Creating a professional-looking APA style paper starts with the title page. Getting that title perfectly centered is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process, whether you're using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or another word processor. We'll cover the basics of APA formatting and provide step-by-step instructions for centering your title page elements, ensuring your paper makes a strong first impression.
Understanding APA Title Page Requirements
Before diving into the centering process, let's refresh our understanding of APA title page requirements. A properly formatted APA title page includes:
- Running head: A shortened version of your title (maximum 50 characters), appearing in the upper left-hand corner of every page.
- Page number: Appearing in the upper right-hand corner of the page, aligned with the running head.
- Paper title: Your main title, centered and written in title case (capitalize the first letter of each major word).
- Your name: Centered below the title.
- Your institution: Centered below your name.
Centering Your Title Page in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word provides several easy ways to center text on your APA title page. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Create a new document: Start with a blank Word document.
- Set margins: Ensure your margins are set to 1 inch on all sides (File > Page Setup > Margins).
- Add the running head: Type your running head in the upper left-hand corner. Select it and go to the "Home" tab. Click on the small arrow in the bottom right corner of the "Paragraph" section. In the "Indentation" tab, ensure "Left" is selected. Then select "Header" from the "Position" drop down menu. Finally, click "OK".
- Add the page number: Insert the page number in the upper right-hand corner. Go to "Insert" > "Header" > "Page Number." Select the position (top right). Ensure it aligns with the running head.
- Type your title: Type your paper's title, ensuring it's in title case. Select it and use the "Center" alignment button on the "Home" tab (the middle icon with the horizontal lines).
- Add your name and institution: Type your name and institution on separate lines below the title. Select each line individually and use the "Center" alignment button.
Centering Your Title Page in Google Docs
Google Docs also offers straightforward centering options:
- Create a new document: Start with a blank Google Doc.
- Set margins: Ensure your margins are set to 1 inch. Go to "File" > "Page setup" and adjust accordingly.
- Add the running head: Type your running head in the upper left corner. Similar to Word, you may need to adjust paragraph settings (though this option might be less intuitive in Google Docs). You may want to add a header and manually center or left align the running head.
- Add the page number: Go to "Insert" > "Header" > "Page number" and select the appropriate position. Again, ensure alignment with the running head.
- Centering Text: Select your title, name, and institution separately. Click the "Center alignment" button (the icon with horizontal lines) on the toolbar.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Perfect Alignment
- Font consistency: Use a consistent font throughout your paper (Times New Roman, 12pt is recommended). Inconsistent fonts can throw off alignment.
- Line spacing: Use double-spacing throughout your paper, starting with the title page. Incorrect line spacing may affect the appearance of your title page.
- Multiple lines in title: If your title spans multiple lines, ensure each line is individually centered.
- Review before submission: Always carefully review your title page before submitting your paper to confirm that everything is correctly centered and formatted according to APA guidelines.
By following these steps, you can create an APA-compliant title page with perfectly centered elements. Remember that a well-formatted title page contributes to the overall professionalism and credibility of your academic work. Good luck!
