How do I…?

When you need this page: When stuck

Find your task, then follow the link to the answer. Tip: press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on a Mac) and type a word.

Fix a problem

• Paste an error and see what it means
• Look up a common error
• Read an error message
• Ask an AI chat to explain an error
• Copy a prompt for AI help with setup, errors, or conversions
• Fix a bold citation key or ??
• Get help

Set up

• Decide whether LaTeX suits my thesis
• Choose between my computer and Overleaf
• Download the starter files
• Set up an editor and LaTeX on my computer
• Set up the starter on Overleaf
• Use a different editor
• Compile with typed commands, or check my setup (optional, in a terminal)
• Add the RPI seal
• Change the title, my name, degree, or committee
• Fill in my title page settings with a form
• Update to the newest formatting file (rpi-thesis.cls)
• Find my PDF

Write

• Choose a drafting or collaboration app
• Paste text or a table from Word, Google Docs, Excel, or Markdown and get LaTeX
• Bring in a draft from Word or Google Docs
• Bring in a draft from Markdown
• Move from RPI's official LaTeX template
• Type %, &, _, $, or #
• Add a chapter
• Refer to a chapter, figure, or equation by number
• Quote a source, short or long
• Credit a chapter based on my published paper
• Compile only one chapter
• Use the format for a proposal or qualifying exam

Figures, tables, and equations

• Add a figure: a plot, photo, map, or drawing
• Add a table of numbers or words
• Use a figure from someone else's paper
• Number an equation
• Turn a spreadsheet, equation, or sketch into LaTeX with a helper
• Export a chart or convert an image
• Show source code in my thesis
• Show a figure in parts (a), (b)
• Add theorems and proofs
• Add an algorithm
• Add a list of symbols or abbreviations

Citations

• Cite a source
• Import my sources from Zotero
• Add a source without Zotero
• Add a web source with an access date
• Change the citation style
• Check my references.bib for common problems

Share and review

• Send my advisor a PDF to comment on
• Send my advisor a Word copy
• Get help converting Markdown, LaTeX, Word, or image files
• Show the changes between drafts
• Move between Overleaf and my computer
• Back up my thesis

Submit

• See the steps to graduation
• Run a final check of my PDF
• Check my PDF's page size, margins, page numbers, and contents
• Find OGE's manual, checklists, and forms
• Give my advisor or committee a checklist for reviewing my PDF

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