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• 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.

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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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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.

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

by William Wadsworth | Feb 9, 2020

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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• 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.

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The final steps of your thesis: Finding the right printing and binding services and choosing the right style for you

One of the best things is the feeling you get when you’ve finished writing your thesis. After months of research and writing, at long last, your paper, thesis, or dissertation is finally done. What’s left to do is the printing and binding of your thesis. But still, you need to find out the best printing and binding services and choose a style that makes you proud of the final result of your work. 

There are a few things to consider when choosing how to print and bind your thesis or dissertation: the quality of the paper, the material, and color of the binding. A few other details can be customized, such as the ribbons and corner protectors. To help you decide, we have selected a few options from our partner, BachelorPrint.

Our pick: Premium Leather book binding

• Page limit: 10 – 370 pages
• Color options: Red, green, blue, black
• Textured, leather-look surface
• Ribbon bookmark in white, silver, gold, blue or black
• Corner protectors in black, gold, and silver
• Customized embossing in gold, silver, and black

BachelorPrint  is your go-to expert when it comes to printing and binding your thesis. The online market leader offers a wide range of bindings and will transform your thesis into a work of art. 

The  ultimate : with their free express shipping they guarantee that your thesis will be in your hands within a few days!

Leather book binding: a thesis to look like a book

• Appearance: textured matte (premium bookbinding) or marbled leather-look with a slightly glossy finish (standard bookbinding)

You’ve made it! You’ve finished writing your thesis. Now all that’s left is printing and binding and knocking your examiner’s socks off! That’s why we recommend leather bookbinding . 

A leather book has the best quality for  printing and binding your thesis . Your thesis will look like a classy book. 

Choosing this type of binding will make your thesis stand out from the rest and leave a lasting impression on your examiner. Combine that with additional options such as customized embossing, corner protectors, and a ribbon bookmark, and after that process your thesis you’ll have a one-of-a-kind, sophisticated-looking book.

There are two options available with this leather book: Premium leather book and standard leather book. Whereas the premium leather book has a matte finish, a standard leather book has a glossy finish. However, both are done in leather-look and consist of a solid and sturdy cover. 

Which leather book you choose for your  thesis binding is a matter of personal preference.

Upgrade your binding

Deciding on a leather book when printing and binding your thesis gives you the option to upgrade it to your tastes and create a one-of-a-kind binding. Here are the upgrade options:

Corners protectors:

Adds a touch of class

Prevents the corners from binding

Available in silver, black & gold

Ribbon Bookmark:

Enhance your book’s appearance

Can be used as a bookmark (your examiner will be grateful!)

Available in white, black, blue, silver & gold

Customized embossing:

E.g.: University logo and title of your dissertation on the cover

Embossed spine optional

Available in black, silver & gold

You can use BachelorPrint preview tool see how your dream binding would look like:

Thermal binding: a clean and classic style

• Page limit: 2 – 450 pages
• Color options: black, red, green, yellow, blue, white, gray
• Appearance: transparent front cover, colored, leather-look back cover

Of all the different types of binding,  thermal binding  is a classic. One of the features is the transparent front cover: it shows off the title page of your dissertation as well as the title of your thesis. This means that attention is immediately drawn to the topic of your dissertation.

Softcover: A thesis for artists

• Page limit: 20 – 150 pages
• Color options: customizable to suit your needs
• Appearance: satin matte, smooth appearance; design and print your cover to your liking (magazine look)
• Cover: 300 g/m² premium paper

Looking to make an impact with your thesis? In that case, the softcover is just for you! You have free reign and can decide what you want your cover to look like: Logos, colors, photos, or different fonts – you’re the one who decides what goes on the cover of your softcover. That is why this type is ideal for more creative fields of study. 

Note: Designing a one-of-a-kind binding that looks super original is tempting, but remember to keep it aligned with your field of studies and professional looking.

Spiral binding: A sleek solution for your thesis

• Page limit: 1 – 300 pages
• Color options for cardboard back cover: black, red, green, gray, blue, yellow or white
• Appearance: Leather-look cardboard back cover, transparent front cover
• Spiral options: Metal or plastic

Of all the different types of binding, spiral binding is the sleekest and simplest type  BachelorPrint  has to offer. It has a transparent front cover. This allows the examiner to see the topic of your Master’s thesis or dissertation right away. However, spiral binding is better for printing shorter dissertations. 

Some professors will require that you use  spiral binding  for printing your thesis. If your post-secondary institution has no guidelines regarding printing and binding, then you should make sure that the “packaging” of your thesis matches the contents: If you are looking into printing and binding your Master’s thesis, we definitely recommend the leather book over spiral binding. 

Overview of thesis bindings

Tips from printing experts.

It’s one thing to know what thesis binding to choose when printing your thesis. But there are lots of helpful and important tips that you should consider when it comes to printing. We sat down with BachelorPrint to put together some exclusive advice just for you:

Tip #1- Choosing the right paper:  Most printing services use 80 g/m² paper by default. However, 80 g/m² paper is relatively thin and as a result, the print on the reverse side will shine through if you are printing double-sided. 

Tip:  Remember that printing and binding your thesis is not something you do every day – be sure to use high-quality paper and select 100 g/m² paper – if printing double-sided, we actually recommend 120 g/m² paper. BachelorPrint automatically uses 100 g/m² paper.

Tip #2- Printing single-sided or double-sided:  It’s totally up to you whether you print your thesis single-sided or double-sided. Make sure you check the examiner’s guidelines first – if there are none, the choice is yours! 

Tip:  When printing double-sided, make sure your page numbers are formatted correctly. Uneven page numbers should always be on the right-hand page, and even page numbers should be on the left-hand page.

Tip #3- Printing in color:  It’s up to you whether you print in color or black and white. This depends on your thesis. If your dissertation has lots of charts and photos, color printing would look better. 

Tip:  Color printing gives your thesis a classier appearance. But take note! Too much color and your thesis will look less professional.

Tip #4- Number of copies:  You can assume that two members of the examination board will read your thesis. Furthermore, the person or organization you did your internship with might also like a copy of your thesis. Last but not least, you would probably also like to own a copy of your dissertation, Master’s thesis, or  research paper . 

Tip:  Find out beforehand, how many copies you’ll need. We generally recommend making 4 to 5 copies. Of course, the type of binding is up to you.

Tip #5- Cost:  The cost of printing and binding your thesis is based on various factors: Paperweight, color printing, and actual printing. Many service providers often add a surcharge when you opt for color printing or thicker paper.

Tip:  BachelorPrint printing expert automatically uses 100 g/m² paper, and does not even add a surcharge. The same applies for color printing: whether you choose black/white or color, BachelorPrint charges the same.

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Printing and Binding a Thesis: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide

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After many months you have finally completed your thesis. You have put everything into making sure it is perfect. Now all you have to do is complete the printing and binding of your thesis before you can finally submit it.

When it comes to printing and binding, students scarcely are experts in the field and therefore always have the same questions:

• How do I print and bind my thesis?
• Where can I print and bind my thesis?

We want to help you find the right answers to these questions. Therefore, this is a step-by-step guide to printing and binding your thesis to make it a success.

What Should I Consider when Printing my Thesis?

When printing your thesis, you have to consider a few things beforehand:

Black and white or colour?

When printing your thesis, remember that colour is always more expensive than black and white. Printing in colour definitely looks impressive. However, if you have too much colour some people may take your thesis less seriously than they might otherwise. If printing in colour is not essential, you are better sticking with black and white.

Which kind of paper?

When you visit a copyshop, they usually print your thesis on 80 g/m 2 paper. However, this paper type is quite thin. Plus, the print on the paper's reverse side will often shine through which never looks good. Look for a shop with printing options that include 100 g/m 2 paper. Some may even offer this as a default which can save you lots of money.

Where do I get the best prices?

The price of printing your thesis is determined by the combination of your paper weight, the use of black and white or colour ink, and the number of pages. Visit various shops and ask for quotes for the same specifications. X pages in colour printed on 100 g/m 2 paper. Then compare the prices and see if you can find external customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Tip: If you order online, try to find a provider with free shipping.

What Should I Consider when Binding my Thesis?

"How" to bind a thesis is something most students do not know. First of all, they usually do not know which binding to use.

The answer to this question depends on the type of thesis being submitted. Research papers tend to be very long and detailed while regular term papers are shorter and completed faster. Regular term papers are worth a small fraction of a grade while a Bachelor's thesis, Master's thesis or a research paper make a massive impact.

Simply put, when printing and binding your dissertation you need a superior binding if the paper is worth more. A leather-bound paper is appropriate for a Master's thesis while a spiral-bound paper will do for a regular term project.

Most colleges and universities will have specific binding requirements for you to adhere to. Before you print and bind your thesis, check what guidelines have been provided by your institution.

Which Bindings are Available?

When printing your thesis, it is much easier to bind it correctly if you know what your options are first.

Where can I have my Thesis Printed and Bound?

We have done the research on your behalf so that choosing where to go when printing and binding your thesis is easy. You want to find the best service quality possible so that you end up with the highest-quality product.

We recommend that you use online printing services . This way, you can place your order from your own home or your institute's library which saves a lot of time when compared to searching for a printing shop on foot.

Making sure Nothing goes Wrong

By the time your thesis is complete, you will have spent a lot of time and energy on it. With our tips, you have everything you need to choose the right printing options and then the right style of binding. All of our advice is relevant whether you are visiting copyshops or you are looking at online companies.

However, if you want to save on time and want high-quality printing followed by excellent binding with no stress at affordable prices, then we wholeheartedly recommend an online printing service.

Now that you have everything you need, we would like to wish you all the best with your thesis!

About the Author

Maxime Werner is Business Development Manager at BachelorPrint.

BachelorPrint is your first address for printing and binding your dissertation & co. They offer excellent bindings, a perfect service and free express delivery worldwide.

Continue to: Writing a Dissertation or Thesis Researching and Writing a Literature Review

See also: Transferable Skills | Essay Writing Academic Referencing | Styles of Writing

The Ultimate How-To Guide for Printing and Binding a Thesis

You’ve arrived: all of your time spent studying and writing your research paper, Bachelor’s thesis, or other final work has come to a close. You’re almost ready to submit it, but first and foremost you must consider finishing your thesis.

When researching about finishing a thesis, a student constantly asks the same two questions: “How do I go about finishing my thesis?” as well as “Where will I go for printing and finishing my thesis?” Continue reading for some pointers on what to look for when getting a research paper printed and bound.

How-To Guide for Printing and Binding Your Thesis!

What is the process for printing and binding my thesis.

Because most students haven’t had the chance to do printing or to bind a research paper before, deciding which binding is best and what printing configurations to use might be tricky. We provide you with all of the information you need to know about printing and finishing a thesis.

What should I look out for when printing my thesis?

Students always have the same questions about printing a thesis:

• Is it in black and white or color?
• What type of paper is suitable?

That is why we have compiled some tips for publishing your thesis.

What should I look out for while binding a thesis?

Many students ask the “how” question since they are unsure of what form of finishing to utilize for their thesis. This is where it depends on the sort of final document: a research paper, for example, necessitates substantial investigation and work, but a standard term paper does not.

Their weighting varies: a typical term paper only accounts for a small amount of your grade, whereas your Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis, or research paper is worth much more.

To be more specific, if your final paper is significant and you want to learn about finishing your dissertation, simple spiral finishing is not the way to go. Leather bound is the greatest alternative because it is more appropriate for your main final paper and is substantially more durable.

Many post-secondary colleges and universities have certain finishing requirements. As a result, it is preferable to first determine whether your university has any rules for printing and finishing a thesis. That is why we want to show you which binding to use based on the sort of final paper you are submitting.

Which binding is best for my final paper?

To begin with, there is a wide range of bindings available. That is why we will go over each of them with you so that nothing goes wrong in this regard.

Thesis binding in leather

Leather binding is the best option for your thesis. It looks professional and classy thanks to the leather-look solid cover. If you choose a leather finishing, you can also add custom embossing, a bookmark, or corner protectors to make your thesis look even more professional. Recommendation: A leather finishing is ideal for significant final works such as your research paper, dissertation, bachelor’s thesis, and master’s thesis.

Thermal binding for the thesis

Thermal finishing is the most adaptable of all. It has a translucent front cover that draws attention to the title of your thesis right away. It also has a leather-look rear cover in the color of your choice.

Recommendation : Thermal binding is ideal for modest research projects. It is also useful if you need many printouts of your finished page.

Softcover for your dissertation

We choose Softcover if you want your paper to stand out and appear more imaginative. This allows you to customize the cover anyway you like. When you choose softcover, you may let your creative juices flow with different fonts, logos, photos, or completely wacky designs.

But be cautious! You don’t want it to become overly cluttered! After all, it is still a research paper, therefore your end product should be professional. Recommendation: In general, softcover finishing can be used for any sort of final paper. However, there is a limit to the number of pages it can hold, making it less suitable for a full dissertation.

Spiral binding for the thesis

Spiral finish is the most elegant and easy. It’s similar to thermal finishing in that it features a transparent front cover and a colored, leather-look rear cover.

Spiral finishing, on the other hand, is not glued. Instead, spirals hold your thesis together. Spiral finishing is ideal for smaller research tasks, such as term papers. It is not suitable for major final papers such as a dissertation or research paper.

Where can I get a thesis printed and bound?

We’ve done the legwork for you, so you can easily find out where you may go for publishing a thesis, and where you’ll get the best output possible. It is advantageous to use an online service because you can place your order from the comfort of your own home, saving crucial time.

But, even with internet suppliers, you win some and lose some. During our study, one online service provider stood out from the crowd:

BachelorPrint is your go-to source if you need to finish your thesis. This online printing store has a large assortment of high-quality binders. Their free expedited shipping allows you to have your thesis in hand as soon as it is printed and bound.

How you will benefit: – Complimentary Express shipping – Online shop 3D preview of your binding and see inside-function – High-quality paper at reasonable costs

Ensure that nothing goes wrong when printing and binding a thesis!

Writing a thesis takes a significant amount of time. Everything will go well if you follow our suggestions for your research paper, Bachelor’s thesis, or term paper. Of course, where you get your thesis printed is entirely up to you, whether you go to a physical copy shop or order online.

However, if you want high-quality, stress-free thesis finishing, BachelorPrint is the place to go. Their user-friendly online shop makes it simple to put together your thesis, which is why we recommend it.

We wish you the best of luck with your thesis!

Thesis & Dissertation Binding Specialists USA

Thesis and dissertation, printing and binding specialists usa.

DB Bookbinders is the USA’s premier provider of thesis binding services.

With decades of experience in the industry, we specialize in crafting professional-grade thesis and dissertation bindings for universities and colleges across the United States of America.

Our expert binder team can create stunning and durable bindings that you can be proud to submit. Plus, our online thesis uploading platform is simple and straightforward, so you can get your order ready and shipped to you quickly.

We offer a wide range of binding styles to choose from, including buckram , vegan leather , and genuine leather , so you can find the perfect binding for your thesis or dissertation.

Don’t wait get started now and craft a binding that will make a lasting impression.

Thesis Order Form 2023

Buckram Thesis sh.1004

Buckram thesis sh.16.

Buckram Thesis sh.70

Buckram Thesis sh.144

Bible Restoration & Repairs (Quotation)

Buckram Thesis sh.68

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Excellent work and great service. Highly recommended!

Beautifully finished!

Amazing finished product. Great service along the way and very professional. Highly recommended!!

DB Bookbinders did a great job printing and binding my thesis. There was an issue with the ordering form's file upload but easily solved via email. Thank you!

With over 30 years of experience, we specialise in providing high-quality thesis and dissertation binding services for universities and colleges in the United States.

Our experienced team of binders can craft beautiful, professional-grade bindings for your thesis or dissertation.

With our easy online thesis uploading platform, you can place your order and have it shipped to you in no time. We also offer a range of binding styles, from buckram, vegan leather, to genuine leather, so you can choose the perfect binding for your thesis or dissertation.

Get started today and craft a binding that you will be proud to submit.

Thesis and Dissertation FAQ's Still have questions? We have answers!

There’s a lot to weigh up! We’ve put together a couple of handy guides to help you know what to look for when you’re getting your thesis, dissertation or design folio bound.

Thankfully, we’ve written a handy guide to knowing what to know before you go to a bookbinder. Have a read of ‘Five Things You Need to Know’ by clicking the button below.

Get your bound Thesis delivered to the following USA Universities

Dissertations presented professionally.

Compliment your work with the best presentation possible  

It can take years to develop your thesis or dissertation. Looking professional is essential for something this important.  

Bindery work is a craft and we are very critical of the quality of paper, coverings and other materials that contribute to an impressive finish. Our fine-tuned processes ensure construction integrity, precision with all cuts and edges and overall consistency. You can really tell the difference. 

We get the presentation of your thesis or dissertation to a level to impress. Nothing less is satisfactory to us.  

Go to our  dissertation binding form  to place your order. 

Servicing students and professionals from the largest universities in the United States!   

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
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• Princeton University
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• University of Michigan
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• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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• and many more!

We are experts in professional binding and would love to assist with your thesis or dissertation binding today.

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Thesis and Dissertation Guide

• « Thesis & Dissertation Resources
• The Graduate School Home

• Introduction
• Copyright Page
• Dedication, Acknowledgements, Preface (optional)
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations
• List of Abbreviations
• List of Symbols

Non-Traditional Formats

Font type and size, spacing and indentation, tables, figures, and illustrations, formatting previously published work.

• Internet Distribution
• Open Access
• Registering Copyright
• Using Copyrighted Materials
• Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials
• Submission Steps
• Submission Checklist
• Sample Pages

II. Formatting Guidelines

All copies of a thesis or dissertation must have the following uniform margins throughout the entire document:

• Left: 1″ (or 1 1/4" to ensure sufficient room for binding the work if desired)
• Right: 1″
• Bottom: 1″ (with allowances for page numbers; see section on Pagination )
• Top: 1″

Exceptions : The first page of each chapter (including the introduction, if any) begins 2″ from the top of the page. Also, the headings on the title page, abstract, first page of the dedication/ acknowledgements/preface (if any), and first page of the table of contents begin 2″ from the top of the page.

Non-traditional theses or dissertations such as whole works comprised of digital, artistic, video, or performance materials (i.e., no written text, chapters, or articles) are acceptable if approved by your committee and graduate program. A PDF document with a title page, copyright page, and abstract at minimum are required to be submitted along with any relevant supplemental files.

Fonts must be 10, 11, or 12 points in size. Superscripts and subscripts (e.g., formulas, or footnote or endnote numbers) should be no more than 2 points smaller than the font size used for the body of the text.

Space and indent your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• The text must appear in a single column on each page and be double-spaced throughout the document. Do not arrange chapter text in multiple columns.
• New paragraphs must be indicated by a consistent tab indentation throughout the entire document.
• The document text must be left-justified, not centered or right-justified.
• For blocked quotations, indent the entire text of the quotation consistently from the left margin.
• Ensure headings are not left hanging alone on the bottom of a prior page. The text following should be moved up or the heading should be moved down. This is something to check near the end of formatting, as other adjustments to text and spacing may change where headings appear on the page.

Exceptions : Blocked quotations, notes, captions, legends, and long headings must be single-spaced throughout the document and double-spaced between items.

Paginate your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Use lower case Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv, etc.) on all pages preceding the first page of chapter one. The title page counts as page i, but the number does not appear. Therefore, the first page showing a number will be the copyright page with ii at the bottom.
• Arabic numerals (beginning with 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) start at chapter one or the introduction, if applicable. Arabic numbers must be included on all pages of the text, illustrations, notes, and any other materials that follow. Thus, the first page of chapter one will show an Arabic numeral 1, and numbering of all subsequent pages will follow in order.
• Do not use page numbers accompanied by letters, hyphens, periods, or parentheses (e.g., 1., 1-2, -1-, (1), or 1a).
• Center all page numbers at the bottom of the page, 1/2″ from the bottom edge.
• Pages must not contain running headers or footers, aside from page numbers.
• If your document contains landscape pages (pages in which the top of the page is the long side of a sheet of paper), make sure that your page numbers still appear in the same position and direction as they do on pages with standard portrait orientation for consistency. This likely means the page number will be centered on the short side of the paper and the number will be sideways relative to the landscape page text. See these additional instructions for assistance with pagination on landscape pages in Microsoft Word .

Format footnotes for your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Footnotes must be placed at the bottom of the page separated from the text by a solid line one to two inches long.
• Begin at the left page margin, directly below the solid line.
• Single-space footnotes that are more than one line long.
• Include one double-spaced line between each note.
• Most software packages automatically space footnotes at the bottom of the page depending on their length. It is acceptable if the note breaks within a sentence and carries the remainder into the footnote area of the next page. Do not indicate the continuation of a footnote.
• Number all footnotes with Arabic numerals. You may number notes consecutively within each chapter starting over with number 1 for the first note in each chapter, or you may number notes consecutively throughout the entire document.
• Footnote numbers must precede the note and be placed slightly above the line (superscripted). Leave no space between the number and the note.
• While footnotes should be located at the bottom of the page, do not place footnotes in a running page footer, as they must remain within the page margins.

Endnotes are an acceptable alternative to footnotes. Format endnotes for your thesis or dissertation following these guidelines:

• Always begin endnotes on a separate page either immediately following the end of each chapter, or at the end of your entire document. If you place all endnotes at the end of the entire document, they must appear after the appendices and before the references.
• Include the heading “ENDNOTES” in all capital letters, and center it 1″ below the top of the first page of your endnotes section(s).
• Single-space endnotes that are more than one line long.
• Number all endnotes with Arabic numerals. You may number notes consecutively within each chapter starting over with number 1 for the first note in each chapter, or you may number notes consecutively throughout the entire document.
• Endnote numbers must precede the note and be placed slightly above the line (superscripted). Leave no space between the number and the note.

Tables, figures, and illustrations vary widely by discipline. Therefore, formatting of these components is largely at the discretion of the author.

For example, headings and captions may appear above or below each of these components.

These components may each be placed within the main text of the document or grouped together in a separate section.

Space permitting, headings and captions for the associated table, figure, or illustration must be on the same page.

The use of color is permitted as long as it is consistently applied as part of the finished component (e.g., a color-coded pie chart) and not extraneous or unprofessional (e.g., highlighting intended solely to draw a reader's attention to a key phrase). The use of color should be reserved primarily for tables, figures, illustrations, and active website or document links throughout your thesis or dissertation.

The format you choose for these components must be consistent throughout the thesis or dissertation.

Ensure each component complies with margin and pagination requirements.

Refer to the List of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations section for additional information.

If your thesis or dissertation has appendices, they must be prepared following these guidelines:

• Appendices must appear at the end of the document (before references) and not the chapter to which they pertain.
• When there is more than one appendix, assign each appendix a number or a letter heading (e.g., “APPENDIX 1” or “APPENDIX A”) and a descriptive title. You may number consecutively throughout the entire work (e.g., 1, 2 or A, B), or you may assign a two-part Arabic numeral with the first number designating the chapter in which it appears, separated by a period, followed by a second number or letter to indicate its consecutive placement (e.g., “APPENDIX 3.2” is the second appendix referred to in Chapter Three).
• Include the chosen headings in all capital letters, and center them 1″ below the top of the page.
• All appendix headings and titles must be included in the table of contents.
• Page numbering must continue throughout your appendix or appendices. Ensure each appendix complies with margin and pagination requirements.

You are required to list all the references you consulted. For specific details on formatting your references, consult and follow a style manual or professional journal that is used for formatting publications and citations in your discipline.

Your reference pages must be prepared following these guidelines:

• If you place references after each chapter, the references for the last chapter must be placed immediately following the chapter and before the appendices.
• If you place all references at the end of the thesis or dissertation, they must appear after the appendices as the final component in the document.
• Select an appropriate heading for this section based on the style manual you are using (e.g., “REFERENCES”, “BIBLIOGRAPHY”, or “WORKS CITED”).
• Include the chosen heading in all capital letters, and center it 1″ below the top of the page.
• References must be single-spaced within each entry.
• Include one double-spaced line between each reference.
• Page numbering must continue throughout your references section. Ensure references comply with margin and pagination requirements.

In some cases, students gain approval from their academic program to include in their thesis or dissertation previously published (or submitted, in press, or under review) journal articles or similar materials that they have authored. For more information about including previously published works in your thesis or dissertation, see the section on Use of Your Own Previously Published Materials and the section on Copyrighting.

If your academic program has approved inclusion of such materials, please note that these materials must match the formatting guidelines set forth in this Guide regardless of how the material was formatted for publication.

Some specific formatting guidelines to consider include:

• Fonts, margins, chapter headings, citations, and references must all match the formatting and placement used within the rest of the thesis or dissertation.
• If appropriate, published articles can be included as separate individual chapters within the thesis or dissertation.
• A separate abstract to each chapter should not be included.
• The citation for previously published work must be included as the first footnote (or endnote) on the first page of the chapter.
• Do not include typesetting notations often used when submitting manuscripts to a publisher (i.e., insert table x here).
• The date on the title page should be the year in which your committee approves the thesis or dissertation, regardless of the date of completion or publication of individual chapters.
• If you would like to include additional details about the previously published work, this information can be included in the preface for the thesis or dissertation.

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• Funding Resources
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• Printing Copies
• Poster Presentations
• Teaching at Florida Tech
• Career Resources
• GradTrack & Other Workshops

Want to Bind your Thesis or Dissertation?

Student guide to binding your thesis or dissertation.

Binding your thesis or dissertation is not required.

Once your thesis has been accepted and approved by the Office of Graduate Programs you may submit your thesis to be bound via an online bindery. While Florida Tech does not endorse a particular bindery, the following companies have experience working with theses and dissertations.

Prices will vary by company, order specifications and shipping. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of each company online for more specific information about how to submit your order.

Some questions to consider are:

• How many copies would you like?
• Is it a requirement of your sponsor to present a bound thesis upon return home?
• How quickly do you need your bound copy?
• Do you need international shipping?
• Would you like to include your original signature page in your bound copy?
• Is a scanned copy of your signature page OK?

Most binding companies allow for the following customizations of your thesis:

• Choice and color of cover
• Paper type, size and quality
• Single or double spacing
• Color or black and white print
• Spine lettering
• Choice of front cover lettering
• CD/DVD media pocket

Florida Tech Copy Center

• The Florida Tech Copy Center can bind your thesis with a soft cover spiral bind with a clear acetate front sheet.
• The Copy Center is in the Academic Quad, Building 406, Room 122.
• The document can be printed on 20lb, 24lb or 28lb paper.
• Students can order this product online through the  Copy Center Storefront .
• Pick-up time within three (3) days.

GradWorks Online

• GradWorks Online will ship to multiple addresses as well as ship International Economy.
• Only prints 8.5” x 11” with the inside pages slightly smaller.
• Front cover lettering only.
• Paper type is limited to standard or 25% cotton.
• Starting price without shipping is $17.00.
• GradWorks Online details.

PHD Book Binding

• Includes the choice to have The Florida Institute of Technology seal applied to the front

cover . Use the Gold Foil Emblem and Lettering menu to select Florida Tech’s university emblem.

• A sample bound thesis is available to review at the Library iDesk.
• If notified, PHD will hold binding until the signature pages arrive in the mail.
• You may specify particular pages to be printed in color.
• PHD Book Binding FAQ.

Thesis On Demand  

• Thesis On Demand ships to U.S. addresses only, no PO boxes.
• Requires an extra order form and fee to mail original signature pages for inclusion.
• A4 size paper can only be printed on White Vellum 60lb paper.
• Binds in Buckram cloth only or leather (+$85.00).
• Theses on Demand FAQs.
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• Last Updated: Mar 7, 2024 8:27 AM
• URL: https://libguides.lib.fit.edu/gradtrack

Dissertation Printing & Binding

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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.

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

Premium leather binding, refinements, standard leather binding, excellence at its finest.

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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 corners, 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.

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Why should I do my dissertation binding online?

BachelorPrint as an online printing service offers you several advantages:

• 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.

Visit the print shop to see your exact delivery date.

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] 724 281 3937 Free 24h Customer Service  

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Dissertation Printing and Binding: A Complete Guide

A Complete Guide to Dissertation Printing and Binding

You’ve spent endless nights researching and writing whilst consuming way too much caffeine. Finally, you’re proud to say that your dissertation is finished. You’ve edited, proofread, and double checked your referencing. The only thing left to do is to find a high-quality dissertation printing and binding provider before the deadline. Unfortunately, this is also no easy feat. You need to consider:

• The type of binding
• What your printing configurations will look like
• Whether to go with an online or in-store dissertation printing provider

But don’t fret! We’ll provide you with everything you need to know in this complete guide to dissertation printing and binding !

The Dissertation Printing and Binding Process

If you’ve just written your bachelor’s thesis, then the whole professional dissertation printing and binding process may be completely new to you. Smaller essays and research papers are generally digitally submitted, so you have probably never required professional printing services before. Choosing the ideal dissertation printing and binding configurations can be tricky, as there’s a few ground rules to follow. We’ll start by breaking down the printing configurations for you.

The Dissertation Printing Configurations

The dissertation printing configurations include:

• Black and white vs colour printing
• The type of paper
• Your layout

Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE

To do justice to your student budget, search for print shops that offer 100g/m 2 paper, as well as colour printing by default. If opting for an online print shop, free delivery is always a bonus, and you should watch out for extra unexpected charges.

The Different Dissertation Binding Types

Once you’ve decided on your dissertation printing configurations, the next step is choosing the best binding. This will depend on what exactly it is you’re submitting. Your bachelor’s thesis deserves a more elegant binding than an essay you’ve spent a few weeks writing. Plus, a major thesis contributes towards a larger portion of your final grade, so you’ll want to impress your professor with a classy dissertation binding.

Don’t undermine your hard work! Completing your dissertation is a huge milestone, so the chosen binding should reflect this.

Remember: what is suitable for thesis printing and binding in one study program may not be suitable for another. Your friend studying an arts degree may have a colourful thesis with a self-designed softcover binding. The dissertation printing and binding for your biology degree will look very different.

In the end, your chosen dissertation binding will depend on what you’re submitting and how much it contributes to your final grade.

Many educational institutions have their own dissertation printing and binding requirements. Double check with your institution to see how much autonomy you have regarding your dissertation’s design.

An Introduction to the Dissertation Binding Types

You have many different dissertation binding types to choose from, but don’t be intimidated by all the choices! We’ll go through the details of each one, so you can make a well-informed decision about your dissertation binding.

The Classy Leather Book Binding Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

The elegant leather book binding is exactly what you need for important papers like a bachelor’s thesis or a master’s thesis. This professional binding is guaranteed to leave a great first impression on your professors. Plus, you have many extras to choose from. Bookmarks, fold out pages, corner protectors and customized embossing are just a few of the options that will give your thesis a makeover.

Recommendations: Leather book binding is a fantastic option for almost all types of papers.

• Bachelor‘s thesis
• Dissertation
• Master’s thesis
• Larger research paper

The Classic Thermal Binding Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

The classic thermal binding is incredibly versatile. It’s a great option for smaller research papers, or for extra copies of your thesis. The front cover is transparent, meaning that readers are immediately able to see your title page. The back cover is available in several colours of a faux leather material. The thermal binding will allow you to keep your dissertation classy, even whilst on a budget.

Recommendation: The thermal binding is exactly what you need for putting copies of your thesis or research paper into storage

The Personally Designed Softcover Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

You’re able to design the artsy softcove r however you feel is suitable for your dissertation. Include logos, pictures, symbols, and different fonts – there are no limits. As long as your dissertation binding fulfils the requirements of your educational institution and degree program, you’re good to go.

Recommendation: The softcover is a great addition to your paper, particularly if you’re studying an arts degree. It just cannot hold as many pages as the other bindings, so it may not be suitable for a larger thesis.

Spiral Binding on a Budget Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normální tabulka"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:DE; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

With the spiral binding , you get the best of both worlds. It won’t be too harsh on your student budget and you’ll still receive high-quality dissertation printing and binding. It’s similar to the thermal binding, as your front cover will be on display and you’re able to choose between several colours for the leather-like back cover. The difference is that the pages are bound together with metal or plastic spirals, instead of glue.

Recommendation: For papers that hold less weight, the spiral binding is what you need. Due to its simple nature, this cost-effective binding is unfortunately not suitable for larger papers like theses or lengthy research papers.

An Overview of the Dissertation Binding Types

Here, the information above has been compiled into one, all-inclusive table. Use this as a guideline whilst preparing your dissertation printing and binding! Don’t forget to check if there’s any specific dissertation printing and binding requirements from your university!

Finding a Dissertation Printing and Binding Provider

You’ve decided on your dissertation printing configurations and you think you know which binding will be perfect, but your work is not done yet. You need to find a dissertation printing service that will supply you with high-quality printing and binding. The first step is to decide whether you’d prefer to have your thesis delivered to your door by an online printing service , or whether you’d prefer to personally go into a print shop.

One advantage to an online print shop is that you can order your thesis from the comfort of your home and have it delivered to you within a few days. Regardless of which print shop you choose, take a look at some reviews to ensure that you’re going to get your money’s worth.

We did a bit of research ourselves and one print shop in particular caught our eye.

BachelorPrint is your go-to when it comes to dissertation printing and binding. This market-leading online print shop has an abundance of dissertation binding options for you to choose from along with various add-on opportunities. With free express shipping, your finished paper will be in your hands before you know it.

The benefits:

• Every order comes with free express shipping
• 3D preview to check your layout and formatting before ordering
• High-quality dissertation printing and binding for the student budget

Summary: High-Quality Dissertation Printing and Binding

Researching and writing your thesis may have been a daunting task, but who says the dissertation printing and binding process has to be? Read this dissertation printing and binding guide carefully and you’ll have a flawless piece of academic work to hand to your professors.

Of course, the decision is yours, but if you’re on a tight deadline, we recommend an online print shop like BachelorPrint. With free express shipping, you’re guaranteed to meet those deadlines. The online shop is incredibly user-friendly and with a 3D preview as well as a look inside function, arranging your formatting will be a breeze. These are just a few of the benefits that come with the dissertation printing and binding leader!

We wish you all the best with your dissertation printing and binding!

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HELPFUL TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SATISFACTION

How much does is cost to bind or print and bind my document?

You can view our prices on the price page or use our Quote/Order Wizard to instantly get a price that includes shipping.

Single-sided printing should cost more than double-sided printing because it uses twice as much paper. But we are yet to change our site to charge more for single-sided printing. So, both single and double-sided printing currently cost the same

You can find out on our Gold Seals & Lettering page .

Orders of 10 books or less received before Noon Central Time are processed in 4 work days, and we ship on the 5th work day with the shipping speed that you choose.

Orders over 15 books will take longer, depending on on how busy we are. Odd sized books (smaller or bigger than 8.5×11 inches or A4) will take longer, depending on how busy we are

Click here for more details about Turnaround Speed.

How do I convert my Microsoft Word file (or any file) to a PDF file?

You can easily convert your file to a PDF file by following the instructions below.

Option 1 : Save your Word file as a PDF file from inside Word. Many other programs also allow you to save as PDF instead of the default format

Just open your document in Word or in the program you created it in and SAVE AS pdf. Very simple!

Option 2 : Create a PDF online at one of the following:

• http://www.freepdfconvert.com/
• http://www.zamzar.com/
• http://www.cometdocs.com/
• http://en.pdf24.org/onlineConverter.html

Search the web for “convert files to pdf” or “pdf printer” for more options.

Option 3 : Create a PDF on your computer:

Go to Google and search for “free pdf printer.”

You’ll be given a large number of sites where you can download free or shareware PDF printer programs. Select one, download and install on your computer. After installing it, follow these steps:

• Open your Word file or other file.
• Click print.
• Instead of selecting a physical printer, you will select the .pdf printer you just installed.
• Name your file when prompted.

For all 3 options, please carefully go through your new PDF file to make sure the fonts, formatting, and margins remained the way you want them. Also, make sure that your document is the size you want for binding. U.S. Letter size paper is not the same as European letter size paper. U.S. letter size measures 8.5 x 11 inches. European letter size is A4, and measures 8.27 x 11.69 inches. If you submit A4 document and you choose 8.5 x 11 printing/binding or vice-versa, we will contact you to send a new file. That may delay your order!

Method 1 : Combine your PDF files for FREE online at:

• http://www.mergepdf.com/
• http://www.mergepdf.net/
• http://www.pdfjoin.com/
• http://www.ilovepdf.com/

NOTE: File size limits may apply.

Search the web for “merge pdf files online” for more options.

Method 2 : Combine your PDF files for FREE on your computer:

Go to this site: http://www.adolix.com/split-merge-pdf/

Download and install Adolix Split & Merge PDF.

Follow the instructions in our Adolix Instructions file .

More than 99% of PDF files print exactly on our end as it appears on your own computer. But sometimes, if you use any special font for your document (including, but not limited to , foreign language font or special characters such as mathematical symbols or accents), your document might not print properly. This happens because we have only a limited number of fonts on our systems. If we do not have your special font on our system, Adobe Acrobat will automatically substitute the closest matching font on our system. This could be the wrong font.

In order to be certain that your document will print exactly as it displays on your computer, you must embed your fonts.

Below are 3 ways to Embed fonts in your PDF file:

Embed your fonts in MS Word :

1. Within MS Word click File “Save As” 2. From the “ Save As Type” drop down menu choose “PDF” 3. Click on “Options”

4. Under “PDF Options” check off “ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)” 5. Click “OK” to create the PDF 6. Fonts are now embedded

Embed your fonts using Adobe Acrobat :

All full versions of Adobe Acrobat will embed your font, but you must make sure to select the option.

NOTE : Acrobat Reader is not a full version. You cannot embed your fonts with Acrobat Reader.

You can embed your fonts using Adobe Acrobat 9.0 as follows:

• Open Acrobat Distiller
• Click Settings in the menu bar
• Click Edit PDF Settings
• Click Fonts in the left panel
• Click OK (no need to click OK if option is already selected).
• Close Acrobat Distiller.
• Make your PDF file as usual.

2) Embed your fonts with 3rd party PDF software

Go to Google and search for “free pdf printer.” You’ll be given a large number of sites where you can download free or shareware PDF printer programs. Select one, download and install on your computer. After installing, look for the Embed Fonts option (not all free PDF printer software have font Embedding option) and select the option. Then follow these steps:

• Instead of selecting a physical printer, you will select the pdf printer you just installed.

NOTE : You cannot embed your fonts with online PDF conversion services. Online PDF conversion services do not allow you to upload your special fonts. The special fonts used in your document file MUST be installed on the same computer as your PDF conversion software.

First, note that we do not alter your PDF file in any way. The content and margins of your PDF file will be printed exactly as you give it to us.

For single-sided printing, the pages in your PDF file will appear after each other in your bound book in the same way that they appear in your PDF file.

For double-sided printing, the pages will also appear after each other, except that the PDF pages with even Numbers will print BEHIND the PDF pages with odd Numbers, as shown below.

DO NOT use the pages to be printed on your document to determine how your pages will print. Instead, you must use the PDF page numbers. As shown below, PDF page numbers do not always match the numbers printed on the pages of your document.

If you want 2 pages to face each other, you MUST make sure that the PDF page number of the page on the left is even and the PDF page number for the page on the right is odd.

How to apply consecutive page numbers to PDF file? Follow instructions on any of these pages: https://bit.ly/3CV2Ujy OR https://www.ilovepdf.com/add_pdf_page_number

Can I send my signature page/pages by mail?

No. For orders that we print and bind, we do not accept signature pages sent by mail to be inserted in what we print. Signature page must be part of your PDF file. If you are sending a paper document for Hard Cover binding, signature page must be part of the document located where you want it.

We don’t need your file just to give you a quote. Instead, you will be prompted to upload your file after making payment.

How to convert LaTex PDF pages display to normal PDF pages display

Our automated systems work accurately ONLY with PDF files with Normal PDF pages display

This is Normal PDF pages display for a document with 203 pages :

This is Example1 of LaTex PDF pages display with 203 pages. Additional items (in red) are NOT present for normal PDF pages display :

This is Example2 of LaTex PDF pages display. Additional items (in red) are NOT present for normal PDF pages display :

Follow instructions below to convert LaTex PDF pages display to Normal PDF pages display. This will ensure that actual pages you list for color are printed in color. Otherwise, you will list wrong pages and we will NOT be responsible!

Step 1: Make sure  Micorosoft Word is installed on the computer you will use!

Step 2: Open PDF file on your computer

Step 3: Save PDF file to your drive as a Word file so it has “docx” at the end of file name. E.g. Jane-Doe.docx

Step 4: Go to docx file you just saved to your drive. Double-click it to open in Microsoft Word

Step 5: Save docx file as PDF using a different name. E.g. Jane-Doe 2 .pdf. This new PDF file will now have Normal PDF pages display.

How do I ROTATE specific pages in my PDF file?

You can rotate specific pages in your PDF file with these online tools: https://smallpdf.com/rotate-pdf https://www.pdf2go.com/rotate-pdf https://rb.gy/p8jbhr

Do I get to see a proof of my inside pages before printing?

No. Your PDF file will print exactly as it appears on your computer. So a proof will just be the same PDF file you submitted. Also, there is no proof for Fabric Hardcover binding with Gold embossing. But you do get a proof for Printed Hardcover binding that you will also be able to edit. You MUST approve to complete your order.

Can I drop off  my order at your store?

Yes, if you’re submitting paper document for binding only. But paper document must include a form with all your choices that you print from our site. We accept printing and binding orders only through our site and not in person.

When will my order be ready?

For order status, shipping date or Tracking number, please click here to find out .

Format, bind and submit your thesis: general guidance

You no longer need to submit a physical copy of your thesis. Please refer directly to the “Submit Your Thesis” section below.

This information is for research students submitting a thesis for assessment. It tells you how to:

• format your thesis
• submit your thesis
• bind your thesis 
• submit the final copy of your thesis

There are different requirements for students of fine arts, design, architecture or town planning.

Find out more about these requirements

Format your thesis

UCL theses should be submitted in a specific format, this applies to both the viva and final copies of your thesis. 

View the thesis checklist

Presentation

In the electronic version of your thesis, hyperlinks (including DOIs) should be functional and resolve to the correct webpage.

We would recommend using Arial or Helvetica fonts, at a size of no less than 12.

Find out more about the accessibility guidelines

If printed, please present your thesis in a permanent and legible format.

Illustrations should be permanently mounted on A4 size paper and bound in with the thesis; you may not use sellotape or similar materials.

A4 size paper (210 x 297 mm) should be used. Plain white paper must be used, of good quality and of sufficient opacity for normal reading. Both sides of the paper may be used.

Both sides of the paper may be used.

Margins at the binding edge must not be less than 40 mm (1.5 inches) and other margins not less than 20 mm (.75 inches). Double or one-and-a-half spacing should be used in typescripts, except for indented quotations or footnotes where single spacing may be used.

All pages must be numbered in one continuous sequence, i.e. from the title page of the first volume to the last page of type, in Arabic numerals from 1 onwards. This sequence must include everything bound in the volume, including maps, diagrams, blank pages, etc. Any material which cannot be bound in with the text must be placed in a pocket inside or attached to the back cover or in a rigid container similar in format to the bound thesis (see Illustrative material ).

The title page must bear the following:

• the officially-approved title of the thesis
• the candidates full name as registered
• the institution name 'UCL'
• the degree for which the thesis is submitted

The title page should be followed by a signed declaration that the work presented in the thesis is the candidate’s own e.g.

‘I, [full name] confirm that the work presented in this thesis is my own. Where information has been derived from other sources, I confirm that this has been indicated in the thesis.'

Please see the section below entitled ‘Inclusion of published works in doctoral theses’ for more information about how to indicate when you have re-used material that you have previously published.

The signed declaration should be followed by an abstract consisting of no more than 300 words.

Impact Statement

The abstract should be followed by an impact statement consisting of no more than 500 words. For further information on the content of the Impact Statement, please see the Impact Statement Guidance Notes for Research Students and Supervisors on the Doctoral School's website. 

Find out more about the Impact Statement

Inclusion of published works in doctoral theses

If you have included any work in your thesis that you have published (e.g. in a journal) previously, then you will need to insert a completed copy of the UCL Research Paper Declaration Form into your thesis after the Impact Statement. The form, and information about how to complete it is available on the Doctoral School’s website.

Find out more about the UCL Research Paper Declaration Form

Table of contents

In each copy of the thesis the abstract should be followed by a full table of contents (including any material not bound in) and a list of tables, photographs and any other materials. It is good practice to use bookmarking within the PDF of the thesis in electronic form to allow readers to jump to the relevant section, figure, table etc. from the table of contents.

Illustrative material

Illustrative material may be submitted on a CD-ROM. If you wish to submit material in any other form, your supervisor must contact Research Degrees well in advance of submission of the thesis.

Any material which cannot be bound in with the text must be placed either in a pocket inside or attached to the back cover or in a rigid container similar in format to the bound thesis. If it is separate from the bound volume it must be clearly labelled with the same information as on the title page. Each copy of the thesis submitted must be accompanied by a full set of this material.

Submit your thesis

Viva copies.

You must submit an electronic version of your thesis to via the UCL OneDrive . You no longer need to submit a printed copy unless your examiners ask for this. 

Find out more on how to submit via the UCL OneDrive

We will check your status and if your examiners have been appointed we will forward the thesis directly to them. They will then be able to download the copy of your thesis to prepare for your exam. 

If an external examiner requests a hard copy of the thesis you will need to arrange for this to be printed and submitted to the Student Enquiries Centre during their walk-in operational hours. We will collect your thesis and post it on to the examiners. 

If your examiners have not been appointed, your thesis will be held securely until your examiners have been formally appointed by UCL.

Covid-19 Impact Form

We have developed a form for you to submit with your thesis if you wish to declare an impact on your research.   The form is optional and your choice to complete it or not will have no bearing on the outcome of your examination. It is intended to set the context of examination and is not a plea for leniency. Your examiners will continue to apply the standard criteria as set out in UCL’s Academic Manual and the joint examiners’ form. Please see the publication from the QAA on Advice on Doctoral Standards for Research Students and Supervisors for further support.

You must submit this form as a separate Word document or PDF when you submit your thesis via the UCL Dropbox as detailed in our guidance above.   We will only accept the form if you submit it at the same time that you submit your thesis.  This will apply if you are making an initial submission or a resubmission.

Download the Covid-19 Impact Form

Find out more about the Student Enquiries Centre

Your examination entry form must be received and logged by Research Degrees before you submit your thesis.

Find out more about examination entry

Re-submission

If you need to re-submit you must:

• submit a new examination entry form to the Research Degrees office at least 4 weeks prior to the expected submission of the thesis
• you must submit an electronic version of your thesis to via the UCL OneDrive . You no longer need to submit a printed copy unless your examiners ask for this.  Find out more on how to submit via the UCL OneDrive

We will check your status and confirm that your examiners are willing to review your revised thesis. We will then forward the thesis directly to them. They will be able to download the copy of your thesis for assessment. 

If an external examiner requests a hard copy of the thesis you will need to arrange for this to be printed and submitted to the Student Enquiries Centre during their walk-in operational hours. We will collect your thesis and post it on to the examiners.

Submitting as a Non-Registered Student

If you do not submit your thesis by the end of your period of Completing Research Status, your registration as a student will end at that point. Your supervisor will then need to apply for permission for you to submit your thesis in writing to the Research Degrees section, at least 3 weeks before your expected submission date. You will be charged a submission extension fee at the point you submit your thesis.

Bind your thesis

If your examiners have request a printed copy of your thesis, please read the following guidance:

Theses have to be robust enough to withstand the examination process and be easily identified. They will need to have your name on the spine to distinguish them.

All theses (whether soft or hard-bound) must:

• be covered in medium blue cloth (e.g. water resistant material) 
• be lettered in gold up the spine with degree, year, name and initials in the same form as UCL records, with letters 16 or 18 point (.25 inch) - thesis submitted for examination in November and December should have the following year lettered on the spine
• have no lettering on front cover of thesis
• have the spine text inverted if the front cover is facing up

An example of how your thesis should be presented.

Hard-bound theses must have the pages sown in (not punched) and soft-bound theses should have the pages glued in. Theses submitted in any other form of binding, including ring binding, will not be accepted.

You are responsible for making sure that your thesis is correctly bound by the company you select.

Final copies

UCL no longer requires a printed copy of your final thesis and we will award your degree once you have met the academic conditions and the Library have confirmed receipt of your e-thesis, the Deposit Agreement form, and you have cleared any outstanding fees.

You will need to deposit an electronic copy of your final thesis (and a completed E-Thesis Deposit Agreement form) via UCL's Research Publications Service (RPS). Please ensure that you remove, or blank out, all personal identifiers such as signatures, addresses and telephone numbers from the e-thesis. Any photographs that you have taken should not show identifiable individuals without their permission and any you have taken of children should mask their faces.

If you do wish to deposit a hard copy you can do so by sending it directly to the Cataloguing & Metadata department of Library Services by post, or in person at the Main Library help desk.  You will find more information about the process on the existing webpage for e-thesis submission. 

Find out more about depositing an electronic and printed copy of your thesis

Related content

• Research degrees: examination entry
• Format, bind and submit your thesis: fine art, design, architecture and town planning
• Viva examinations: guidance

Important Information:

The UCL Student Centre has now moved.  Details of their new location can be found here.  

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• Thesis Printing

You can now order your thesis printing & binding online with our new site:  printservices.mit.edu  

You put a great deal of work into your thesis. Now we can help you package your efforts with professional polish and style. From choosing the right paper stock to cover options and binding, we will walk you through the MIT thesis specifications to present your work with the high-quality look and feel it deserves. 

MIT Copytech uses MIT-required thesis paper for all thesis print orders. Approved thesis paper is also available for purchase by the ream (500 sheets). We have an Athena thesis printer in our 11-004 location.

We provide hard-cover bookbinding for thesis printing. You can choose from an array of color choices as well as gold lettering print options on the cover and spine. Economical soft-cover binding choices are also available. Thesis covers and binding clips (required for thesis submission) can also be obtained through MIT Copytech.

Thesis supplies

Hard-cover book binding.

(Please note that the binding colors on screen may appear slightly different than in person.)

 Soft-cover binding

Soft-cover accessories, print & copy services.

• Printing & Copying
• Large-format Printing
• Finishing & Binding
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