Below are a few guides and videos to help you as you format your thesis.
* 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.
Add and customize page numbers
Learn how to insert page numbers and edit them.
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.
Creating a Table of Contents
Learn how to create and update a table of contents using heading styles.
Adding leader dots to the Table of Contents
If you would rather manually create your table of contents, learn how to set leader dots.
Converting a document to PDF
Learn how to change a document from Word or LaTeX to PDF.
Changing the paper size
Learn how to change the paper size of your thesis to be 8.5 x 11.
Combining multiple PDF files into one document
If your thesis stretches over multiple PDF files, learn how to compile the files into one document.
Thesis Resources
- The Thesis Office, thesis@illinois.edu, (217) 333-6278
- Format Requirements
- Submit Your Thesis
- Thesis Submission Videos
- Deposit Checklist
Word Support
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