Why your binding choice matters
Universities often specify exactly how a dissertation or thesis should be bound and presented for submission. Getting this wrong can mean a rejected submission right before your deadline, so check your department's requirements before you order. This guide explains the common binding options so you know what to ask for.
Binding types we offer, and what they're typically used for
- Spiral and wire binding — pages sit flat when open, useful for working drafts, appendices and documents that need to lie open on a desk. Less common for a final formal submission unless your university allows it.
- Plastic comb binding — an affordable option that allows pages to be added or removed, useful for drafts and portfolios rather than a bound final copy.
- Perfect binding — a flat, glued spine similar to a paperback book. A common choice for a polished final dissertation or thesis copy.
- Glued hardback binding — a rigid, library-style cover for a thesis intended to last and look formal, often required for archive or library copies.
- Thread-sewn binding — the most durable option, sewn rather than glued, typically used where a copy needs to withstand heavy handling over time.
- Stapled booklets — suitable for shorter documents, reports or appendices rather than a full dissertation.
Before you order, check with your university
- Required binding type, and cover colour or wording
- Paper size and weight
- Whether a hard copy is required at all, or a PDF submission is sufficient
- Your submission deadline, and whether it is a fixed date or a fixed time on that date
We can advise on the practical side — page count, spine thickness and finish — but your department's own guidelines take priority over general advice.
Printing and binding your dissertation in one visit
Dissertation binding is simpler when the printing and binding happen in the same place. You can bring your file on a USB stick or send it ahead, we print it, and we bind it with the method your department requires. If you are unsure, our binding service can talk through the options before you print.
Double sided printing and margins
Many courses accept double sided printing, but some require single-sided pages, so check your guidance first. Binding takes space from the inner edge of the page, so make sure your margins allow for it, and check any margin sizes your department specifies before you finalise the file.
Planning your deadline
Binding is not usually a same-day service in the way flyers or business cards can be — see our turnaround guide for why. Bring or send your final, print-ready PDF as early as possible, ideally a few days before your submission deadline rather than on the day itself, so there is time to reprint if anything needs correcting.
Ready to order? View all our books and binding services, or contact us with your page count, binding preference and deadline for practical advice.