How To Create Apa Page Headers? Simple Guide Inside

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used formatting styles in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. One crucial element of APA style is the page header, which provides essential information about the document. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating APA page headers with ease.

Understanding APA Page Headers

APA page headers, also known as running heads, are located at the top of each page and typically include the title of the paper, shortened to 50 characters or less, and the page number. The purpose of the page header is to provide the reader with a quick reference to the title of the paper and to keep track of the page numbers.

Steps to Create APA Page Headers

Creating APA page headers involves a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps:

1. Open Your Document: Start by opening your document in a word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

2. Access the Header Section: To add a header, you first need to access the header section of your document. In Microsoft Word, you can do this by double-clicking at the top of the page. In Google Docs, click on “Insert” from the menu, then select “Header & page number,” and choose “Header.”

3. Type Your Running Head: In the header section, type in your running head, which should be the title of your paper in title case (first letter of each major word capitalized), shortened to 50 characters or less. For example, if your title is “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health,” your running head could be “Social Media & Mental Health.”

4. Add Page Numbers: Next to your running head, you need to insert the page number. In Microsoft Word, you can use the “Page Number” button in the “Header & Footer” tools tab to insert the page number. In Google Docs, after inserting the header, you can click on “Insert” > “Page number” to add the page number.

5. Format the Header: Ensure your header is in the same font as the rest of your document, usually 12-point Times New Roman for APA style. The header should be flush left and the page number should be flush right.

6. Differentiate the First Page (if necessary): For APA style, the first page of the document (title page) does not include a running head. Instead, it includes the words “Running head:” followed by your shortened title in all capital letters, and the page number 1. However, starting from the second page, the “Running head:” label is dropped, and only the shortened title and page number are included.

Example of an APA Page Header

Here’s how an APA page header might look on the second page of a document:

Social Media & Mental Health 2

And on the first page (title page):

RUNNING HEAD: SOCIAL MEDIA & MENTAL HEALTH 1

Tips for Creating APA Page Headers

• Consistency is Key: Ensure that your running head and page numbers are consistent throughout your document.
• Use Automatic Features: Word processing software often has automatic features for headers and footers. Use these to ensure that your page numbers and headers are correctly formatted and consistently placed throughout your document.
• Double-Check Guidelines: Always refer to the latest APA Publication Manual for the most current guidelines on formatting page headers and other elements of your document.

By following these steps and tips, you can create APA page headers that are not only correctly formatted but also enhance the readability and professionalism of your academic papers. Remember, attention to detail in formatting aspects like page headers can significantly impact the overall quality and credibility of your work.