Frequently Asked Questions | Thesis & Book Binding NZ
Find clear answers to common questions about thesis and book binding, from paper type to turnaround time.
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Paper & Format
Essential information about paper size, PDF requirements, margins, and printing options for your thesis or book binding project.
We print on standard A4 size paper (210mm x 297mm). This is the required size for all New Zealand universities. If you need a custom size, please contact us before ordering.
PDF format ensures your document displays exactly as you designed it, regardless of which computer or software opens it. MS Word files can have formatting issues between different versions. We accept PDF files to guarantee:
- Consistent fonts and layouts
- Proper image placement
- No unexpected formatting changes
- Professional results every time
Recommended free PDF converters:
- www.pdf2go.com
- www.freepdfconvert.com
- www.ilovepdf.com
- www.smallpdf.com
Unfortunately, we can only accept static flat PDF files. Editable PDFs with fillable form fields may cause printing issues. Please save your document as a standard PDF (not a fillable form) before uploading.
Yes, we print double-sided (duplex) by default to save paper and reduce bulk. Most PhD theses use double-sided printing.
- Single-sided: Only prints on one side of each page (like photocopies). Results in a thicker book.
- Double-sided (Duplex): Prints on both sides of the paper (like a published book). More professional and cost-effective.
Recommendation: Most universities and students prefer double-sided printing for a professional finish.


Binding Types
Learn about page limits, cover materials, color options, and how to choose between hardcover, softcover, and spiral binding.
Minimum: We can bind theses as thin as 10 pages
Maximum: Up to 600 pages (approximately 300 sheets for double-sided)
However, we recommend splitting documents over 600 pages into multiple volumes for better handling and durability.
💡 Tip: Most PhD theses are 150-350 pages. If yours exceeds 600 pages, contact us for advice.
No, you generally don't need to adjust gutter margins for modern thesis binding.
Why? Modern perfect binding (thermal binding) lays flat when opened, so the inner margin doesn't disappear into the spine like old-style stitched books.
Our recommendation: Use equal left and right margins (usually 25-30mm on all sides). This creates a clean, professional look.
Yes! Double-sided printing is our standard and recommended option. It:
- Reduces paper usage (eco-friendly)
- Creates a professional book-like appearance
- Is accepted by all NZ universities
- Costs less than single-sided
For standard thesis binding, we recommend:
Top margin: 25-30mm
Bottom margin: 25-30mm
Left margin: 30mm (binding side)
Right margin: 25mm
Important: Do NOT add extra gutter margin for modern thermal binding. Our binding process ensures all text remains visible when the book is opened.
📐 Pro tip: Most universities provide thesis templates with pre-set margins—use those!
Yes! We charge per colour page, so you can mix black-and-white and colour pages in the same thesis.
How it works:
Black & white pages: Standard rate
Colour pages: Charged individually
Just upload your PDF as-is—we'll automatically detect which pages have colour and charge accordingly.
Absolutely! If your thesis has:
Non-standard sizes (not A4)
Fold-out pages or inserts
Special paper requirements
Unusual binding needs
Please email us at [email protected] or call 021 98 1163 before placing your order. We're happy to discuss custom solutions.
University Requirements
Find out how our binding meets the standards of all major New Zealand universities and our turnaround times for urgent orders.
Yes! Our binding fully complies with the requirements of all major New Zealand universities, including:
✅ University of Auckland
✅ Victoria University of Wellington
✅ University of Canterbury
✅ University of Otago
✅ Massey University
✅ AUT University
✅ Waikato University
✅ Lincoln University
We follow strict standards for:
- Cover materials (Buckram)
- Spine width and strength
- Foil lettering (gold or silver)
- Paper quality (80gsm, 100gsm, 120gsm or 160gsm)
Yes! We offer:
- Standard: 5 business days
- Express: 3 business days (Auckland & Wellington)
- Urgent: 24 hours (Auckland & Wellington only)
Urgent service fees:
3 business days service: +$80 per copy
24-hour service: +$120 per copy
⚠️ Important: For 24-hour urgent service, please call us first at 021 98 1163 to confirm availability.
Printing Services
Complete printing and binding services with multiple paper quality options, from economical to premium archival-grade paper.
Yes! We offer complete print + bind services. Simply upload your PDF, select your binding options, and we'll print and bind your thesis professionally.
Our printing includes:
- High-quality laser printing
- 80gsm economic paper, 100gsm standard paper, and 160gsm High quality premium paper
- Color or black-and-white options
- Double-sided or single-sided
Price includes printing + binding in one package.
Delivery & Shipping
Fast, trackable delivery across New Zealand. We can deliver directly to your university, home, or any address you specify.
Yes, we can deliver directly to:
Your university department
University library
Student accommodation
Any address in New Zealand
Simply enter the delivery address during checkout. We use trackable courier services for all deliveries.
Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive:
- Email confirmation with tracking number
- SMS notification with courier details
- Estimated delivery date
You can track your parcel in real-time through the courier's website.
- New Zealand: $10.50 flat rate
- Rural delivery: +$5.00
Payment & Orders
Flexible payment options including all major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfer. Secure checkout guaranteed.
We accept all major payment methods:
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Debit cards
Bank transfer
Apple Pay
Google Pay
Link
All payments are processed securely through our encrypted checkout.
You can reach us:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 021 98 1163
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-6:30pm NZST
Response time:
Email: Within 4 hours on business days
Phone: Immediate during business hours
Before printing starts: Yes, free cancellation or modifications
After printing starts: Contact us immediately—we'll do our best to accommodate changes (fees may apply)
To modify an order: Email us at [email protected] with your order number ASAP.
Technical & Quality
Detailed technical specifications, cover material comparisons, paper quality options, and our 100% quality guarantee policy.
Buckram:
- Durable woven cloth material
- University-standard material
- More affordable
- Available in 5 colors
Leatherette:
- Soft, premium leather-like texture
- More elegant and gift-appropriate
- Slightly more expensive
- Available in 2 colors
Recommendation:
- Thesis: Buckram (meets all standards)
- Personal/gift copies, such as Family history book, Memoir & Novels, Poetry Book, Recipe Book: Leatherette (more luxurious)
Buckram cloth: 4 standard colors including:
- Black (most popular)
- Blue
- Green
- Red
Leatherette: 2 premium colors:
- Black
- Burgundy
Yes! You can choose:
- Gold foil (traditional, most popular)
- Silver foil (modern, elegant)
- Pricing: Same price for both gold and silver.
Lettering includes:
- Spine: shortened title + your name
- Front cover: thesis title + Your name
Economic: 80gsm white paper
- University-approved quality
Standard: 100gsm premium white paper
- University-approved quality
- Smooth finish for professional appearance
- Suitable for most theses
Premium: 160gsm recycled paper (Platinum package)
- Thicker, more luxurious feel
- Eco-friendly recycled material
- Best for archival copies
Approximate spine thickness:
- 100 pages = ~10mm spine
- 200 pages = ~20mm spine
- 300 pages = ~30mm spine
- 400 pages = ~40mm spine
Note: Actual thickness depends on paper type and binding method.
Yes! Most students order 2-4 copies:
- 1 copy for university library
- 1 copy for tutor
- 1-2 personal copies for family/keeping
Bulk discount: Orders of 2+ copies receive more than 10-25% discount automatically at checkout.
Yes! We specialize in:
- Holy Bible restoration
- Antique book repair
- Family heirloom book rebinding
- Library book restoration
Unfortunately, we don't offer physical samples to mail out. However, you can:
- Visit our Auckland workshop by appointment
- View high-resolution photos on our website
- Read customer reviews and testimonials
We stand behind our work 100%.
If there's an error on our part:
- We'll reprint and rebind at no charge
- Free express shipping for replacement
- Full refund if you prefer
Quality guarantee: Every thesis is inspected before shipping.
Best practices:
Use standard A4 page size (210 x 297mm)
Set margins: 25-30mm all sides
Save as PDF/A format for archiving
Embed all fonts
Use 300dpi for images
❌ Avoid:
Password-protected PDFs
Editable form PDFs
Non-standard page sizes without consulting us first
Yes! Our online ordering system is available 24/7. Upload your file anytime, and we'll start processing during our business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm).
Spiral Binding ($23):
- Lay-flat design for easy reading
- Clear PVC cover
- Best for: reports, manuals, drafts
- Turnaround: Same day to 3 days
Hardcover Binding ($198+):
- Buckram cover
- Gold/silver foil lettering
- Best for: university submission, archival
- Turnaround: 3-5 days and 24 Hour
Yes! Our book binding services are perfect for:
Wedding photo albums
Family photo books
Travel memory books
Baby milestone books
Available sizes: 15x15cm, 20x20cm, 25x25cm, 30x30cm, 20x15cm, 15x20cm, 20x28cm, 28x20cm, 35x28cm and 28x35cm
Absolutely! Our 20x15cm portrait hardcover is perfect for:
Family recipe collections
Personal cookbooks
Restaurant menu books
Culinary portfolios
Recommendation: Use Leatherette cover for kitchen durability (wipeable surface).
Perfect binding (also called soft binding or thermal binding) is a professional binding method where pages are glued together at the spine, then wrapped with a soft cover.
Features:
Lay-flat when opened
Soft, flexible cover
Professional book-like appearance
More affordable than hardcover
Best for: Drafts, working copies, manuals, portfolios



