Spiral, comb, soft or hard binding: which is right for your project report?

Your project report is ready and the department wants it bound. Spiral, comb, soft or hard cover? Each one suits a different job. Here is a simple guide, with our prices.

Quick comparison

Spiral binding

A plastic coil runs through small holes along the edge. The book opens fully flat and can fold back on itself, which is handy for lab records and manuals you read while working. Add a clear plastic front and a card back so it stays neat. Very thick books need a bigger coil, which costs a little more.

Comb binding

A plastic comb holds rectangular holes. It looks tidy, opens flat and can be opened again to add or swap pages, which is why offices like it.

Soft and hard cover

The pages are glued into a cover like a printed book. Soft cover is good for drafts and proposals. Hard cover is the usual choice for final thesis and dissertation copies, often with the title on the front. Check your university's rules for cover colour and lettering, and mention them in the instructions box when ordering.

Save money on long reports

• Print double-sided. The report is half as thick and the binding often costs less.
• Choose Mixed colour so you pay colour rates only for pages with charts or photos.
• Print all your copies in one order. Bulk discounts apply to the whole order.