When you have completed your PhD dissertation, this is a rewarding situation as you have achieved one of the most significant milestones in your academic journey. After the months and years of intense research and writing, it is time to move to the final step, getting it printed and bound. This may seem like a minor detail.
However, the way you present the work is essential as it leaves a lasting impression on your examiners, reflecting your value of hard work. A poorly printed or badly bound copy leaves a big question about your hard work. Read this blog, and check the correct elements you need to choose for your dissertation to look professional, polished, and ready to shine.
Elements to Check When You Are Printing and Binding Your Dissertation
Choosing the ideal thesis printing and binding outline is tricky, as there are some rules that you need to follow. Let’s break down that outline to avoid rejection.
Choose The Right Paper Quality
Your choice of the paper determines the professional look and feel of the dissertation.
- The heavier paper prevents bleeding through ink, and this makes it more durable.
- A bright white page will enhance the readability, while the cream-colored sheets give a softer and classic touch.
- Matte finish paper reduces glare, while the glossy finishes make the colors in charts and the images pop up.
The Consistency In Font And Layout
The way your paper is typeset influences the way the examiner will read through your content.
- Try using classic fonts for better readability.
- For the font size, stick with 11-12 point size. This gives your text a precise and professional look.
- Leave at least a 1-inch margin to avoid text being lost in the binding.
- Choosing double spacing or 1.5 spacing will improve the clarity, making your notes easier.
The Printing Options: Single Vs. Double-Sided
The way you choose to print your pages is essential for the readability and the cost.
- Choosing the single-sided gives a cleaner and more professional look, but uses more paper.
- Using the technique of printing on both sides saves paper and money, but may cause the text to show through the thinner sheets.
- Experts advise using single-sided paper for the examiners and printing the personal copy on both sides.
A Binding Method To Consider
The binding method gives the dissertation a final shape and determines its durability.
- Perfect binding is affordable and gives a neat look, but you need to check for the type that works on thick pages.
- Hardcover binding gives a classic and durable look and is ideal for official submissions.
- Spiral binding is easy to handle, but it is less formal for academic work.
- Soft binding is flexible and budget-friendly. This is often used for drafts.
Cover Design And Title Page
The first thing an examiner will notice is your dissertation cover and the title page.
- Colors like black, navy blue, or dark green cover give a professional look.
- Make sure that you place the title in the center, as it becomes more visible.
- Adding gold or silver lettering gives an elegant and formal look.
- Don’t forget to add the official logo of your university to show the authenticity.
Proofread Before You Print
Before handing the file to a firm offering help with book printing Canada, ensure that you have proofread it. This will help you spot the errors.
- Check for all the spellings. A slight mistake can create a negative impression.
- Make sure that you have added the page numbers. This adds consistency in the paper.
- Place the tables and figures under the correct subheadings.
- Ensure that the citation style matches the guidelines of the university.
Many students print the draft copy before the final version. This helps in detecting the errors easily.
Printing Colors
You need to invest a considerable amount to get your dissertation printed. There are specific places where color prints are required, while black and white work best in all other scenarios.
- The black and white ones are best for heavy text chapters and are one of the cost-efficient options.
- You can use colors for graphs, charts, and images.
- You can also move the mixed options where mixing the text and images with black and white, and color prints.
Follow The Submission Guidelines
Every institution has a specific submission guideline that you need to follow to avoid rejection or other penalties.
- Check if your university has allowed hardbound or softbound for the submission of the final dissertation.
- The formatting must align with the instructions.
- Check for the number of copies that you need to print. It might be that you are asked to submit one for the examiner and the other for the university library.
- Additionally, sometimes institutes require a PDF along with the printed version. Do check for this requirement.
If you fail to meet any of these requirements, it can lead to a delay in approval.
FAQs
Which kind of binding is best for the dissertation?
Hardbound binding is the most common option, as it lends a professional touch to the final thesis file.
Which is the highest quality of paper for a dissertation?
Ensure you use paper with a 90gsm to 120gsm quality. Additionally, ensure it is a bright white to improve readability and achieve a clean look.
When to use color printing in a dissertation?
If you have added some statistical figures or images in your thesis, make sure that they are in color print. This enhances its analysis and lends a professional appearance.
What details must be on the cover of the dissertation?
Your thesis cover page must include the title, your name, the name of your university, your department, the name of your supervisor, and the date of submission.
The Final Comment
Printing and binding the dissertation might feel like an extra task, but it has the power to elevate the academic work. When you complete it, it enhances the credibility of the file and reflects your commitment to excellence.
Don’t treat it like extra work. Take your time and choose the best options. Research what will work, just as you do during the writing process. This will help you make the work stand out.
