Formatting your thesis

General guidelines

Though doctoral dissertations and master's theses can take different forms depending on the department, all graduate thesis submissions at the University of Waterloo must be structured according to the university's standards. We strongly suggest not copying from other students' submissions, instead using one of the approved templates produced by IST. We offer support for thesis formatting challenges via email and in person, and offer a workshop about thesis formatting in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Word template (WatIAM login required)
LaTeX template (for cloud-based editing in Overleaf)

Theses are submitted to UWSpace as PDF files. PDFs should be PDF/UA or PDF/A compliant in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2020. Following these instructions closely will facilitate the approval of your thesis by Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs for inclusion in UWSpace.

Formatting with Microsoft Word

Information Systems & Technology provides tips for formatting your thesis in Word as well as periodic Skills for the Academic Workplace workshops about formatting your thesis.

This online learning resource outlines how to create an accessible PDF/UA document from Microsoft Word.

We can help you should you require assistance.

Formatting with LaTeX

Information Systems & Technology maintains instructions for formatting your thesis in LaTeX and exporting it to a PDF.

Please fill out this IST support form should you require assistance with LaTeX.

Formatting with Adobe InDesign

There is no template for students who publish their thesis using Adobe InDesign. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all required text and sections are present in their published document.

Learn how to create an accessible PDF/A from InDesign.

Ensuring the best image quality

When exporting photographs, scanning images from print, or saving images where highlights and shading are present, save your image files as TIFF files, preferably at a resolution of at least 300 dpi. When saving graphics with areas of discrete colour and linework, save your images as PNGs. If these formats are unavailable, JPEGs are acceptable.