Step-By-Step Procedure Of APA Format Writing

A Step-by-Step Guide for Basic APA Formatting

 Running Head/ Header

1. First, create a running head. Do this by selecting Insert >Header>Blank (Three Columns.)
2. Place a checkmark in the box that says "Different First Page.” This check is very important. The box is located directly under the new green tab.
3. After clicking this box you will need to reselect Header> Blank (Three Columns.)
4. There are three brackets in which to type text. NOTE: You will not use the second bracket at all, and the words "Type text” will go away when you print out your paper.
5. Double click on the first of the three brackets. Type in the following: Running head: title of your paper. Be sure to capitalize the word "Running” but not "head.” Your paper’s title should be in all caps. Type in your shortened title no longer than 50 characters.
6. Now double click on the third bracket. To insert your page number click Page Number>Current Position> Plain Number. The Page Number icon is located on the left side of the toolbar (you are still under the Header and Footer Design Tab).
7. You are now going to create the header that will go on the remaining pages of your paper. The three sets of brackets will automatically show up on the second page.
8. Double click on the first bracket. The words "Running head” only appear on the first page, so you will only need to type in the title of your paper. Type in your unique paper title in all caps, and then double click on the third bracket to insert page number. You will once again click Page Number>Current Position>Plain Number.

Title Page

Next format the Title Page (page 1). This is the first page of your APA paper, and is the only page of the document with the actual words "Running head” in the header. This page contains the full title of the paper, author’s name, author affiliation, and sometimes an author note.

1. Type in the complete title of your paper. Center the title in the upper half of the page (about a 1/3 from the top). Write the title using normal punctuation (not all caps).
2. Press the enter key one time and type in author/authors’ name.
3. Press the enter key one time and type in the author affiliation. When writing a paper for a class, the author/student’s affiliation is usually just the name of their university.
4. Set up correct spacing on your paper by highlighting the title, name, and affiliation, looking under the Paragraph section, and selecting the icon with two vertical blue arrows. After clicking on that button, select 2.0 from the list.
5. Click again on the icon and select the option ‘”line spacing options.” This will bring up a dialogue box. You need to place a check-mark inside the small box that says, "don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style.

Author Note/Abstract

The author note (if included) also appears on the title page. Do not include an author note when writing for a class, unless your professor has specifically requested it. Remember the abstract does not go on the title page.

Include an abstract for scholarly articles/journals. An abstract is usually between 150-200 words long. It briefly explains any foreign concepts or words included in the text and highlight the main ideas and results of the paper. This usually goes on the second page of your document.

The Body

The last step is to begin the body of your paper correctly. On the third page of your document, you will need to once again type in your complete title. Center your title on the first line of the page.

Press enter one time and then begin typing your first paragraph. Refer to the APA

Sample Paper to see what a properly formatted document looks like.