Thesis Help 2024-25

Images can appear within chapters, at the end of chapters, or in a separate appendix at the end of your thesis. Students should seek guidance from their advisors on image placement and image citation placement (either below the image or in the References/Bibliography).

Instructions for inserting images and tables into the thesis templates are available on the:

CUS Thesis Help Page

Including a List of Tables/Figures/Spectra is optional, but it is recommended to include one if you have multiple tables/figures/spectra. A sample List of Figures as well as specifics about formatting are in the thesis template.

Review the best practices for including images in your thesis, including file size, image resolution, image resizing tools and more.

• Image File Size: 1MB (maximum for each image)
• Image Resolution: 300 DPI or 150 DPI minimum. A higher DPI (Dots Per Inch) ensures sharp details, clear text, and accurate colors, while lower resolutions can result in blurry or pixelated prints.
• File formats: Use JPEG or PNG file formats. Either are acceptable file formats with smaller file sizes and minimal compression.
• Image Resizing: If your image file size or resolution exceeds the best practices above, we recommend you resize your images either individually, by batch resizing, or by optimizing your PDF. Check out the resources below to learn how to do this!

Image Resizing Tools

 TIP: if you find an image that is less than 150 dpi, you cannot increase the resolution of an image as it will decrease the image quality and pixelation will occur.

Preview 

Preview on macOS is a built-in image viewer that allows you to resize images while evaluating resolution and file size.

Single Image Resizing Preview

Multiple Image Resizing Preview

GNU Image Manipulation Program 

GNU Image Manipulation Program is an open-source image editor for Linux, macOS and PC.

Image Resizing with GNU Image Manipulation Program

Photoshop

Photoshop is available at The Performing Arts Resource Center (PARC) and the Visual Resources Center (VRC). Note: the VRC is appointment-based, make an appointment here. 

Image Resizing with Photoshop

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro is an option if you are unable to individually or batch resize your images. You can optimize your PDF but you might need guidance with these settings. If you select this option, please email the Visual Resources Curator Chloe, the Data & Digital Scholarship Librarian Jess or the Performing Arts Librarian Caleah.