APA7 Thesis Template (Overleaf)

This is the simplest possible way to write your thesis in Overleaf using APA7. Edit one file, press Recompile, done.

60-second setup

• Download overleaf.zip from GitHub Releases (or zip this repo).
• In Overleaf: New Project → Upload Project → select the zip.
• Open exactly one file: thesis_eng.tex (English) or thesis_ger.tex (German).
• Change the fields marked % (CHANGE ME) at the top (name, title, supervisor, date).
• Click Recompile. That’s your PDF.

Everyday actions

• Write: Replace the example sections with your text.
• Cite: Add entries to bibliography.bib, cite with \cite{Key}. Recompile twice.
• Figures: Upload images to figures/ and use \includegraphics{figures/your-file.ext}.
• Share: Overleaf Menu → Share → send link to supervisor.

Quick fixes (common issues)

• Citations missing? Recompile twice; set compiler to "LaTeX (pdfLaTeX) + Biber" if needed.
• Image missing? File must be in figures/, name and case must match.
• See microtype: Unable to apply patch 'footnote'? Ignore — harmless warning.
• Errors (red) show the line number in the log; warnings (yellow) are usually cosmetic.

What to edit vs. ignore

• Edit: thesis_eng.tex or thesis_ger.tex, plus bibliography.bib, and your files in figures/.
• Ignore: template/, maintainer/, Makefile, and any .aux/.log/.toc build artifacts.

Slightly more detail (when you have 5 minutes)

1. Metadata first: Fill all % (CHANGE ME) fields before writing chapters.
2. Structure: Use \section{...} and \subsection{...}; the provided chapters are just examples.
3. Language: Pick only one main file; don’t rename it.
4. Recompile rhythm: After edits to text/figures: once. After citation changes: twice.
5. Backups/ZIPs: If you re-zip for Overleaf, keep the folder structure untouched.

Advanced (optional, local build)

Requires TeX Live/MacTeX + make:

• make build-en — build English PDF
• make build-de — build German PDF
• make clean — remove aux files

Contact

Maintainer: karl.koschutnig@uni-graz.at