the pages of your dissertation together, and comes in a variety of price points. Spiral binding is cheaper, a hardcover book binding is much pricier.

The type of binding you choose can depend on:

• Guidelines from your university or department
• The version (draft vs. final)
• The type of work you’re submitting ( PhD vs. master’s thesis vs. undergraduate thesis )

Spiral binding (± $7)

• Professional appearance
• Opens flat, so browsing through the pages is easy
• Fairly inexpensive

Comb binding (± $5)

• Pages are easy to browse
• Binding can be opened and closed
• Can be cheap-looking

Fastback binding (± $8)

• Professional, book-like appearance
• Available in different colors
• Individual sheets can come loose with time

Paperback binding ($10–20)

This type of binding makes your dissertation more durable and professional. In most cases, it’s possible to add front and spine lettering.

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

Hardback binding ($20–50)

• Customizable cover
• Quality comes at a price

Color vs. Black & White

Check your university’s guidelines to see if there is guidance about whether to print your dissertation in color or black & white. Note that printing in color is on average two to four times more expensive.

In general, a color-printed dissertation looks more professional, but it is often not required.

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 front side of the paper. You will need to take this into account and insert “blank pages” when preparing to print.
• Add a blank page after the title page so that the acknowledgments and abstract are not printed on the back of your title page.
• The page numbering is often placed in the 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”.
• Check your style guide to make sure there aren’t any rules for printing.

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 printed thesis or dissertation.

Standard printing paper has a weight of 75–90 gsm. For a bachelor’s or master’s dissertation, this is likely 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 and department. In addition, you might want to have a copy for yourself or your family.

The production time for printing and binding takes on average two days, and delivery takes at least 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 print shop is likely 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 print shop, there are three things you should do:

• Save your file 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 offset pages, when receiving your printed product.
• 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 proofreading service .
• Update the contents page Before saving your dissertation as a PDF, don’t forget to update the table of contents and cross-check the page numbers listed there with the actual page numbers.

The table below provides an overview of two popular dissertation printing and binding shops, including 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.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

• Survivorship bias
• Self-serving bias
• Availability heuristic
• Halo effect
• Hindsight bias
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2023, July 18). Dissertation Binding and Printing | Options, Tips, & Comparison. Scribbr. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/binding-and-printing/

Is this article helpful?

Raimo Streefkerk

Other students also liked, dissertation table of contents in word | instructions & examples, thesis & dissertation title page | free templates & examples, thesis & dissertation acknowledgements | tips & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

• $ 0.00 0 items

Thesis and Dissertation Binding

Click the image of your binding choice for quote or to order, fabric hard cover.

Fabric Hard Cover Binding with Gold Embossed Lettering and Gold Seal

Printed Hard Cover

Printed Hard Cover Binding with full color design on wrap-around Hard Cover

Soft Cover, Perfect Binding

Softcover Perfect Binding with full color design on wrap-around Soft Cover

Gold Embossed School Seals

In addition to gold embossed lettering on the spine and cover of your book, you can add your College / University’s Seal or Emblem. Click here for a list of seals and emblems, or to request your school’s seal.

Quality Paper Selection

We offer archival-quality paper in 25% Cotton or 100% Cotton, as well as standard 20 lb & 60lb Bond paper. You will only pay color printing rates for your specified color pages. Lots of photos? Consider our 80lb Gloss paper. Your entire book will be printed in stunning full color at a low color printing rate. Click here to view a detailed list of available paper options.

Headbands & Archival Endsheets

Our Hard Cover books include top & bottom Headbands – chequered fabric that decorate and protect the edges of the spine of your book. Hard Cover books also use archival-quality Endsheets – the pages which attach your book’s body to its Hard Cover case, as well as heavy blank/fly pages on the front & back cover.

Mail-In your paper document for Binding Only

We can print your document from a PDF file (see sidebar), or you can mail your already printed document for Hard Cover Binding. Simply click your Hard Cover binding style above and follow the instructions. You will be prompted to print your order form. You’ll then pack it with your documents and ship us the package.

Check your Order Status

Shipping date is available on the day that you order. Tracking Number is available only if your order has shipped. For Printed Hardcover binding, shipping date will change based on the time you approve cover proof.

to Order or get a Quote:

That will take you to a page with the description of the binding style. For Fabric Hardcover binding, you can click on any swatch-rectangle to see a full-size book made with the fabric.

You can stop when you’re done, if a Quote is all you want

You now know the Exact Cost of your order with Shipping. You can stop here if Total Cost is all you want

If you’re Mailing a Paper Document, you will instead be prompted to print a form. Follow the instructions on the printed form for Shipping and Payment instructions

Yes, you will upload your file AFTER payment is made.

That’s it. Your order is now complete!

I’ve highly recommended you guys to the administrators, I’ll recommend you to all my MA and PhD colleagues.

– Bob

I received my theses last week and they look great! Cheers.

– Nic

Our first doctoral graduate has received her bound dissertation copies – our first with your company. They are excellent! Thank you for your quality product.

– Harold

Just got back three bound thesis volumes. Beautiful work. Thank you.

– Fred

Your company gained my trust very quickly. You did such a fast, efficient job.

– Natalia

I just received the two books I ordered — they are wonderful. I am very happy!

– Gianni

The thesis binding and the efforts of your company were excellent in all respects. I truly appreciate the promptness. Thank you for making my experience with your company and my finished project remarkable.

– Kimberly

I am completely satisfied with your service and speed. I would definitely recommend you to the grad students in my department. Thank you again for the wonderful job.

– Abdul

Thanks for taking such good care of my work. I will enjoy presenting them to my dissertation chair and the president of my organization next week.

– Barbara

I just received my dissertations in the mail. They’re perfect! They arrived quickly and in mint condition.

– Joe

I am thrilled with my thesis. You did an excellent job. Thank you. I have recommended you to some of my classmates.

– Tau

You put the finishing touches on a 30-month effort and exceeded my expectations…In terms of quality, speed, and overall "wow" factor. Thank you very much.

– David

I had my thesis bound with your company a few years ago and I have been recommending you to fellow grad students ever since. Thanks again!

– Alison

Everything has exceeded my expectation. Thank you so much for making my thesis so memorable.

– Subhendu

I would like for you to know that I was very pleased with the binding of my dissertation.

– Cora

I love it. Thank you so much for doing such an incredible job!

– Pam

I cannot thank you enough for the excellent work you have done to print my Thesis

– Jay

I can’t say enough about the experience of working with your company. I look forward to doing business again in the future.

– Doreen

You’re the best in the businesss! Keep up the great work.

– Leeanne

Just a quick note to thank everyone who worked on putting my book together. It looks beautiful, I could not be happier.

– Elissa

Can definitely recommend the service! Good quality binding, 2-sided, color and at a very acceptable price.

– Scott

• ALL ARTICLES
• How To Study Effectively
• Motivation & Stress
• Smarter Study Habits
• Memorise Faster
• Ace The Exam
• Write Better Essays
• Easiest AP Classes Ranked
• Outsmart Your Exams
• Outsmart Your Studies
• Recommended Reads
• For Your Students: Revision Workshops
• For Your Teaching Staff: Memory Science CPD
• Our Research: The Revision Census
• All Courses & Resources
• For School Students and Their Parents
• For University Students
• For Professionals Taking Exams
• Study Smarter Network
• Testimonials

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.

Free: Exam Success Cheat Sheet

My Top 6 Strategies To Study Smarter and Ace Your Exams

Privacy protected because life’s too short for spam. Unsubcribe anytime.

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!

The Science Of Studying Smart

Download my free exam success cheat sheet: all my #1 must-know strategies to supercharge your learning today.

Your privacy protected. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Read My Test-Taking Technique Book For More Marks In Exams

Top Picks: Recommended Reading From The Blog

How To Study Effectively : Ultimate Guide [READER FAVOURITE]

Why Study [READER FAVOURITE]

Exam Memorization Secrets

Inspirational Exam Quotes

Finding The Perfect Study Routine

Pomodoro Method : 9-Step Guide

Best Books About Studying

Listen To The Podcast

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, automatically generate references for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• Dissertation binding and printing

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

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2019, July 10). Dissertation Binding and Printing Options | Comparison and Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved 19 August 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/binding-printing/

Is this article helpful?

Raimo Streefkerk

Other students also liked, dissertation table of contents in word | instructions & examples, dissertation title page, is professional proofreading allowed at uk universities.

Thesis Printing and Binding FAQ

Thesis Order And Payment

How do i go about ordering my thesis binding.

Click through to the online order form for Thesis binding and printing.

How long does it take to print and bind my book?

Due to the impact of COVID on our operation, our production time is now 18 business days from the next working day that we receive your order. Delivery occurs after this and the timeframe can vary base on where the delivery needs to go.

Feel free to contact us for the most up to date production and delivery times for your location.

Express postage is also available at a small additional cost contact us for more information.

How much does Thesis Binding cost?

The total cost to print and bind a thesis can vary considerably depending on the customizations you choose.

As a rough benchmark, a basic print and bind thesis or dissertation is around:

$100 USD $150 AUD $82 GBP   $155 NZD $5500 PSP $8200 INR

per book. Last updated 18 Jan 2023.

Get a fast online quotation for your thesis or dissertation in your currency of choice with our no obligation quotation form (no email required unless placing an order) .

Do you offer a discount for bulk thesis purchases?

We have a sliding scale of discounts available when you order more than one copy of buckram thesis. Its best to order all of your copies at the same time so you can maximise your savings.

Is there a middle-of-the-road option; cheaper than genuine leather but higher quality than buckram?

We are one of the only binders around who offer a high-quality vegan leather option for binding. The look and feel is so like leather it is hard to distinguish the difference. Vegan leather thesis  are exquisitely finished with a book ribbon and premium foiled centrepiece.

Do you charge a credit card surcharge? 

We are very proud to state that we are surcharge-free.

How can I pay for my thesis? 

We accept all credit cards, including American Express. You can also make a funds transfer. You are welcome to pay by EFTPOS, credit card, cheque or cash when you collect your bound thesis from our bindery.

If you have opted for one of our delivery options, we require you to pay prior to us arranging delivery.

Do you have a secure online payment gateway for credit card payments? 

Yes. Our order form has been securely setup to ensure your details are all safe when paying. Of course, if you have any concerns, please contact us for alternative payment methods

Thesis and Dissertation Printing Information

How much does thesis printing cost.

Thesis Printing Cost: $0.31 AUD ($0.21USD) per black and white page, $0.69 AUD ($0.47 USD) per colour page.

No extra charge for single sided printing.

What paper do you use for thesis printing? Can you print on archival paper if needed?

We always insist on low/neutral acid, sustainable 100gsm paper with archival qualities. We are constantly monitoring the paper to ensure it meets the expectations in regards to quality and consistency.

Am I able to drop my printed pages to you for thesis binding?

You are welcome to deliver your printed pages to us in Frankston – Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm. ( best to contact us before visiting). Australia only, please do not send us your physical print files for international orders, as we cannot guarantee their safe arrival.

Thesis Document Specifications

What margins do I need to leave for binding?

We ask that you leave a 5mm margin for binding/trimming on all four edges of the page.

What format does my thesis need to be in for you to print?

In order to maintain all formatting, fonts, etc. we require that you send your file to us in PDF format. The order form also requests the name of the source program, to assist if there are any issues with preparing it for printing.

I have foldout pages in my thesis. What do I need to do?

Our online order form has a space for pages that are not A4. Please enter details there.

If you are printing your own thesis, please print the pages in A3, and leave them unfolded. We will fit them and fold them to be correctly bound in your books.

Can you bind a thesis that is not A4 or is an odd size?

We can bind any book of any shape or size.  Contact us  for price.

You are welcome to deliver your printed pages to us in Moorabbin – Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm (best to call before you come)

Do you offer help with getting my file ready to print? If you are struggling to get your thesis file just right, we have engaged a specialist copy editor to help you through the process. From formatting margins to repositioning page numbers and managing image resolution, we have had years of experience fixing thesis files just like yours. Contact us  for more details.

Can you help with my university’s requirements? We have completed thesis binding for every university in Australia and many around the world, so we are well versed in the specific requirements for most universities. If we don’t know, we’ll make it our job to find out.

If there is an error in my thesis, how can it be fixed? 

Once you have submitted an order, it is automatically in the production queue. Thus it is both difficult and problematic to remove an order to make any changes.

If you absolutely must make a change to the existing order, there is a $60 fee to make a change to an already submitted order.

There is no charge to cancel an order and resubmit, but you may miss out on your expected delivery day.

Thesis Materials And Binding

What is buckram.

Buckram is a hard-wearing book cloth, long favoured by libraries, universities and other institutions for book that are frequently used. Our range of buckram colours is comprehensive and we are sure to have a colour to suit every taste.

What colours of buckram can I get my thesis bound in?

We currently stock more than 25 colours of buckram, plus many colours in a huge range of book cloths.

Can I get my own personal copy in leather? 

Yes, we frequently have students ordering their own genuine leather-bound copy, complete with hand-stamped lettering, book ribbon and premium tooled centrepiece on the front cover. Spine labels, marbled end pages and raised bands (where suited) are also available.

Are there any other book cloths available?

We have a fantastic range of linen feel, PU, paper cloth, metallic, vinyl and many other cloths. Our suppliers are constantly sourcing new and interesting ranges from all over the world. Why not come into our bindery showroom and see what options we have available?

I’ve just finished my thesis and need to submit for examination. Do you offer thermal binding and soft binding? 

We offer thermal binding up to 50mm with either black or white back cover and clear front. Our thermal binding – clear front and black or white spine and back

Our soft binding – black or maroon front and back, with cloth spine.

Both options can come with a spine label.

Are there any optional extras I can add to my thesis binding?

Our order form lists the additional inclusions: book ribbons, CD pockets, marbled end papers, All of these and more are available on our order form.

Can you add a CD or map pocket to the inside back cover of my thesis?

We custom make CD and map pockets from the same colour buckram or vegan leather as your cover, for $9 each.

What is the maximum number of pages you can bind in one book?

Using our normal thesis binding process, we are able to bind a maximum of around 500 sheets of paper. While we can employ a different binding process for larger books, we recommend splitting into two volumes, for ease of storage, transport and of course, reading.

What is the minimum number of pages you can bind in a book?

The thinnest book we have bound is 6 pages, although we are confident that 1 page is the minimum.

Stamping And Lettering

What is stamping or lettering?

Stamping is the term we use to describe the process of affixing the words to your thesis cover. While it may appear like it has been printed, the process involved heating up brass or lead letters, then pressing them into the surface of the cover with a thin sheet of fast-release foil in between. If you run your fingers along the letters, you may feel how letters have been pressed into the cover. The term lettering has been coined to assist students to understand that we are talking about the words or ‘letters’ in their title, name, degree title, etc.

I have a very long title. Can you fit it on the front and spine of my thesis? 

We have a number of different sizes of our thesis font, known as Radiant Medium. This allows us to select a slightly smaller font size when there are many words in a thesis title. In 99% of orders, we have no problem fitting long titles onto the spine of a thesis.

I have a special or unusual character in my title or my name. Are you able to accommodate this?

Yes, we utilise state-of-the-art programming to control our foil stamping (lettering) machine. This means we can produce almost any special character for your title or name. There is an additional fee for each special character, per font size (two font sizes are used  – one for the front cover and one for the spine).

Do you have other fonts available for the front cover and spine lettering?

We have a large range of fonts, which incur an additional fee.

Can you print on my cover instead of stamping? 

Yes we can! We are able to full-colour print on buckram and many of the other book cloths we stock.

Can you stamp an image or logo on the cover of my thesis?

We certainly can! Over the years, a number of students have requested their university/college crest or logo to be stamped on the cover, you are more than able to have such stamping on your personal copies.

Can you print an image in colour on the cover of my thesis?

Yes! We can print any picture or image onto the cover of book. All we need is a PDF of the artwork!

Can I get a border impressed into the cover of my thesis?

We have three ‘blind’ borders available to choose from.

Thesis and Dissertation Delivery And Pickup

Can you deliver to my university? We can deliver to any address worldwide including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Singapore, and the Philippines.

We offer international shipping, so customers all over the world can enjoy our high quality thesis printing and thesis binding services.

Can you deliver to any address in the world? Absolutely! Just provide the details including country and postcode/zip code, and we’ll arrange a price before we send.

Can I come and collect the thesis when they are completed?

Yes, of course. Let us know if you prefer this option, and we will notify you when your order is available to collect.

Our Showroom

Do you have a showroom where I can see samples of your work and choose my cover colours and lettering options?

You are welcome to visit our showroom at Unit 9/3 New St, Frankston VIC 3199, Monday to Friday 10 am – 4pm. While we are almost always working in the Bindery, we ask that you make a quick call to us if you plan to visit us.

What are your opening hours?

Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.

I work during those hours. Is there some way I can drop off my printed pages?

Yes. Please  contact us , so we can make arrangements with you. Australia only, please do not send us your physical print files internationally, as we cannot guarantee their safe arrival.

Are you open on weekends?

We are not generally open on weekends, however, there are times we might be available to assist you with dropping off or collecting after hours. Please contact us  for more details.

I work/live far from your bindery, is there a way to deliver/drop off printed pages or collected a bound thesis from you after hours?

Yes, we have a solution for you to deliver to us after hours. Please  contact us  for details.

Smith-Shattuck Bookbinding

Thesis binding styles.

Library Standard Binding (Buckram) The least expensive book we offer is the library standard binding. This is machine oversewn, with a black buckram cloth cover binding of acid-free construction. Your last name and date of degree are gold stamped on the spine. This is the binding style that graduate students need in order to meet the requirements for a Doctorate at Princeton University. It is also attractive enough for presentation to advisors or undergraduate thesis submissions.

Books up to ½-inch thick are made with a square (unrounded) spine. We round and back the spine for sizes above ½ an inch.

View an assortment of doctoral thesis library standard bookbinding here .

Buckram Roundback Binding The buckram roundback binding includes all the features of our library binding process. In addition, we gold foil stamp the book’s title and your full name on the front cover along with a separator line between the title and name. On the spine we will put your last name and date of degree, along with decorative double lines at the top and bottom of the spine. Our stamping design can be varied to meet the requirements of your school. Stamping colors available include gold, silver, copper, white, black, red and blue.

Related Images:

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.

You May Also Like

Crowning Glory: Daria Dana’s Zigleys – Igniting Fashion with CROWN Act Inspiration

How To Evaluate The Right Healthcare Recruiter For Your Facility

Here Are Things To Keep In Mind When Buying Perun 2 Mini

What Makes Automated Software Testing Results More Reliable Than Manual Testing?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

YOUR GO-TO RESOURCES

14 black female web designers you should hire for your next project, how to truly break the cycle of debt, it’s time to stop sleeping on your credit score, sis – here’s why, these are 15 of the highest paying careers to pursue, 15 good jobs that women can do from anywhere without experience, here’s how to trick yourself into saving more money.

• Privacy Policy

© 2024 BAUCE MAGAZINE

blogs.reading.ac.uk

University Library news

Our resources and services, online thesis printing and binding service.

No need to travel – just order online and your thesis/dissertation will be delivered anywhere you wish in 10 days, three days or even the next day! Choose from a variety of binding types, colours and ‘extras’ like sleeves, covers, cases and pockets for accompanying material. You’ll see what your cover will look like before you order and receive SMS order updates during the process.

Click on the Library’s Printing & binding page or type in  reading.hollingworthmoss.co.uk .

Rachel Redrup, Marketing Co-ordinator

• View Calendar

Quality Bindery Services, Inc.

Call (716) 883-5185

Print Industry Finishing Services | Bookbinding, Bible & Book Repair, Thesis Binding | Mailing 

Do you need your thesis bound, thesis & dissertation binding.

Trust your thesis binding to QBS, a company that reveres education, and the work you have achieved! Our pricing is reasonable. We know you’ve just spent a bundle on your education! We have been helping graduate students preserve their thesis work for years. It’s simple. Whether you want a soft cover or a hard cover -- both are available. We follow the instructions of the school you attend. We use all types of materials, including cloth, paper and leather. If your school no longer requires you to print and bind your dissertation . . . have it bound beautifully for yourself!

Download our Thesis Binding Information Flyer.

Hard Cover Value Pricing Our value pricing for hard cover thesis binding is $55 per book.

Includes hard cover, we use imitation leather

Choose from many colors, including black, navy, medium blue, brown, green and burgundy

With gold or silver foil stamping on spine and front cover

Soft Cover Value Pricing Our value pricing for soft cover thesis binding is $40 per book.

Includes soft cover, we supply the cover stock

Choose black or white cover

Printing Services

QBS also provides printing services on a variety of paper stocks. The prices are as follows:

25% cotton with watermark:        $.45 b/w  $.60 for color

24# bond copy paper:                $.30 b/w  $.40 color

100% cotton with watermark:      $.55 b/w  $.75 for color

Turn around is usually 3 weeks.

If you need your theses sooner, rush charges may apply depending on our schedule:

5 to 10 days: an additional $20 per book

4 days or less: an additional $50 per book

"My bound dissertation books arrived today, and you did an amazing job. It looks excellent. I am so thrilled and happy. I will definitely use your services again (going back to school) and I have forwarded information to my other college cohorts. Thank you so much."  B.

Step 1: Fill Out the Order Form Download our PDF Thesis Order Form Important: If you have difficulty filling out our order form via the PDF, please print the PDF form and fill it out. Scan and email to [email protected] or fax it to (716) 883-1598. Step 2: Upload Your Files Upload your files to our secure WeTransfer FTP (file transfer protocol) site.

https://qualitybindery.wetransfer.com/ Step 3: We Email Your Price Confirmation Step 4: PayPal Payment

Send payment directly from your PayPal account using our PayPal email address: [email protected] Step 5: Delivery Options

Click here for hours and directions

Quality Bindery Services Inc.

501 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14027

We ship per your instructions on your order form.

For more information call (888) 883-1266 toll-free or (716) 883-5185. We are here to congratulate you and to help you with this next exciting step in your career!

Order Form & How to Order

Here is an example of one of Quality Bindery Services' great Buffalo, New York customers -- D'Youville College.

D'Youville graduates, c lick the below image to download your college's order form. Others use the form in Step 1. 

Does your educational institution no longer require printed and bound theses?  They just put it online.

We think all of the work you completed to get your doctorate degree deserves a place on your bookshelf. It serves as part of your life legacy and can be handed down to your family's future generations.

BOUND THESIS TODAY!

Thesis Binding a Concern?

Congratulations on your accomplishment! Thinking of thesis or dissertation binding to acquire those necessary extra copies?

First Choice Books offers custom printing and library quality binding for your important work. Your thesis can be printed by First Choice Books in black and white or full colour, on heavy, smooth white 70lb paper, and bound in a variety of cover-cloth colours and textures. If less than 100 pages we print on one side of the page only.  If more than 100 pages we print double sided.  Please let us know your preferences single or double sided.  We hot foil stamp your title and name on the cover and spine in gold or silver. We can supply a printed, coil bound version, upon request, which some institutions now require along with the bound copy.

What to send us : one PDF file for the thesis, and an email for the exact spelling for the title and credits. (The title might need to be shortened on the spine due to  limited space.) Binding takes approximately 2-3 weeks. Please let us know if you have a specific deadline to meet. Send files to [email protected] .

Please send your quote via this website page . Yes we print and bind one or two thesis also.  We respond within 24 business hours.

Guide to CaltechTHESIS

• Caltech Theses
• Deadlines and Letters of Completion
• Submission Information
• Grad Office Regulations and Required Forms
• Templates and Formatting Information
• Thesis Updates and Corrections
• CaltechDATA for Supplementary Material
• Thesis Embargo Policies and Forms
• Copyright Considerations
• Publishers' Policies on Publications in Theses

Ordering New or Extra Copies from Proquest UMI (<Oct. 2016)

Online thesis binding services.

• Senior Thesis Deposits
• 3MT: Caltech's Three Minute Thesis Competition This link opens in a new window

Author Services and Thesis Librarian

Library Staff

Barnes and Noble Self Printing Service (commercial bookseller - online)

• https://press.barnesandnoble.com/
• Please note that B&N requires PDF/A compliant files for printing.  There are both commercial and free validation tools available, including Adobe Acrobat DC (see access.caltech for free download eligibility), veraPDF (open-source), Windows' Accessibility Checker , etc.
• Overleaf's documentation has more information on PDF/A, accessibility and validation, and LaTeX

Thesis on Demand (commercial binding service - online)

• https://www.thesisondemand.com/  - based in North Manchester, Indiana.
• Customize the look of your bound thesis by choosing from among the options they offer.  This includes color choice for buckram cloth and type of cover (both buckram cloth and leather), spine and front cover printing, pockets, etc.
• You will need to send them a PDF copy of your thesis,  and they will mail you the bound copy.
• They have a quick calculator to help you check the cost depending on your choices. Prices will of course vary - for example, a buckram-bound thesis with only spine lettering, 10 color pages and 240 black and white pages, and no pockets, cost ~$62 plus shipping and tax in December 2023.

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center  (located on Colorado Blvd between Oak Knoll and Lake)

• 855 E Colorado Blvd,  Pasadena, CA
• (626) 793-6336  ,  https://local.fedex.com/en-us/ca/pasadena/office-3701/

We recommend acid-free paper with a high linen content for long-term preservation of your paper copy. This is available at various office-supply stores.

• The Library provides printing services to students with theses.
• E ach student receives a $25/quarter printing allotment. Per page printing is $.10/ page for BW, and $.$20 per page for color. Note that you cannot change the paper in the printers, however, and the paper is not the archival quality we recommend for theses.
• Email the Library for more information

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (on Colorado Blvd between Oak Knoll and Lake)

• (626) 793-6336 ;   https://local.fedex.com/en-us/ca/pasadena/office-3701/
• Call for latest pricing

Office Depot (on Colorado Blvd between Wilson and Mar Vista)

• 1130 Colorado Blvd, Pasadena CA
• (626) 666-6900 ;  https://www.officedepot.com/storelocator/ca/pasadena/office-depot-599

Please note that this does NOT apply to any theses deposited in CaltechTHESIS since October 2016.

If your thesis was sent to UMI, you will be able to place orders for new or extra hard copies. 

• To order a copy of your own dissertation , please send an email directly to: [email protected]
• Alternatively you may print and fill out this Order Form , then mail it to UMI at the following address:

UMI Dissertation Publishing ProQuest 789 E. Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346

• << Previous: Publishers' Policies on Publications in Theses
• Next: Senior Thesis Deposits >>
• Last Updated: Aug 21, 2024 10:29 AM
• URL: https://library.caltech.edu/theses

Helix Binders

• Order your bound thesis
• Quick calculator
• About this service
• Thesis and dissertation print/bind
• Trade binding
• Library binding
• Book print and bind
• Testimonials

Dissertation / Thesis binding and Printing

A quick, easy and cost-effective way to have your thesis or dissertation professionally printed and bound., the 1 day option is only available monday to thursday, any 1 day orders placed on a friday will not be dispatched until monday, orders for the one day option must be placed by 10am for next day delivery..

Helix Binders are a major provider of dissertation / thesis print & bind for students throughout the UK.

With the ability to match all UK university specifications you can trust Helix Binders to produce your work in the highest quality.

Add impact to your Thesis or Dissertation with professional binding

First impressions count.

Everyone knows this little phrase and it applies completely to submitting your thesis too. You’ve poured man-hours into researching, writing and proofing your Thesis – the last thing you want is to make a poor impression by submitting a substandard printed document.

A well printed and bound document will reflect all the hard work that has gone into creating the content within it.

Experienced binders

We’ve been binding dissertations and thesis for many years and know a thing or two about it. From the feedback we’re received, a beautifully bound dissertation has much more impact. Your publication is in good hands.

You’ll want the overall finish to be perfect. Neatly trimmed, durable, and free of blemishes. We inspect each document before we ship it out, giving you peace of mind that it has been printed with care and attention to detail.

Up to spec thesis binding

Many universities have their own thesis binding specifications for submitted documents and we can bind to those requirements. This ensures that you not only comply but also make the best possible impression.

Using the latest digital printing technology, you can be sure that the print quality will be excellent and we don’t skimp on the paper either. Our standard weight is 100gsm, making sure the print is legible and the document is a pleasure to handle too.

Our thesis / dissertation binding service offers you a choice of covers and finishes, meaning it is customised to you.

We also offer a variety of extra options allowing you to add even more uniqueness to your document and make it stand out.

You have a variety of delivery options too, including Next-day delivery with a 1 hour window. You won’t have to hang around all day waiting for that important thesis to arrive. We know that there is no point in getting a thesis printed and bound to a professional standard, only to find that it has been damaged in the post. We take care in packing and delivering your thesis so that it arrives in the pristine condition you’d expect.

Cost Effective

Having choice means you have a say in the final cost. Our printing and binding processes are streamlined to ensure low waste and a fast turn-around – keeping costs to a minimum and giving you the best possible finish at a great price. We have a quick cost calculator to help you get an idea of the choice and the pricing before you even place an order.

Having survived the stress of compiling your thesis , you’ll want the submission process to be smooth and easy.

We have a wide range of applications and will process your files in most common formats. If you are unsure of what format to submit your document, please do not hesitate to contact us [email protected] .

What areas do we cover?

We have produced thesis binding to students from all over the country, here’s a quick look at just how much of the UK we cover:

It doesn’t matter which university you attend, or where you are in the UK – we can print it, bind it and ship it for you.

Graphic from studyin-uk.com

Comments: 5 (Add)

Hi. Ordered my wife's PhD Thesis to be bound, all 336 pages, last week. It's arrived! We are so pleased with the quality and service. Thank you. Stephen, Lynn and Mabel the dog. One happy house.

Thank you very much for the binding. I have received the thesis and it is very well done.

Kind regards, Kevin

I binded my dissertation in 2021, and I am totally satisfied with the result! It is beautifully binded and very proud of the book!

What fantastic service, and what a great finished product. Iain was brilliant in ironing out a few glitches (caused by me tbh). I can't praise him or the service provided highly enough. If you want your thesis bound professionally you've found the right place.

Just received my bound dissertation from Helix. I had to write this brief message to say thank you so much, it is absolutely stunning. The service, quality, and simplicity of the process is amazing. I cannot recommend your company enough, I will definitely be using you for future binding projects. Many thanks, Dave.

In this section

Find out more.

For information about any of our services, please feel free to call 01324 629025 or email us .

More ways to get in touch »

© Helix Binders Ltd | Registered in Scotland, SC325493 Block 2 Unit F | Westmains Industrial Estate | Grangemouth | FK3 8YE 01324 629025 | [email protected] Terms and conditions | Privacy policy

Responsive website design and development by fuzzylime.

Dissertation Printing & Binding

✓ Live preview of your binding

✓  3D look inside function

✓ FREE express delivery

Express delivery:

configure now

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Why Choose BachelorPrint
• 2 Our Bindings
• 3 Comparison Of Bindings
• 4 100% Real Reviews

Why Choose BachelorPrint

FREE express delivery

Upload your dissertation into our online shop, choose your binding and submit your order. Receive your order with free express delivery within a few days!

INNOVATIVE look inside function

Check your dissertation online before printing – this is possible with our look inside-function that lets you browse through your dissertation online with all extra gadgets displayed.

Online 3D configuration

Configure your dissertation with just a few clicks. Every modification to your binding is shown online, live in a 3D preview, plus estimated date of delivery and price calculation.

Our Bindings

You can pick from various bindings at BachelorPrint. However, depending on the type of work, you should ensure that you have it bound correctly. Thermal binding is a good choice if you have your dissertation bound. Most students like the thermal binding because it offers exceptional value for money.

Calculate the costs for printing & binding your dissertation with the BachelorPrint Cost Calculator:

Calculate the costs of your dissertation now

Tip: The binding should reflect the content. The higher the significance of your work to you, the higher the quality of your binding should be. However, it is imperative that you verify whether your university has any specific submission requirements.

Leather Book Bindings

Klicken Sie auf den unteren Button, um den Inhalt von Playcanvas zu laden.

Inhalt laden

Premium Leather Binding

Refinements, standard leather binding, excellence at its finest.

Configure Now

Thermal Binding

Spiral binding, metal spiral binding, plastic spiral binding.

Advantages Of An Online Printing Service

Order from the comfort of your home

Printing and binding your dissertation is a breeze from your own living room. There is no need for endless searches for a copy or print shop, annoyance-inducing trips through the city, or lengthy waits. Simply configure your desired binding and receive your dissertation the following day via free express delivery.

Numerous possibilities & all in one place

At BachelorPrint, you can choose from many types of bindings that are good quality. You can also customize them with various options and features. You can decide how your dissertation looks by using different tools like ribbon markers, book maizeers, or individual embossing.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about how your binding will look when it’s all done. With our live preview and the look inside function, you can look at your dissertation and see if everything fits.

Ordered today, delivered tomorrow!

Deliver anywhere you want in a flash!

Comparison Of Bindings

Over 100,000 Satisfied Customers Since 2016

The customer is king! We care about your opinion, and we do everything possible to meet your needs. Take a look at our Instagram channel or read the Google reviews of our happy customers.

100% Real Reviews

Are You Having Any Questions?

You can check out our FAQs or contact our customer service team

Why should I do my dissertation binding online?

BachelorPrint as an online printing service offers you several advantages for your dissertation print on demand :

• 24-hour delivery for dissertations, even in large quantities. Order before the countdown above runs out, and we deliver the next day (depending on your location)
• Free delivery
• No minimum order value
• Free 100 g/m² branded paper for optimal print quality
• High-quality binding for your dissertation
• 3D live preview in the BachelorPrint print shop
• Customizable embossing for your cover with the logo of your institution
• Free “type of work” embossing (e.g., bachelor’s thesis, master’s thesis, dissertation)

What are the costs for dissertation printing?

The most important factor for most students when it comes to dissertation printing is the price. The price includes factors such as the type of binding and the number of pages when printing and binding your dissertation. You can calculate the exact price for your dissertation printing beforehand in our print shop .

Would you like to print your dissertation, for instance, with 20 pages, and then bind it with the premium leather binding with additional embossed details? The estimated cost is $64.80. This is 45% less compared to other market prices! Plus: with BachelorPrint, your order is delivered for free!

At BachelorPrint, we use 100 g/m² premium paper as standard for printing and set the same price for color and black/white printing.

Where can I order my dissertation binding?

To have your dissertation printed and bound, you can either go to a copy shop or simply order your dissertation binding online. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

One advantage of the print shop is that you can conveniently place your order from home. You configure your binding and then look at the end product using our 3D live preview. Then simply order and get your order delivered the next day for free.

Which paper to use for printing and binding a dissertation?

For works, such as dissertations, either 80 g/m² paper or 100 g/m² paper is used. At BachelorPrint we use 100 g/m² paper as our standard, as it is not only more robust but also feels better when you browse through the dissertation. However, if you want to print and bind your dissertation on both sides, we recommend that you use 120 g/m² paper to ensure that the text does not show through.

If you want to know more about the right paper for your dissertation, follow this link to our blog post: Which paper for dissertation printing & binding?

Which type of binding is recommended for a dissertation?

We recommend high-quality binding for important works, such as a dissertation. For this reason, the leather binding is our top recommendation! It looks noble and high-grade and gives your examiner a perfect first impression.

How long does dissertation binding take?

If you decide on dissertation binding with BachelorPrint, we recommend that you keep an eye on the countdown above and make use of the delivery time calculator as soon as possible. The next-day express delivery is free of charge at BachelorPrint.

Need further details? Find out more about the delivery time for your dissertation .

How can I save money when printing a dissertation?

With BachelorPrint you have many options to have your dissertation printed and bound inexpensively. Additionally, you can also get embossing for “type of work” free of charge, as well as express delivery.

Do you want to save extra money? Check our page for free printing !

Do you have further questions about the printing and binding of your dissertation? Contact us: [email protected] 0121 368 7540 Free 24h Customer Service  

Extremely satisfied, excellent deal with delivery in less than 24h. The print...

We use biscuits on our website. Some of them are essential, while others help us to improve this website and your experience.

• External Media

Individual Privacy Preferences

biscuit Details Privacy Policy Imprint

Here you will find an overview of all biscuits used. You can give your consent to whole categories or display further information and select certain biscuits.

Accept all Save

Essential biscuits enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.

Show biscuit Information Hide biscuit Information

Statistics biscuits collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.

Content from video platforms and social media platforms is blocked by default. If External Media biscuits are accepted, access to those contents no longer requires manual consent.

Privacy Policy Imprint