Step-by-step guide

Bleed:
Add at least 3 mm bleed around your design to prevent white edges after trimming. Extend background colors and images beyond the bleed area.

Margins:
Keep enough space for text and images. The recommended margin is 20 mm around the page edge. This prevents important content from being lost in the binding or positioned too close to the edge.

Font & Font Size:
Choose a clear and easily readable font, such as Arial or Times New Roman in 12 pt. This ensures optimal readability. Unsure about the size? Print an A4 sheet at 81% scale to see how it will look in thesis format (170 x 240 mm).

Grayscale and Black Values:
Grayscale is often used in tables, charts, titles, and chapter pages. Since gray is a percentage of black, we recommend a minimum black value of 10% and a maximum of 90%. Lighter tones than 10% may not show up well in print, while values above 90% appear almost black.

Want your images printed in grayscale? We can convert them, but they may appear darker than expected. That’s why we recommend saving images directly in grayscale for optimal contrast and detail balance.

CMYK vs RGB – Color Use in Print:
Screens use the RGB color model (Red, Green, Blue) to display colors, while print uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). RGB has a wider color spectrum than CMYK, so colors may appear more vibrant on screen than in print.

Images in RGB are automatically converted to CMYK, which can alter color nuances. Want to ensure accurate colors in your thesis? Save images directly in CMYK and check a proof print to assess the final result.

These guidelines ensure your thesis looks its best in both black-and-white and color printing.

Resolution:
To display an image sharply in print, we recommend a minimum resolution of 300 DPI at actual size. Images below 150 DPI are considered low resolution and may appear blurry or pixelated. Always check your image resolution before submitting your thesis. Not sure? Request a proof print to check the result.

Pixel or Vector?
Images can be pixel-based (bitmap) or vector-based. Pixel images, such as .jpg, .tiff, and .png, consist of thousands of tiny dots (pixels). The quality of these images depends on resolution, measured in DPI (dots per inch). The higher the resolution, the sharper the image.

Note: Enlarging a pixel image stretches the pixels, reducing quality.
Vector images, such as logos and illustrations in .ai or .eps format, consist of lines and shapes that remain razor-sharp at any size. These files are ideal for graphics such as logos, line drawings, and diagrams. For the best print quality, we recommend using vector files whenever possible.

Line Thickness:
Thin lines may fade or become unclear in print. We recommend lines be at least 0.25 pt thick to ensure visibility. Lines thinner than 0.25 pt may break or become illegible. A standard line in Word or InDesign is never thinner than 0.25 pt, but always double-check in your design software.

These guidelines help ensure that images and graphic elements in your thesis are sharp and professional.

Size and Placement:
Ensure images are properly aligned and fall within the safe zone of the page. Images too close to the edge may be cut off unintentionally.

Captions:
Add clear captions under images and use a consistent font and size that matches the rest of your text.

A well-designed cover completes your thesis. Keep the following details in mind:

Front Cover:
At a minimum, include the title, author’s name, and university.

Back Cover:
Often features a summary of the thesis, a brief biography of the author, or the university’s logo.

Spine:
Usually includes the (shortened) title and the author’s name. Ensure proper alignment so the text remains easily readable when the thesis is on a bookshelf.
➤ Calculate the spine width here.

Optional: Bookmark
Want to add an extra detail? We provide a matching bookmark free of charge with your thesis. It’s often used as an invitation for the defense, with the date, time, and location.

Number all pages consistently and ensure page numbers are correctly positioned within the margins.

Odd page numbers always appear on the right-hand page.

Each new chapter begins on a right-hand page, even if that means the previous left-hand page is blank.

Use Roman numerals for preliminary sections and Arabic numerals starting from the chapters.

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique code used worldwide to identify books. While not required for a thesis, it can be useful if you want to distribute copies via libraries or bookstores. It makes your thesis easily searchable and officially registered.
➤ Request your ISBN here!

➤ Download a sample cover here
➤ Download our templates for InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator here
➤ View a thesis sample here

This is the moment to have your thesis critically reviewed. Ask your supervisor, co-supervisor, mentor, fellow PhD, or a family member to check both the content and technical aspects. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, consistency in formatting, and technical specifications, such as image resolution and margins.

Make sure all elements are correct and that your thesis complies with the guidelines of your university.

Your thesis is complete and ready to be submitted to us. To ensure we can print it correctly, we ask you to submit your file as a PDF. This guarantees consistent formatting and prevents surprises in the final result.

When saving your PDF, keep in mind the technical guidelines from Step 1, such as bleed, margins, and color settings. This ensures your thesis will be printed exactly as intended.

How to create a PDF
See the visuals below for step-by-step instructions on how to properly save and export your file. Follow these instructions to submit your thesis in the correct format.
➤ Instructions for exporting a PDF from InDesign
➤ Instructions for exporting a PDF from Word

Submit cover and interior as separate files
To ensure proper processing, we ask you to submit two separate PDF files: one for the interior and one for the cover. If you’ve ordered a bookmark, it should also be included in the cover file.

Once your thesis is completely ready, you can easily and securely send your files to us. We accept various submission methods, so you can choose what works best for you.

You can send the files directly via email, as long as the total file size allows. For larger files, we recommend using WeTransfer or Dropbox. Simply upload your PDF file and share the download link with us.

Make sure you have provided all the necessary specifications—see Step 4. Once we receive your files, we will check them and send you a confirmation. If anything needs adjustment, we will contact you so we can work together to achieve the best final result.

At Ipskamp Printing, we offer four premium paper types for the interior of your thesis:

115 gsm G-print (off-white): This coated paper is heavier and less transparent, offering better reproduction of color images. The matte coating ensures excellent readability of text and makes figures and graphs appear razor-sharp. This is the most popular paper choice for theses, balancing readability with a professional look.

100 gsm Everprint (100% recycled): An eco-friendly choice with a natural appearance, made entirely from recycled material. This sustainable paper offers a subtle texture and is ideal for an environmentally conscious thesis.

90 gsm Biotop (creamy): Uncoated paper with a warm, creamy tone, providing a classic and authentic look. Ideal for theses that aim for a soft, calming reading experience.

90 gsm HVO (bright white): Uncoated, bright white paper with high contrast, ensuring text is sharply printed and highly readable. This gives your thesis a modern and clean appearance.

All of our paper types are FSC®-certified, meaning they come from responsibly managed forests. If you choose to have your thesis printed entirely according to FSC standards, we can add the FSC logo to your thesis. This label guarantees that the product is sourced from sustainably managed forests with respect for ecological and social standards.

Want to see and feel our paper types? Request our free information booklet.

➤ Request the information booklet

For your thesis cover, we use 240 gsm sulfated board. This sturdy material provides an excellent base for a high-quality finish. To protect your cover from scratches and stains—and give it a refined look—we apply a laminate coating.

You can choose between:

Scratch-resistant matte laminate: A stylish and modern finish that gives a soft, luxurious feel. Colors are rendered subtly, contributing to an elegant and understated look—perfect for a professional and timeless presentation.

Gloss laminate: Brings your cover to life with vibrant, eye-catching colors. The glossy finish adds depth to your design, making photos, illustrations, and details stand out for a striking and dynamic result.

The binding method determines not only the appearance but also the reading experience and durability of your thesis. At Ipskamp Printing, we offer various binding options to perfectly suit your needs.

Perfect binding: This is the most commonly used method—over 98% of theses are bound this way. The spine of the interior is trimmed or milled, then glued to the cover. This results in a sturdy, professional book that lasts for years. Perfect binding is a durable and cost-effective choice suitable for nearly all theses.

Sewn binding: In this method, the interior pages are folded into sections, then sewn and glued. This is the most robust binding option, allowing the book to lay flatter and adding extra durability. Sewn binding takes more time and is slightly more expensive, making it ideal for theses that will be heavily used or require a luxurious finish.

Hardcover: Want a lasting memento of your defense? A hardcover version is a beautiful addition to your thesis. Often ordered in small quantities alongside the standard softcover, for instance, as a gift for family or supervisors. The cover is printed on sturdy 150 gsm paper and wrapped around cardboard, giving the book a luxurious feel and long-lasting durability.

In addition to standard options, we offer various finishing techniques to give your cover a unique and high-end appearance:

Spot UV varnish: Highlight specific elements on your cover with a glossy varnish. This contrast against a matte background creates a luxurious and refined look.

Embossing (blind deboss): Add depth and texture to your cover with tactile relief. By raising certain areas, you create an exclusive and stylish finish that draws attention.

Foil stamping: Add a sparkling touch with foil in gold, silver, or other colors. These shiny details give your cover a premium look that radiates class.

Die-cutting: Make your cover stand out with a custom-shaped cutout. From subtle accents to bold designs—a creative way to give your thesis a unique touch.

Please allow an additional processing time of 3 working days per finish.

Number of copies – How many theses would you like to have printed?
Number of pages – What is the total page count of your file?
Number of colour pages – Do you want a portion in colour or the entire thesis?
Cover finish – Do you prefer scratch-resistant matte or glossy laminate?
Digital version – Would you like a flipbook (PDF version for the library) for €50?
Proof delivery address – Where should we send the print proof?
Final delivery address – Note: we cannot deliver to P.O. boxes.
Billing address – Where should we send the invoice?
Phone number – For any questions regarding production or delivery.
Desired delivery date – When would you like to receive the books?

Think carefully about how many copies you will need. Besides copies for your defense committee and university, it is helpful to reserve theses for family, friends and colleagues who supported you during your journey. You might want to keep a copy for yourself and your family or have extra copies available for future employers and collaborators. Planning ahead helps avoid ordering too few—or too many—copies.

With the right specifications and a well-thought-out print run, we ensure your thesis perfectly matches your needs and expectations
 

Within two working days after receiving your files, we begin the process. Our specialists review the interior and cover for technical specifications such as margins, resolution, and color settings. If everything is correct, we proceed to create a print proof.

As soon as all files are approved, we create a print proof. This sample copy will be sent to you within three to four working days.

The print proof is your opportunity to see how your thesis looks in physical form. Carefully check the colors, finish and layout. Have any doubts or notice a small mistake? This is the perfect time to make changes.

If you want to make adjustments, you can submit a corrected file. After processing, we will send you a digital proof (PDF) to review the final version. Completely satisfied? Then you give your final approval, and we move on to production. After this point, no further changes can be made.

Once we receive your approval, we start production. We print your thesis according to the chosen specifications and finishes. 

After printing, the theses are carefully bound and go through a quality check. We make sure your thesis meets our standards. Then they are securely packaged to ensure they arrive safely at your doorstep.

Within seven working days after your final approval, your theses will be delivered to the address you provided. You will receive a track & trace link as soon as your order is on its way.

Need your theses sooner? Take advantage of our express service – your thesis can be printed within 4 working days.