Back to Blog
🎓 Research & Academia

The Perfect Thesis: A Guide to Printing & Hard Binding

By OnlinePrintout Team10 min read

Your thesis is the culmination of years of hard work. Whether it's a B.Tech Project Report, an M.A. Dissertation, or a PhD Thesis, the physical presentation is the first thing your external examiner judges.

💡 Pro Tip: Never leave printing for the last 24 hours. Hard binding glue needs time to set. Rushing this process leads to warped covers and peeling gold letters.

1. The Science of Paper Selection (GSM Matters)

Using standard photocopier paper (70-75 GSM) for a thesis is a mistake. It is too transparent and feels "cheap" to the touch.

75 GSM (Standard)

Avoid for final submission. Ink bleeds through. Good only for rough drafts.

85 GSM (Royal)

The minimum standard for Masters/B.Tech. Good opacity, double-sided safe.

100 GSM Bond

The Gold Standard. Crisp, heavy, ultra-white. Required for PhD thesis in IITs/central universities.

2. Gold Embossing is an Art

That shiny golden text on the cover isn't printed; it is Hot Foil Stamped. A metal die is heated and pressed against gold foil onto the leatherette cover.

3. University Compliance Checklist

Before uploading, check these often-missed details:

1
Mirror Margins: If printing double-sided, ensure your Gutter Margin alternates (Left on odd pages, Right on even pages).
2
Page Numbers: Ensure Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) for preliminary pages and Arabic (1, 2, 3) for the main chapters.
3
Color Charts: Ensure your graphs are distinguishable in B&W if you are opting to save money. Otherwise, print charts in color.

Ready to Print?

Upload your PDF. We'll handle the margins, printing, and binding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do "Golden Print" on Black Book?

Yes, technically called Gold Foil Embossing. We do it on the front cover AND the spine.

How many copies should I print?

Universities typically require 3 to 4 copies: 1 for Department Library, 1 for Central Library, 1 for Supervisor, and 1 for yourself.