Once your thesis is complete, package it as a PDF portfolio.
Creating a Portable Document Format (developed by Adobe Systems) information packet as part of a master's thesis or dissertation submission involves assembling your PDF files into a package that you can accompany with a digitally signed submission PDF file. Create these files using Adobe Acrobat according to the process defined by your institution. For example, assemble your files into a portfolio. The files in a PDF Portfolio can each be of different formats. You may have spreadsheets, images, documents and PowerPoint presentations make up your information packet.
Instructions
1. Create your electronic documents. Print them to the Adobe PDF format. For example, from Microsoft Word, click the "Microsoft Office" button and then click the "Print" option. Select "Adobe PDF" as the printer.
2. Assemble your PDFs by opening the first file, and from the Adobe Acrobat "File" menu, choosing the "Create PDF Portfolio" option. Click the "Add Files" button to browse and select files to include, or drag and drop files from a Windows Explorer window into the Adobe Acrobat workspace. You can choose a layout, add a welcome message and header, select a color scheme, and save, email or share your file on the Acrobat website. Once you have your files in place, from the "File" menu, select the "Save Portfolio" option and enter a name to save the file.
3. Protect your file, optionally. For example, from the "Modify" menu, select the "Secure Portfolio" option. From the "Security" menu, select the "Password" security link. Click the "Require a password to open the document" check box and enter a password. Then, click the "OK" button.
4. Print your portfolio. Open your portfolio. From the "File" menu, select the "Print" option and chose the "All PDF Files" option. Click the "OK" button. Documents print out in the order in which they appear in the portfolio, so if the order is incorrect, you can rearrange the files before submitting them.
5. Obtain an electronic submission signature form from your institution. Open the PDF file. Usually, you edit the blank sections by clicking the "Hand Tool" to enter personal information and select the type of access. (Typically, select "Open Access" to release your work so that others can cite it.) Then, click the "Sign" button and select the location where you want your digital signature to appear and click the "OK" button to sign your document. Click the "Sign" button to insert your digital signature. Save your file and send your information packet by email to your institution.
