Much legal and corporate work in Singapore is now filed and signed electronically, but printed sets are still needed for signing meetings, board packs, arbitration reference copies and hearing bundles where hard copies are directed. These documents are often finalised late, and a missing page, a margin that disappears into the binding or a loose cover causes problems that are hard to fix once the set has left the office.
This is a printing guide, not legal advice. EZ Print prints and binds the documents you approve. It does not check them against court rules, the Practice Directions or any registry’s instructions; that responsibility stays with the firm or person preparing the bundle.
Which Binding Suits Urgent Legal and Corporate Documents?
Wire-O binding is a common choice for contracts, board packs and reference sets because the document opens completely flat and takes any page count. A frosted cover on the front and a card back protect the set. If you need pages added later, or a particular binding is specified for you, say so in the brief so the binding can be discussed first.
- Wire-O. Pages are punched along the binding edge and held by a double loop of wire. The document lies flat on a table and can be folded back on itself for note-taking.
- Covers. A clear or frosted front cover protects the title page, and a card back gives the set a firm base.
- Other bindings. If a different binding is directed or preferred, such as one that can be reopened to add pages, name it in the brief and ask whether it can be supplied for your date.
The guide to choosing booklet binding compares the main binding types in more detail.
What Should You Check on a Court or Arbitration Bundle Before Printing?
Follow the current Practice Directions and the registry's or tribunal's instructions for your matter; they set the rules for bundles, and they change. From a printing point of view, settle the volume split, pagination, tab dividers, binding and covers in the PDF before you send it, because a printer reproduces the file and order you supply.
The points below are printing decisions to settle, not rules. Check each one against the directions that apply to you:
- Volume split. Decide where each volume starts and ends, and label each one, for example “Volume 1 of 2”.
- Pagination. Number pages in the PDF itself, in a consistent position clear of the binding edge and of the document’s own numbering.
- Tab dividers. If tabs are needed, list the tab labels in order and mark in the PDF where each divider goes.
- Binding and covers. Say how the bundle should be bound and covered, and confirm that it matches what has been directed.
- Copies. State how many identical sets are needed and whether any set is marked differently.
When the directions require something unusual, such as a particular cover colour or index format, quote the requirement in the brief so it can be checked before printing starts.
Which Paper and Margins Work for Dense Legal Documents?
Uncoated woodfree paper at 80–100 gsm suits most legal documents: it takes ink from pens and stamps cleanly, and the heavier weights show less text through from the other side. Leave a wide inner margin, about 25 mm, so punch holes and the wire never cut into text or page numbers.
- Paper weight. 80 gsm is lighter and keeps a thick volume slimmer. 100 gsm feels more substantial and shows less through when printed on both sides.
- Uncoated surface. Signatures, initials and stamps dry better on uncoated paper than on glossy coated paper.
- Inner margin. About 25 mm on the binding edge keeps text clear of the punch holes. For double-sided printing, the binding edge alternates between left and right pages.
- Dividers and backs. Heavier card is used for tab dividers and the back of the set. Ask which card weights are available.
| Part of the set | Typical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Text pages | 80–100 gsm uncoated woodfree | Writable, less show-through at 100 gsm |
| Tab dividers | Card with reinforced tabs | Tabs survive repeated handling |
| Front cover | Clear or frosted plastic | Protects the title page |
| Back | Heavy card | Gives the set a firm base |
For bound documents generally, see the booklet printing page.
How Are Finished Legal Documents Delivered or Collected?
Island-wide courier delivery is available to offices across the CBD, and delivery is confirmed separately from production in the quotation. Give a named recipient, a mobile number and any building instructions. If the documents are confidential, say how they should be packed and handed over. Collection can also be arranged at Centennial Tower.
- Recipient. Name one person to receive the sets, and give their mobile number.
- Packing. Say if each set should be packed separately or if the parcel should be sealed. Packing requests are confirmed in the quotation.
- Collection. Collection by arrangement — tell us when you would like to collect and we will confirm the time.
Worked Example: Printing Four Arbitration Reference Sets
Hypothetical illustration. Figures are assumptions for explanation, not a real transaction or advice. A firm in Raffles Place needs four identical bound reference sets of a 250-page bundle. The example follows the decisions the firm makes in order: the specification, the file checks, the brief, the schedule and the handover. It describes printing decisions only.
Step 1: Fix the specification. The clerk confirms the directions that apply and then sets the specification: 250 pages printed double-sided on 100 gsm uncoated paper (125 sheets per set), Wire-O bound, frosted front cover, card back, eight tab dividers, four identical sets.
Step 2: Check the file. The clerk confirms that page numbers run continuously in the PDF, that every page has about 25 mm of clear inner margin, and that the divider positions and labels match the index.
Step 3: Send the brief. The clerk fills in the quote builder with the specification, quantity and required date, and emails it with the PDF and the tab list attached.
Step 4: Confirm the schedule. Artwork, stock and capacity are confirmed against the specification. Timing is agreed when the job is confirmed.
Step 5: Arrange the handover. The clerk gives the office address, a named recipient and a mobile number, asks for each set to be packed separately, and confirms the delivery point and contact with the building reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is same-day printing available for bound legal documents?
Same-day and urgent printing available. Subject to artwork approval, payment, print type and production availability. Timing confirmed per job. Standard turnaround is 7–14 working days. Page count, number of sets, tab dividers and file readiness all affect what can be fitted.
What margin should I leave for Wire-O binding?
About 25 mm on the binding edge keeps text and page numbers clear of the punch holes. If the document is printed double-sided, the binding edge is on the left of right-hand pages and on the right of left-hand pages.
Can tab dividers carry printed labels?
Yes, tab dividers can be quoted with numbers, letters or printed labels. Send the labels as a list in order, and mark where each divider goes in the PDF.
Can a set mix black-and-white pages with colour pages?
Yes. Say which pages are in colour when you send the brief, because it affects the quotation.
Does EZ Print check bundles against the Practice Directions?
No. EZ Print prints and binds the files and instructions you approve. Check the current Practice Directions and the registry’s or tribunal’s instructions yourself, and put any specific requirement in the brief.
What Should Be Checked Before Sending Urgent Legal Documents to Print?
Before sending legal documents to print, check the directions that apply, then the file: continuous pagination, a clear inner margin, divider positions and labels, and the number of sets. Then confirm the binding, covers, paper and handover in one brief. A file that is complete when it arrives gives the job a better chance of meeting your date.
- Applicable Practice Directions and registry or tribunal instructions checked.
- Pages numbered continuously in the PDF.
- About 25 mm clear inner margin on every page.
- Tab labels listed in order and divider positions marked.
- Binding, covers, paper and number of sets stated.
- Recipient, mobile number and packing instructions ready.
To start, send your brief through the request a quote page or read how availability is confirmed on the same-day printing page.
Same-day and urgent printing available. Subject to artwork approval, payment, print type and production availability. Timing confirmed per job.