Best Writing Software for Dissertation

Choosing the right writing software can make your dissertation writing process smoother, more organized, and more efficient. Below are some of the best writing software tools to help you in writing, organizing, and formatting your dissertation:

1. Scrivener

Why It’s Good: Scrivener is widely recommended for long-form writing projects like dissertations due to its powerful organizational features. It helps you manage large amounts of text and research, offering a flexible workspace for drafting, outlining, and reorganizing chapters or sections. Scrivener also allows you to track word count goals and store research notes, web clippings, and more in one place.
Features:
- Customizable writing environment with split-screen views.
- Tools for structuring and outlining, including the ability to break your dissertation into smaller, manageable chunks (e.g., chapters, sections, or scenes).
- Integrated research management tools for storing documents, notes, images, and even audio or video files.
- Ability to export your work in multiple formats, including Word, PDF, or even LaTeX.
How to Use:
- Organize your dissertation into sections and subsections using the corkboard or outline view.
- Take advantage of the split-screen view to research and write simultaneously.
- Use the ‘Snapshot’ feature to save versions of your work so you can easily go back to previous drafts.
Ideal For: Writers who prefer to organize their dissertation in chunks and manage large research datasets.

2. Microsoft Word

Why It’s Good: Microsoft Word is the most widely used software for dissertation writing, particularly because of its advanced formatting and citation tools. It’s a solid choice for creating and editing long documents with precise control over formatting, layout, and structure. Word also integrates with reference management tools like EndNote, Zotero, and Mendeley, making it easy to cite sources.
Features:
- Styles: Use built-in styles to apply consistent formatting to your headings, body text, and other sections.
- Table of Contents: Automatically generate and update your table of contents by applying heading styles.
- Track Changes: This feature is useful for collaborative writing, allowing multiple contributors to review and suggest changes.
- References and Citations: Word integrates with citation tools for easy management of references and bibliography.
How to Use:
- Set up custom styles for headings, subheadings, and body text to ensure your document has consistent formatting.
- Use the References tab to insert citations, generate a bibliography, and create footnotes and endnotes.
- Regularly use Track Changes when collaborating with your advisor or peers.
Ideal For: Writers who need advanced formatting tools and seamless integration with citation management software.

3. Google Docs

Why It’s Good: Google Docs is an excellent choice if you need a cloud-based, collaborative writing tool. It’s free, allows for real-time collaboration, and auto-saves your work to the cloud, reducing the risk of losing your progress. It’s perfect if you are writing in collaboration with others or need to access your dissertation from different devices.
Features:
- Real-time collaboration with others (great for feedback and teamwork).
- Auto-save feature that ensures you never lose your work.
- Commenting and suggestion features for easy peer reviews.
How to Use:
- Share your document with collaborators or advisors for real-time feedback.
- Use the outline tool for organizing your sections and keeping track of your progress.
- Regularly review suggestions and comments from reviewers for revisions.
Ideal For: Writers who need to collaborate with others and want an easy-to-access, cloud-based solution.

4. LaTeX

Why It’s Good: LaTeX is a typesetting system that’s especially popular in fields like engineering, mathematics, and computer science due to its ability to handle complex mathematical equations, references, and bibliographies. It’s great for creating professional-looking documents with precise control over formatting, especially when you need to manage complex structures like equations, tables, and figures.
Features:
- Excellent for managing complex references, footnotes, and bibliographies.
- Ideal for formatting scientific or technical content with mathematical symbols and equations.
- Produces high-quality, print-ready documents with consistent formatting.
How to Use:
- Write your dissertation in plain text, using LaTeX commands to format sections, tables, equations, and references.
- Use an integrated development environment (IDE) like Overleaf to write and compile your LaTeX documents.
Ideal For: Writers in scientific or technical fields who need to include complex equations, technical formatting, or extensive bibliographies.

5. EndNote

Why It’s Good: EndNote is primarily a reference management tool but also has writing and formatting features. It allows you to organize your citations and create bibliographies automatically, streamlining the process of referencing and citation in your dissertation.
Features:
- Import citations directly from databases.
- Automatically format your citations in the required style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
- Generate and manage bibliographies.
How to Use:
- Store and organize references by creating libraries and categories.
- Insert citations directly into your dissertation using the EndNote toolbar in Microsoft Word.
- Choose from thousands of citation styles, making it easy to adapt to different requirements.
Ideal For: Writers who need to manage large numbers of references and citations efficiently.