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Workflow Guide

PhD Dissertation Workflow

A recommended workflow for writing your dissertation in TypeTeX, from first draft to successful defense.

Long-form Writing
Multi-chapter
Advisor Collaboration

What to Expect

Writing a dissertation is a major undertaking. TypeTeX is designed to help you focus on your research rather than fighting with formatting. Here's what the workflow typically looks like:

  • Set up once, write freely - formatting is handled automatically
  • Share with advisors who can comment without installing any software
  • Reorganize chapters without breaking cross-references
  • Export publication-ready PDFs that meet university requirements

Yes

Multi-file support

Yes

Auto TOC/LOF

Yes

Version history

Yes

Advisor sharing

Auto

Cross-references

Yes

BibTeX import

The Dissertation Journey

1
Setup & Planning
Week 1
  • Create dissertation template with university formatting requirements
  • Set up folder structure: chapters, appendices, bibliography
  • Import existing citations from Zotero/Mendeley BibTeX export
  • Define custom commands for frequently used notation
2
First Draft
Writing phase
  • Write chapters in any order - TypeTeX handles numbering
  • Use AI suggestions for citation placement
  • Embed figures with auto-numbered captions
  • Create cross-references that update automatically
3
Advisor Review
Review phase
  • Share view-only link with advisor for comments
  • Track changes and revision history
  • Address feedback chapter by chapter
  • Create version snapshots before major revisions
4
Final Polish
Final phase
  • Committee review with commenting enabled
  • Final formatting check against university requirements
  • Generate table of contents, list of figures/tables
  • Export to PDF for submission and defense presentation

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge:

University template requirements are complex (margins, fonts, page numbering)

Solution:

Create a reusable template once; TypeTeX applies formatting automatically across all pages

Result:

Consistent formatting that meets graduate school requirements

Challenge:

Managing many citations across multiple chapters can be overwhelming

Solution:

Import your Zotero/Mendeley library, use AI suggestions for citing, auto-generate bibliography

Result:

Citations stay consistent, bibliography auto-updates when adding/removing sources

Challenge:

Advisors want to see drafts but may not have LaTeX installed

Solution:

Share view-only links with comment access; advisors can read and comment in browser

Result:

Faster feedback turnaround without software installation requirements

Challenge:

Figures can move to unexpected pages and break layouts

Solution:

TypeTeX's intelligent figure placement + manual override when needed

Result:

Professional figure positioning without fighting the typesetting engine

Challenge:

Chapters often need to be reorganized during writing

Solution:

Each chapter in separate file; reordering takes seconds, cross-refs auto-update

Result:

Restructure freely without manual numbering fixes

TypeTeX Features for Dissertations

Multi-file projects

Separate files for each chapter, combined automatically. Easy to navigate and reorganize.

Auto table of contents

TOC, list of figures, and list of tables generated and updated automatically.

Version history

Every edit saved. Roll back to any previous version. Create named snapshots before major changes.

Advisor sharing

Share read-only or comment-enabled links. No software installation required for reviewers.

Instant compilation

See changes in real-time. No waiting for LaTeX to compile 250 pages.

Cross-references

Figure 3.2, Equation 4.1, Section 5.3 - all auto-numbered and linked.

Tips for Dissertation Writing

  1. 1

    Set up your template first

    Spend a few hours getting margins, fonts, and page numbers right before writing. It saves weeks later.

  2. 2

    Import your citations early

    Get your Zotero/Mendeley library into TypeTeX from day one. Citing while writing is so much faster.

  3. 3

    Create version snapshots before major revisions

    Before restructuring or deleting sections, create a named snapshot. You'll thank yourself later.

  4. 4

    Share with your advisor early and often

    Don't wait until chapters are "done." The feedback loop is the whole point.

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This workflow guide describes expected functionality. Your experience may vary based on your specific requirements and university guidelines.

PhD Dissertation Workflow | TypeTeX for Thesis Writing | TypeTeX