Thesis template: download free thesis templates in Word & Google Docs

A clear thesis template can save you hours of formatting headaches. Whether you're working on a master’s thesis or a PhD dissertation, using a template simplifies the process and ensures consistency from start to finish. With a solid foundation, you’ll be able to focus on your research and writing, rather than worrying about minor layout issues.

We’ve created free Google Docs and Microsoft Word thesis templates that cover every aspect of the work. From the title page to the appendices, these templates are designed to meet the formatting needs in multiple disciplines.

You can download layout samples absolutely for free and adjust them accordingly. Choose the preferred word processor program and click the links below to open the documents.

Thesis templates overview

Before getting started, here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find in thesis paper templates:

• Title page: properly formatted space for your title, name, and institution.
• Acknowledgements: a sample layout for expressing your gratitude to those who supported your research journey.
• Abstract: a ready-to-go example for summarizing your research.
• Table of contents: automatically updates as you include the headings.
• List of figures and tables: preformatted lists that can be modified as you add figures and tables.
• Main sections: headings and subsections are set up for your introduction, methods, results, and discussion.
• References: example citations formatted to fit your required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago).
• Appendices: pre-labeled areas for any extra materials.

These templates are designed to cover all the key fragments a thesis needs, so you can concentrate on your writing.

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How to use a thesis format template

Once you’ve got the template downloaded, setting up your thesis is easy. Just follow these steps.

In Microsoft Word:

1. Open a template. Simply double-click the file you downloaded to get started in Word.
2. Customize the title page. Replace the placeholder text with your thesis title, name, and any other required information like your university, department, and date.
3. Edit the sections. Use the provided headings for your chapters and subheadings to keep everything consistent.
4. Add a table of contents. As you add your chapters, the table of contents will update automatically. It’s easy to adjust if you need to rearrange or remove sections.
5. Format your references. Depending on your citation style (APA, MLA, etc.), list the resources in the right way.

In Google Docs:

1. Access the template. After clicking on the Google Docs thesis template, a new page will pop up. Click “Make a Copy” to save your own version.
2. Fill in your details. Customize the title page and continue editing the chapters, just like you would in Word.
3. Update the table of contents. In Google Docs, the table of contents can be updated by selecting “Update Table of Contents” under the format tab. This ensures the page numbers and headings remain accurate as you make changes.
4. Export as a PDF. Once your thesis is complete, you can download it as a PDF to meet submission requirements.

Customizing thesis templates

While our template for a thesis adheres to general guidelines, requirements can vary based on your department. For instance, some departments might ask for different font styles or additional sections like a “Dedication” or “Preface” page. Our thesis layout template is flexible, so feel free to make adjustments that suit your specific needs.

For APA, MLA, and Chicago users, you’ll need to ensure that your citations and references are presented according to your chosen style guide.