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Thesis Formatting FAQs

Below are a few guides and videos to help you as you format your thesis.

add and customize page numbers

Learn how to insert page numbers and edit them.

Word for PC     Word for Mac     Video*     LaTeX      

Spelling of Words in All CAPS

Microsoft Word does not automatically detect misspellings in words in all CAPS. To fix this, try some of the techniques below.

Changing the capitalization or case of text (good for a quick spelling check)
Word for PC     Word for Mac

Changing the default to always check words in all CAPS
Follow the instructions outlined on this page to access the "options" panel and uncheck the box "Ignore words in UPPERCASE"

Add and Customize Heading Styles

Using heading styles will help you make sure your headings are consistently formatted and help you set up your table of contents.

Word for PC     Word for Mac     Video*

Creating a Table of Contents

Learn how to create and update a table of contents using heading styles.

Word for PC     Word for Mac     Video*

adding leader dots to the table of contents

If you would rather manually create your table of contents, learn how to set leader dots.

Word for PC     Word for Mac

converting a document to pdf

Learn how to change a document from Word or LaTeX to pdf.

Word for PC     Word for Mac     LaTeX

Changing the Paper size

Learn how to change the paper size of your thesis to be 8.5 x 11.

Word for PC     Word for Mac    

combining multiple pdf files into one document

If your thesis stretches over multiple PDF files, learn how to compile the files into one document.

Adobe Acrobat

* To view the videos, first login to LinkedIn Learning with your NetID and password. Then navigate back to this page and click on the video links above.

Thesis Resources

The Thesis Office  thesis@illinois.edu                                                  (217) 333-6278

Format Requirements

Submit Your Thesis

Thesis Submission Videos

Deposit Checklist

Word Support

Microsoft Word Help Pages

Microsoft Office Help Pages

LaTeX Support

Introduction to LaTeX: resource prepared by a UIUC alum with strategies for preparing a document in LaTeX.

Comprehensive TEX Archive Network: search and download LaTeX distributions and functionality-enhancing packages

LaTeX Community and TeX-LaTeX Stackexchange: two sites where you can consult with experts around the world

LaTeX Project: introduction to LaTeX with helpful links

MikTeX: one of the most popular and successful LaTeX distributions

Overleaf:  use LaTeX with an easy web-based GUI and great collaboration tools

Adobe Support

Adobe Acrobat Learn and Support