Your final degree project, Master’s dissertation or PhD thesis represents the culmination of your academic journey. It is where you present research on a topic of interest related to your field of study.
The presentation of the document is one of the most important stages, although it can sometimes be complex if you are not familiar with layout design. It requires time and, in most cases, specialised software such as InDesign or Illustrator is used, rather than Word, which is simply a text processor.
Below, we explain how to prepare your Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD thesis for printing.
How to design the interior of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD thesis
The first step is to decide the page size. At Artyplan, we use digital printing systems, allowing you to choose virtually any format. The most common sizes are A4 (210 × 297 mm) and B5 (175 × 250 mm).
Once the size is defined, the next step is to decide whether the document will be printed single-sided or double-sided. For single-sided documents, left and right margins must be defined. For double-sided documents, inner and outer margins should be set.
It is recommended to centre headers, footers and page numbering to avoid printing issues. Once margins and layout are defined, the working area (known as the “text area”) is established. If elements are intended to extend to the edge of the page, bleed must be included. This is typically 3 to 5 mm and ensures that images or backgrounds reach the final trim edge. Word does not allow proper bleed settings, so using professional layout software is recommended. Alternatively, margins of at least 5 mm can be set, assuming that this area will be trimmed and therefore not printed.
Background images should extend into the bleed area to avoid unwanted white edges caused by trimming tolerances.
How to design the cover of a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD thesis
Designing the cover requires careful consideration. First, define the final size of the document, as this will determine the cover dimensions. The most common sizes are A4 (210 × 297 mm) and B5 (175 × 250 mm). Once the size is defined, you can begin designing the cover. It is recommended to use design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign. You should also check your university’s requirements, as they often provide templates for thesis covers.
Next, create a document larger than the final format to include the full cover layout: back cover, spine and front cover. The spine is centred and its width is calculated based on the number of pages (approximately 1 cm per 100 pages, printed double-sided).
Artyplan, experts in small-format printing services
Once your design is complete, you can proceed with printing. At Artyplan, we recommend using paper from 100 gsm upwards, especially when your document includes images or graphics. In our thesis printing guide, you can find more details on the process. If you have any questions, our print advisors will help you find the best solution for your project and achieve the presentation you need.
