PhD Dissertation Workflow
A recommended workflow for writing your dissertation in TypeTeX, from first draft to successful defense.
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
- 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
- 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
- Share view-only link with advisor for comments
- Track changes and revision history
- Address feedback chapter by chapter
- Create version snapshots before major revisions
- 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
Separate files for each chapter, combined automatically. Easy to navigate and reorganize.
TOC, list of figures, and list of tables generated and updated automatically.
Every edit saved. Roll back to any previous version. Create named snapshots before major changes.
Share read-only or comment-enabled links. No software installation required for reviewers.
See changes in real-time. No waiting for LaTeX to compile 250 pages.
Figure 3.2, Equation 4.1, Section 5.3 - all auto-numbered and linked.
Tips for Dissertation Writing
- 1
Set up your template first
Spend a few hours getting margins, fonts, and page numbers right before writing. It saves weeks later.
- 2
Import your citations early
Get your Zotero/Mendeley library into TypeTeX from day one. Citing while writing is so much faster.
- 3
Create version snapshots before major revisions
Before restructuring or deleting sections, create a named snapshot. You'll thank yourself later.
- 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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Writing your dissertation?
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Try TypeTeX FreeThis workflow guide describes expected functionality. Your experience may vary based on your specific requirements and university guidelines.