Designing a document in APA style requires you to adhere to a specific set of formatting guidelines. Following these rules is important because it allows readers to locate essential information, such as your name and paper title, in an established order. Maintaining design consistency throughout the document helps to strengthen your credibility as a writer in this field. For every APA document:
A running head is no longer used in APA style since the 7th edition updates. Instead, right align a simple page number in the heading of the document on every page (without any additional information, like your last name or a title).
From the top line of the first page, hit the Enter key 3-4 times to begin your title a few lines down from the top. Center the title in the middle of the page. Capitalize all the major words in the title and use lowercase on prepositions and articles. Capitalize the first word of the title regardless of the word type. No underlining or italicizing is needed. Highlight your title and select Bold from the Font menu. Leave an empty line after your title by hitting the Enter key twice. Type your name centered on this line (be sure Bold is turned off from the Font menu—only the title should be Bold). Hit Enter once to move to the next line and add your school’s name (Rock Valley College). Hit Enter again and type your course information and section number (i.e., ENG-101-SE323) on this line. Hit Enter again and add your instructor’s name to this line. Click Enter once more and add the date the assignment is due to this final line of your title page (i.e., March 10, 2020). Move the Cursor to the line below the date by hitting the Enter key. Click Insert, and then select Page Break (UNLESS you need to add an Author Note—see next section).
This section is optional for student essays, so ask your instructor if you need to include it.
You will then be moved to Page 2 where you will begin writing.
For an example of an APA cover page, see the Sample APA Paper by visiting the Writing Center Resource Library at https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/StudentServices/Tutoring/WritingCenter.cfm