PDF validation
Thesis PDF export check before submission
A thesis can look correct in Word but change during PDF export. Images, page breaks, links, fonts, and page numbers can shift. The final file should be checked as a PDF, not only as DOCX.
What to verify in the PDF
- The PDF opens normally and the file is not corrupted.
- Page numbers match the expected front matter and body numbering.
- Images, figures, and tables are visible and not cropped.
- Table of contents and figure/table list links work if links are required.
- Footnotes appear at the bottom of pages and keep URLs readable.
- Final page count and section breaks match the Word document.
Why PDF export changes formatting
Different Word versions, missing fonts, oversized images, section breaks, and table widths can change layout during export. A reliable formatting process validates both output files.