To download the Word template for this style, click HERE Read also, How to Write a Bibliography: Formats, Examples & Steps to Follow Step 1:Ĭreate a new document in Microsoft Word and save it as “MyPaperTitle_FirstLastName_APA.docx” or something similar that will help you remember what the file contains. This step-by-step guide explains how to create an easily readable final product.

How to Format a Research Paper in APA: Step-By-Step GuideĬreating a document in APA style is easy once you understand how to format each element of your paper. For more information on APA style references, see our article on citing references in your paper. The reference label and corresponding citation appear in the main body of the text and are formatted differently for different sources, as described below. References: References are listed at the end of the paper.

For more information on pagination, see our article on setting up your document in APA style. The running head (the shortened title of your paper) appears on every page, except the first. Page Numbers: Pages should be numbered consecutively starting with page one.Captions for tables and figures are placed below the table or figure, with the word “Table” or “Figure” at the beginning. All tables and figures should be numbered consecutively, with the title of the table or figure above it. Tables & Figures: Tables and figures should be placed near the text they relate to.Term Limits: Limit terms such as “the”, “a”, and “and” to three consecutive occurrences per 100 words in your paper or two consecutive occurrences per occurrence in titles, headings, and subheadings.You may bold text when beginning a title or subtitle, but this should be done sparingly and only when there may be confusion if it is not highlighted. Bolding/Italics/Underlining: Italics are used in APA style to indicate titles of books and papers within a reference list entry and titles of larger works (e.g., journal articles).Paragraphs & Indents: APA style uses the tab button to create indents for paragraph beginning, body, and ending.For more information on this topic, see our article on resolving widows and orphans. Highlight any widows or orphans that remain in your final draft before submitting it to your instructor for review. Widow/Orphan Control: Avoid “widows” (single lines of text at the bottom of a page) and “orphans” (single lines of text at the top of a page).Headers & Footers: Include the document title in the header on page one, but no other text in the header or footer.Spacing: Double-space your entire document, including block quotations and references.Margins: Margins should be at least 1 inch on all sides of the paper.

Fonts: Use Times New Roman or another serif font when writing your paper.

Apa format paper references