phd thesis hard binding

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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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• 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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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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Printed Hard Cover Binding

• Print ONLY the pages you want in color to save money!
• Regular Paper choices include 20lb Bond, 60lb Bond
• Cotton paper choices include 25% Cotton, 100% Cotton
• Coated paper choices 80lb Gloss and 80lb Matte
• All prints on Coated paper charged at low color rate

• Print your document yourself and mail it to us for binding

Printed Hardcover Binding gives you the freedom to print any design on your Hardcover book. You can design your own cover and send us your file, or we can provide basic designs for you. We provide basic cover designs for free. We do not charge for this service because we do only very simple designs. Click the links below to find a graphic designer

We print your cover design on a high-resolution digital printer and laminate the print. Printed Hardcover Binding features:

• Personalized Wrap-Around cover design at no extra charge.
• Cover print is protected with Lamination
• Stitched and trimmed document binding

Note that after we receive your Printed Hardcover Binding order, we will email you a PDF proof of your cover layout AS WELL AS a Microsoft Word version.

We do not have a graphic designer in-house!

Your FREE cover layout is auto-generated by computer with the instructions you provide in your order. You can approve the PDF proof or make changes in the Microsoft Word file and send it back to us by email. But we cannot complete your Printed Hard Cover Binding order until we get your approval. So, your order will be delayed by the same amount of time it takes for you to approve your proof.

IMPORTANT: We strongly suggest that you make changes to the Microsoft Word file on a computer, NOT on your phone or tablet. Click here for Instructions to make changes to your cover with Microsoft Word .

Click the links below to find cover design assistance in your area or online.

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Printing and binding a doctoral thesis or portfolio

How to print and hard bind the final version of your thesis or portfolio after examination..

• Hard binding for your final submission

In the first instance refer to the Specifications for Higher Degree Theses for information on the presentation of your thesis.

Follow our step by step guide to getting the final version of your doctoral thesis or portfolio printed and hard bound:

• Convert your file to PDF format and save the file with your last name at the beginning of the file name.
• Email the PDF to [email protected] .
• Include in your email the number of copies required, whether you would like it printed single or double sided, whether the file is to be printed black and white or colour and that hard binding is required.
• We will email you the total cost for the printing and binding and an editable PDF form for you to fill out and email back to us with the full details. See our printing and binding price lists. Cloth colour for hard binding: PhD- Maroon Professional Doctorate (EdD, DBA, EngD, DHealth, DClinPsy and DPRP) – dark green MPhil – Black MD – Red MS – Royal Blue
• Payment is required before we print and bind your thesis, Payment can be made by using our online system, Email [email protected] for further details.
• Once payment has been received we will provide you with a receipt and aim to print your thesis within 24 hours.
• We recommend the printed copies of the hard bindings be checked over by yourself before they are sent for binding as we cannot be held accountable for any printing errors made otherwise. Extra time for completion may be incurred if there are delays in checking the printed copies.
• Once checked and approved, your thesis will be sent off campus for hard binding by 10am Thursday and will be returned the following Thursday by 4pm. Allow 7 to 10 working days for the whole process to be completed.
• We will email when your theses are ready for collection from Print Services in 8 West Room 1.35 , alternativley we can arrange a postal option and arrange for a copy of your thesis to be delivered directly to the Doctoral College.
• How to submit your files for printing

Follow our guide about how to submit your files for printing .

• How to find us and opening times

Find us on campus in 8 West Room 1.35. Take a look at our opening times and and how to find us guide .

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Formatting and binding

Guidelines on the formatting and binding of doctoral theses.

Printed theses are normally A4 in size. Alternative sizes may be permitted where there is good academic reason (for example where the thesis includes a design portfolio) and with the prior approval of the supervisor.

Single spacing throughout the body of the text is acceptable and is essential for indented quotations and footnotes, but double or 1.5 spacing may be more easily readable for 11pt or 12pt text and is more commonly used. Print copies may be requested by the examiners, therefore margins at the binding edge should be not less than 20mm and other margins not less than 15mm. Where a print copy of the thesis is required, it should preferably be printed double-sided.

Pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the thesis, including pages containing diagrams, figures, illustrations, appendices and references. Figures or images included within the thesis must be of sufficient size and clarity as to be legible.

Thesis titles should be concise. Theses should normally be word-processed, and good printing quality is essential. Other options, e.g. LaTeX may be used, where appropriate to the discipline.

Format of the title page and outside cover

The title page must include the following

• the full title of the thesis
• the author's name in full
• the degree for which the thesis is being submitted
• the department in which the work has been carried out
• the date (month and year) of submission

The front cover must show

• the name 'University of Sheffield' and logo
• the initials and surname of the author
• the degree for which the thesis is submitted
• the year of submission
• the volume number (if the thesis comprises more than one volume)

Thesis summary

It is a regulatory requirement that the thesis should include a summary or abstract, which should not exceed 300 words in length. 

Thesis binding

Should the student require a hard copy of the thesis, Print and Creative Services provides a thesis printing and binding service using a channel binding system. There are three binding packages available for theses, which include comb, wiro and hard binding and include a CD copy. All packages meet university regulations for thesis first submissions and resubmissions.

Hard binding has your details (e.g. name of student, title of thesis and date of submission) gold foiled onto the cover of the document. Full details of the three options, including prices, are available from Print and Creative Services.

It is recommended that 100gsm A4 paper is used (although 80gsm is acceptable). The maximum thickness of a bound volume is 35mm with covers (or 32mm without covers). Therefore, if the unbound copy of a student’s thesis is more than 32mm thick, the thesis will have to be bound into two volumes. Where two or more volumes are required, normal practice is for the bibliography and/or appendices to form the second volume. In such cases, the thesis will require two title pages, which specify ‘Volume 1’ and ‘Volume 2’ respectively; however, only one contents page is required in Volume 1.

If amendments are required after the oral examination has been held, volumes can be rebound by Print and Creative Services following insertion of new pages (RE bind cost applies).

Before submitting work for binding, students are advised to make sure that the material is in good order, as pages are bound strictly in the order in which they are delivered. Items for rebinding should have the new pages inserted by the author.

Binding work is usually completed within 2-3 working days of acceptance. However, at busier times it may not be possible to complete all work within the normal timescale. Students are advised to present their work in good time for binding or alteration. Under certain circumstances Print and Creative Services provides a same day/24-hour service; however, this incurs an extra charge per copy. Further information can be found on the Print and Creative Services site.

Print and Creative Services

Example of a thesis format (Word, 63KB)

Related information

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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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Thesis & Dissertation Binding Specialists UK

Thesis and dissertation, printing and binding specialists uk.

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

With decades of experience in the industry, we specialise in crafting professional-grade thesis and dissertation bindings for universities and colleges across the UK.

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 .

Thesis Binding UK: Your Premier Destination for Superior Thesis Presentation!

Greetings, UK students and researchers! After devoting countless hours and boundless effort into your expertly written thesis or dissertation, the last aspect you’d want to fuss over is its binding. Say goodbye to those worries! At dbbookbinders.com, we’ve got you covered with our exceptional UK thesis binding service.

Your Thesis Deserves The Best

Your inventive ideas warrant a binding that’s as distinctive as your research. That’s why we are dedicated to offering first-rate thesis binding that reflects the quality of your work. Be it a UK thesis or a dissertation, we approach each document with the care it merits. Who knows, maybe someday it’ll find a place in the esteemed British Library!

We Understand Your Needs

We’ve experienced it all. The all-night study marathons, limitless cups of tea, and the race against the clock to meet that looming deadline. We absolutely get it, and we’re here to make your life a bit smoother. Our adept team alleviates the stress of binding, giving you one less thing to worry about as you prepare to display your intellectual prowess.

We’ve Got You Covered, Literally!

Our binding options cater to all needs and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a traditional hardcover for your UK thesis or a sleek, modern design for your dissertation, we’ve got a variety of options sure to make a profound impression on your professors and peers.

Easy Ordering and Fast Turnaround

With our easy-to-use online ordering system, getting your thesis or dissertation bound has never been more straightforward. And because we understand that time is paramount, we’re committed to delivering your order promptly, without compromising on quality.

DB Bookbinders a Proven Track Record

Don’t just take our word for it. Ask around! We’ve been in this industry for decades, and our reputation vouches for our credibility. We’ve assisted innumerable students like you in presenting their theses and dissertations with elegance, and we’re eager to do the same for you.

So, UK scholars, it’s time to give your hard work the presentation it deserves. With dbbookbinders.com by your side, you can stride into your future confidently, knowing that your thesis or dissertation is bound for greatness!

Remember, your UK thesis binding or dissertation binding journey starts here. Explore our options, place your order, and join the ranks of successful scholars who’ve entrusted us with their pivotal work.

Specialising in crafting professional-grade thesis and dissertation bindings for universities and colleges across the United Kingdom, we bring decades of experience to the table. 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 user-friendly, enabling you to get your order ready and shipped to you swiftly.

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

Don’t delay – get started now and create a binding that will leave a lasting impression. At DBBookbinders, we’re binding the future, one thesis at a time.

Thesis Order Form 2023

Buckram Thesis sh.1004

Buckram thesis sh.16.

Buckram Thesis sh.144

Buckram Thesis sh.70

Bible Restoration & Repairs (Quotation)

Buckram Thesis sh.68

Buckram Thesis sh.214

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!

Dissertation Printing and Binding

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 UK Universities

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of Manchester
• Imperial College London
• University of Edinburgh
• University College London
• King’s College London
• University of Bristol
• University of Leeds
• University of Glasgow

DB Bookbinders delivers thesis binding and printing services across all major areas of the United Kingdom

• Oxfordshire
• Cambridgeshire
• Greater Manchester
• West Yorkshire

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For reports, projects, dissertations and theses the Print and Design team can provide six different forms of binding.

Comb binding

Available at St Katharine's West

Comb binding is a type of soft binding where all pages are punched down the left-hand side and held together with a plastic comb spine. It has a clear acetate front cover and card back cover.

Fabric spine soft binding

Available at 65 North Street

Fabric spine soft binding is a popular choice for dissertation binding and can be completed while you wait in the following options: 

• 100gsm paper, 290 single-sided pages maximum
• 80gsm paper, 350 single-sided pages maximum

Hard case binding

Hard case binding is mainly used for final submission of PhD and MPhil research degrees . 

It is a type of hardcover book binding using Buckram, a hardwearing bookbinder's cloth. The cover is printed with a gold foil block with the title of the document and the ‌author's name, which is also imprinted on the spine. The pages are bound to the spine. There are four options for hard case binding available:

• Standard black binding   Maximum of 280 sheets, normally printed single-sided but can be printed double-sided (560 pages). The minimum number of sheets for hard binding is 100 (or 200 pages if printed double-sided). Allow three days for binding after supplying the printed material.
• Dissertation hard case binding This is the same as standard black binding, except there is no imprint on the spine. Allow three days for binding after supplying the printed material.
• Deluxe black binding   Includes gold foil printed crest, title and name, gold and black ribbon markers and gold gilt corners. Allow three days for binding after supplying the printed material.
• Delux colour binding Includes all the features of deluxe black binding, but the Buckram is in colour. These take approximately two weeks for delivery. Contact [email protected]  for more information.

Stitch binding

The Print Unit can digitally produce A4, A5 and A6 stitch bind books, brochures and magazines from 8 pages up to 100 pages on 80gsm white or colour paper. 

Contact [email protected]  for more information.

Unibind - soft binding system

Unibind is a type of soft binding in which all the pages are glued to the rigid, black spine. This is a popular option for dissertation binding .

Unibinding is available with or without the acetate cover sheets. If you choose not to use acetate, a sheet of black card will be added at the back as usual. For dissertation printing, you should check first with your supervisor that this will be acceptable. 

Wire binding

Wire binding is a type of soft binding where all pages are punched down the left-hand side and held together with a metal wire spine. It has a clear acetate front cover and card back cover.

Binding price list

Soft bindings.

• Comb binding: £6.00
• Fabric spine soft binding: £5.00
• Unibind binding:  £5.00
• Wire binding:  £6.00

Hard bindings

• Hard case binding - standard black: £40.00
• Hard case binding - deluxe black: £50.00
• Hard case binding - Glasgow (DAB): £50.00
• Hard case binding - deluxe colour Glasgow (DAB): £70.00

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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

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Workday Student Support

Graduate students can find "how to" guides and support information on our Workday support page .

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies does not require or accept bound copies of final theses. If you wish to have copies bound for yourself or your graduate program, it is your responsibility to arrange this. The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies does not recommend specific binding services, but provides this list of local services for information only.

Centennial Bookbinding Rasmussen Bindery and Centennial Book Binding, 53 Bewicke Avenue, North Vancouver, BC  V7M 3B6 Phone: 604-983-3506 Toll-free phone: 1-866-983-3506. Fax: 604-985-6100 www.centennialbookbinding.com

Thesis Hard Cover Binding Copiesmart Copy Centre 103-5728 University Boulevard Vancouver BC V6T 1K6 604-222-3189

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