Master Professional APA Title Page Template & Running Head

Step 1 Understand the APA title page essentials

Sounds complex? When you first hear “APA 7 title page,” it can feel like a lot of tiny rules. But once you see the pattern, building a clean, correct title page becomes a simple checklist you can reuse for every paper.

This step gives you a fast overview of what belongs on a student versus professional apa style title page , so you can follow any apa title page template with confidence.

What goes on an APA title page

In APA 7, every paper needs a title page, sometimes called an apa cover page or cover page apa (APA Style). The elements appear in a specific order and are all double spaced.

• Paper title – bold, title case (capitalize major words), centered in the upper half of the page.

• Author name(s) – your first name, middle initial(s), and last name, centered on the next double-spaced line.

• Affiliation – your department and institution, centered on the next line.

• Course number and name – student papers only; use the exact course code and title from your syllabus.

• Instructor name – student papers only; match how your instructor lists their name on course materials.

• Assignment due date – student papers only; use the date format common in your country.

• Author note – professional papers only; appears in the bottom half of the page when needed.

• Header with page number – required for both student and professional papers.

The entire title page is double spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides, and it counts as page 1.

These rules apply whether you are creating a fresh layout or dropping text into an existing apa title page format or template.

Student versus professional elements

Imagine you are turning in a class essay versus submitting a manuscript to a journal. The basic structure of the title page stays the same, but a few details change.

Student title page includes :

• Paper title

• Author name(s)

• Author affiliation (your school or department and institution)

• Course number and name

• Instructor name

• Assignment due date

• Page number in the header, top right

Student papers usually do not use a running head in APA 7 unless your instructor or institution specifically requests it.

Professional title page includes :

• Paper title

• Author name(s)

• Affiliation(s)

• Author note (if required, in the bottom half of the page)

• Running head in the header (abbreviated version of the title in all caps, flush left)

• Page number in the header, top right

Notice the header difference. For student papers, the header on the title page contains only the page number. For professional papers, the header shows a short version of your title in all caps on the left and the page number on the right, with no “Running head:” label (Scribbr).

Once you understand this split, you will find it much easier to follow any title page apa format instructions or to tweak an apa title page template so it matches your situation.

Quick wins before setup

Before you worry about fonts or spacing, gather a few details you will need for a clean first pass. This makes it much faster to build the page or to fill in a premade apa title page format layout without stopping to double-check information.

Have these items ready:

• Final paper title – focused, clear, and free of unnecessary words or abbreviations.

• Correct course code and name – exactly as shown on your syllabus or learning platform.

• Instructor’s preferred name format – for example, “Dr. Rowan J. Estes” or “A. Nguyen.”

• Due date in the requested format – Month Day, Year, or another standard used in your country.

For accessibility and consistency, choose a readable, widely available font, such as 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri, and use it across your entire paper, including the title page and header (Purdue OWL). You will set these details in later steps, but knowing them now helps you move through the rest of this guide smoothly.

With these essentials in place, you are ready to see exactly how to make a title page in apa format in Word and Google Docs in the next steps.

Step 2 Choose student or professional format confidently

Wondering which APA 7 title page you actually need? When you match the format to your situation up front, the rest of your apa front page almost builds itself.

When to use a student title page

The official APA guidelines explain that students should normally use the student version of the title page unless an instructor or institution tells them to use the professional version instead. So if you are writing for a class, you will almost always be working with a student-style apa 7th edition title page.

1. Submitting to a class? Use a student title page. It must include your paper title, your name, your affiliation (school or department and institution), course number and name, instructor name, assignment due date, and the page number in the header.

2. Multiple authors for a class paper? List each author on its own centered line under the title. All authors share the same affiliation line if you are at the same institution.

3. Instructor asks for a running head? Follow the professional running head rules, but remember this is an exception. By default, student papers do not need a running head apa header.

For a student apa 7 title page, the header on page 1 usually contains only the page number in the top-right corner. No short title is required unless your instructor specifically requests it (Scribbr).

When to use a professional title page

If you are submitting work for publication or another professional outlet, you will use the professional version of the apa 7th ed title page. APA states that professional title pages include the paper title, author names, author affiliations, an author note when needed, a running head, and the page number.

1. Submitting to a journal or conference? Use a professional title page. Do not include course information, instructor name, or due date.

2. Need a running head? Yes, for professional manuscripts you must add a running head apa style: an abbreviated version of your title (no more than 50 characters, including spaces), in all caps, left aligned in the header, opposite the page number on the right.

3. Author note requested? Place the bold label “Author Note” in the bottom half of the page, centered, and left align the paragraphs that follow.

Think of the professional version as the apa style cover page for research that will leave the classroom and enter a wider audience.

Student vs professional at a glance

• Student title page includes : title, author name(s), affiliation, course number and name, instructor name, assignment due date, and page number only in the header.

• Professional title page includes : title, author name(s), affiliation(s), author note (if required), running head (abbreviated title in all caps at left), and page number in the header.

The title page is page 1.

APA emphasizes that professional papers must not use the label “Running head:” before the running head on any page; you simply place the short title itself in all caps in the header (APA Style). If your instructor asks for a running head on a student page, follow the same pattern.

Edge cases to confirm with your instructor

Imagine you are working on a capstone project, a thesis that will be archived, or a class paper your instructor hopes to submit to a journal later. These situations can blur the line between a student and professional cover design.

• Hybrid assignments : Some programs want a professional-style layout but still require course and instructor details. In that case, ask which elements from each version they expect to see.

• Multiple affiliations or authors : For professional papers, superscript numerals can link authors to different affiliations, as shown in APA’s own examples. For a regular class paper, you can usually skip numbering and share one affiliation line.

• Optional running head for students : Some instructors still prefer a traditional running head even though it is no longer required for student work.

• Local style guides : Departments may publish their own rules that slightly modify the standard apa style cover page, such as specific wording for courses or degrees.

As you move into the next step and start locking in margins, spacing, and fonts, knowing whether you are building a student or professional page will help you apply your apa title page template with zero guesswork.

Step 3 Set APA defaults with a quick reference table

When you lock in your settings once, every future title page in APA format becomes almost automatic. Instead of fixing margins and fonts on every new file, you open a document that already matches APA 7 rules.

Universal APA settings

Imagine opening a fresh document and knowing it is already compliant. That is the goal here: create a reusable base that fits both student and professional papers.

According to the official guidelines, an APA Style paper should use standard-sized 8.5 x 11 inch paper, 1 inch margins on all sides, and double-spaced text throughout, including the title page and references. Page numbers appear in the header, flush right, on every page, starting on the title page.

Use title case for the paper title, keep names and affiliations unbolded, and remember that the title page counts as page 1.

If you save these details in a custom document or style set now, your next apa format first page will already be 90% finished.

Title typography and spacing

Sounds picky? The way your title looks is part of the standard, not just a design choice. The APA Manual explains that the title should be centered in the upper half of the page, written in boldface, and use title case (capitalize major words, keep short connecting words like "and" or "of" in lowercase).

That means, on your title page in APA format:

• The paper title is bold and centered.

• Every line under the title (author name, affiliation, course, and so on) is centered but not bold.

• All lines are double spaced; APA 7 expects you to answer "yes" to the question isapa double spaced across the entire paper, from title page through references.

• No extra blank space is inserted before or after paragraphs beyond the standard double spacing.

When you are choosing fonts, you might wonder what font is APA expecting. The 7th edition allows several options, as long as they are legible and used consistently. Recommended choices include 11 point Calibri, 11 point Arial, 10 point Lucida Sans Unicode, 12 point Times New Roman, 11 point Georgia, and 10 point Computer Modern. Whatever you pick becomes your single, consistent apa format font for the title page, headers, and body text.

For accessibility, stick with simple, high-contrast typefaces and avoid decorative scripts. You will notice your title and headings remain easy to read even when printed in grayscale or viewed on small screens.

Page number placement

You set up most of your APA page numbers once, and they quietly follow the rules on every page. The APA guidelines explain that page numbers must appear in the page header, flushed to the right margin, starting with the title page as page 1 and continuing through the reference list and any appendices.

For both student and professional papers:

• Insert the page number in the top-right corner using your word processor’s header tools.

• Use the same font and size as the rest of the document so the header blends in.

• Confirm that numbering starts at 1 and does not restart later unless you intentionally add separate sections.

The only difference is what sits to the left of the number in the header. Student papers usually have blank space there, while professional papers place the running head (short title) in all caps on the left with the page number on the right. Either way, once you configure your apa format page numbers correctly in one document, you can reuse that file as the base for your next assignment or manuscript.

With these defaults in place, you are ready to move into the practical clicks in Word and see exactly how to build the apa format first page without fighting the software.

Step 4 Build the title page in Microsoft Word

When you already know the APA rules, the hardest part is often getting Word to cooperate. The good news: once you walk through these clicks once, you can reuse the same document as your personal apa word template for every new paper.

Configure margins and spacing

Imagine opening a blank document and having it instantly match APA. You can get very close by setting margins, font, and spacing before you touch your title text.

1. Open a new document. Start Word and create a blank file. This will become your base apa format template word.

2. Set 1 inch margins. On the Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, click Margins , then choose Normal. This applies 1 inch on all sides, which matches standard APA guidance (Germanna ACE).

3. Choose an APA-approved font. Go to the Home tab. In the Font box, open the font menu and select a readable option such as 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Calibri , both suggested for title pages in APA guides.

4. Turn on double spacing. On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon and choose 2.0 for double spacing.

5. Remove extra spacing before/after paragraphs. Click the same Line and Paragraph Spacing icon again and choose Remove Space After Paragraph so your lines are evenly double spaced with no extra gaps.

If you have ever wondered how to set apa format in word so it “just works,” these margin and spacing steps are the foundation.

• Ctrl+A – select all text (useful if you need to change font or spacing everywhere).

• Ctrl+2 – apply double spacing when the Paragraph settings are configured.

Insert the header and page number

The header is where many students get stuck. APA requires a page number in the top-right corner on every page, starting with the title page. For professional papers, you also add a running head; student papers usually keep only the number (Spartanburg CC Library).

1. Insert the page number. Go to the Insert tab, choose Page Number in the Header & Footer group, then select Top of Page > Plain Number 3. A page number appears in the top-right corner of page 1.

2. Match the header font. Highlight the page number and use the Home > Font settings to match the font family and size you chose for the rest of the document so your apa style in word looks consistent.

3. Decide on running head behavior.

   • Student papers: Usually keep only the page number in the header; you are done.

   • Professional papers: Double-click in the header to activate it. On the left side of the header, type your SHORT TITLE in all caps and leave the page number on the right. Do not type the words “Running head:” because APA 7 no longer uses that label.

If you were not sure how to add page numbers in word for APA, this simple Insert > Page Number > Plain Number 3 path is the standard many campus guides recommend.

• Ctrl+E – center text (handy once you move back to the main page to build your title block).

Center and format the title block

Now you are ready to turn the blank first page into a clean, APA-aligned title page. These steps follow what college libraries describe for student title pages in APA 7 and general APA layout guidance (Tacoma CC Library).

1. Move out of the header. Double-click anywhere in the main body of the page below the header line so the cursor drops back into the document.

2. Center the cursor. On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click the Center icon, or press Ctrl+E. Your insertion point is now centered.

3. Drop the title into the upper half. Press Enter three or four times to move the cursor down. The title should be placed three to four lines from the top of the page.

4. Type your paper title. Turn on Bold , then type the full title in title case (capitalize major words). Keep it on one or two lines. This line is the visual anchor of your apa format first page.

5. Add the remaining student details. Press Enter once to create a blank double-spaced line under the title, then turn off Bold and add each item on its own line, all still centered:

   • Your name.

   • Your department and college or university.

   • Course number and course name (for example, NUR 120: Basic Nursing Concepts).

   • Instructor name (and credentials if provided).

   • Assignment due date.

6. For professional papers, adjust details. Instead of course and instructor information, list author affiliation(s) and, if required, leave space on the page for an Author Note in the lower half as directed by your target journal’s guidelines.

At this point you have manually built what most people expect from an apa format in word title page. To avoid redoing this on every assignment, turn your document into a simple apa format template word that you can open and edit next time.

Preserve your layout as a reusable template

Sounds tedious to repeat this setup for every paper? You do not have to. Once your title page looks right, save your formatting so future projects start from this same baseline.

1. Set Normal style for body text. With the cursor in the main body, right-click the Normal style on the Home tab and choose Update Normal to Match Selection. This locks in your font and double spacing for the rest of the paper, not just the title page.

2. Create a title style. Select your bold, centered title line, then in the Styles area choose Save Selection as a New Quick Style and name it something like APA Title. Now every title page you build can reuse that style for consistent typography.

3. Save as a template file. Use File > Save As, pick a safe location, and save this blank-but-formatted document with a clear name, such as APA 7 Title Page Base.docx. Next time you wonder how to set up apa format in word, you can simply open this file instead of starting from scratch.

4. Export to PDF when submitting. When your paper is complete, use File > Save As or Export and choose PDF to preserve spacing, page breaks, and headers exactly as they appear on screen.

Once you are comfortable editing this basic apa word template in Microsoft Word, the next step is learning the same moves in Google Docs so you can build a correct APA title page no matter which tool you have to use.

• Ctrl+S – save frequently so your formatting work is never lost.

Step 5 Build the title page in Google Docs

When your instructor wants APA but you only have a browser, Google Docs can still give you a clean, correct first page. The steps are very similar to Word, so once you learn them, you can switch tools without relearning APA each time.

Set page setup and spacing

Imagine opening a new Doc and knowing the margins, font, and spacing already match your apa title page template. Setting this up now will make every future paper faster.

1. Create or open a blank Doc. Start from a new document so you are not fighting old formatting. If you prefer, you can also start from the built-in APA template described by college writing centers as a shortcut for students (Edmonds College).

2. Confirm 1 inch margins. Google Docs usually defaults to 1 inch, but it is worth checking. Click File > Page setup. In the Margins boxes (Top, Bottom, Left, Right), make sure each reads 1. If you have ever changed your defaults, this is also how to change margins in google docs back to APA settings.

3. Pick an APA-friendly font. On the toolbar, open the Font menu and choose a readable font. Many campus guides recommend Times New Roman 12 or Arial 12 for Google Docs APA papers. Set the size to 12 so your title page and essay match.

4. Turn on double spacing. APA requires double spacing throughout, including the title page. To mirror this, click the Line spacing icon in the toolbar and choose Double. You can also go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double. If you have been wondering how to double space in google docs for APA, this is the quickest route.

5. Remove extra paragraph spacing. Still under Format > Line & paragraph spacing, choose Custom spacing (if available) and set Before and After to 0. This keeps your lines evenly double spaced instead of adding extra blank gaps between them (UNLV Writing Center).

Once these basics are locked in, you are ready to add headers and page numbers that match your apa template google docs or any other APA layout you follow.

Control headers and first page

This is where most Google Docs users run into trouble. APA wants the title page to be page 1, with a page number in the top-right corner, and sometimes a running head for professional papers.

1. Add the page number. Place your cursor anywhere in the document. Click Insert > Page numbers and choose the icon that shows numbers in the top-right starting on the first page. This automatically places the page number where APA expects it.

2. Open the header. Double-click in the top margin area, or use Insert > Headers & footers > Header. You will see a header box appear, including your new page number.

3. Decide on running head behavior.

   • Student papers: Most student APA 7 papers use only the page number in the header. Leave the header text area blank and keep the number on the right.

   • Professional papers: If you need a running head, click Options in the header panel and select Different first page if the journal or instructor wants a special first page. Then, on the left side of the header, type your SHORT TITLE in all caps. Keep the page number on the right. Do not type the words “Running head:” because current APA guidance no longer uses that label.

4. Match header font. Highlight the page number (and short title if used) and change the font and size to match the rest of the document so your header blends into your overall apa format template google docs setup.

5. Close the header. Double-click back in the main body area of the page. Your cursor drops into the document below the header line.

The title page is page 1 in APA. Student pages typically omit a running head.

Now your header matches the expectations for a google docs apa template and you are ready to build the centered title block itself.

Enter and align the title block

This is the part you will see in every apa style title page: a bold, centered title in the upper half of the page, followed by your name and course information, all double spaced.

1. Center your cursor. With the cursor on the first line of the page (below the header), click the Center align icon on the toolbar.

2. Move into the upper half of the page. Press Enter three or four times to position the cursor. The title should be placed three to four lines from the top of the page. College writing centers recommend starting the title block around this point for a balanced cover page.

3. Type the paper title. Turn on Bold and type your full title using title case (capitalize major words). If the title wraps to a second line, let it wrap naturally; do not press Enter in the middle of a line.

4. Add your name and affiliation. Press Enter once to create one blank double-spaced line underneath the title, then turn off Bold.

   • On the next line, type your full name.

   • Press Enter , then type your department and institution , such as “Department of Psychology, Sierra College” (Sierra College).

5. Complete student course details. For a student apa style title page, continue, each item on its own centered line:

   • Course number and name (for example, “ENG 101: College Composition”).

   • Instructor name (match your syllabus wording).

   • Due date in your instructor’s requested format.

6. Adjust for professional papers. If you are building a professional title page rather than a class cover, replace course and instructor details with author affiliation(s). An author note, when required, usually appears lower on the page and is formatted according to your target outlet’s instructions.

At this point, your page will look very similar to the samples shown in many google docs apa format template files: a centered, bold title, followed by your information, all double spaced on a clean first page.

Keep the layout stable and save

To avoid surprises later, lock in indentation and save a version you can reuse for your next paper.

1. Check paragraph indents. With your cursor still in the title block, click Format > Align & indent > Indentation options. Make sure Special indent is set to None and both Left and Right are at 0. This ensures there is no first-line or hanging indent on your title page lines.

2. Set defaults for future Docs. If you want these settings to apply automatically in new documents, go to Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles. Guides from campus writing centers note that this step locks in your chosen font and double spacing for every new document you open.

3. Download a backup copy. When your paper is ready to submit, use File > Download > PDF document (.pdf). A PDF preserves your margins, line spacing, headers, and page breaks so your apa cover page prints exactly as you see it on screen.

• If page numbers disappear from page 1, reinsert them using Insert > Page numbers and choose the top-right, start-on-first-page option.

• If some lines switch back to single spacing, highlight the problem area and reapply Line spacing > Double.

With your Google Docs title page working smoothly, you can move on to copy-and-paste templates in the next step and build a complete APA cover page in just a few keystrokes.

Step 6 Use copy‑paste templates for instant setup

When you are tired or rushed, building an APA formatted title page from scratch can feel like too much. Imagine instead that you paste in a ready-made block, tweak a few lines, and your title page apa is done.

This step gives you simple, paste-ready text you can drop into Word, Google Docs, or LaTeX and then adapt to any apa format title page you need.

Copy‑paste student template

Start with this basic student apa title page layout. Paste it into your document body on page 1, then format according to the earlier steps (bold the title, center everything, and double space through the whole block).

[Bold Title in Title Case] Your Name Department of X, University Name COURSE 123: Course Name Instructor Name Month Day, Year

• What to edit :

• Replace _[Bold Title in Title Case]_ with your actual paper title, using title case and planning to format it in bold.


• Change _Your Name_ to your full first name, middle initial(s), and last name, written exactly as you want it to appear on the byline.


• Update _Department of X, University Name_ with your department and institution, separated by a comma.


• Swap in the correct course number and full course name shown on your syllabus (for example, _PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology_).


• Match your instructor’s preferred name format (for example, _Dr. Rowan J. Estes_).


• Use the assignment due date in the format your instructor or country prefers (such as _October 18, 2020_).

After pasting, remember to switch the font to one of the APA‑recommended options and confirm that every line is double spaced, so your page still follows the rules for an apa 7 cover page.

Copy‑paste professional template

For journal submissions or professional reports, you will use a slightly different apa format title page template. The big differences are the running head, affiliations, and a possible author note.

[Bold Title in Title Case] Author Name(s) Department, Institution(s) Author Note (if required): ORCID, disclosures, acknowledgments, corresponding author

• Header requirements :

• In the header, add a short version of your title (maximum 50 characters with spaces) in all caps at the left, with the page number at the right. This short title functions as the running head but should not be preceded by the words “Running head:” in APA 7.


• Ensure the title page is numbered as page 1, just like in the student layout.

• What to edit :

• Replace the bracketed title with your article title, bold and centered in the upper half of the page.


• List author names in the order of contribution; separate two authors with “and,” and three or more authors with commas plus “and” before the final name.


• Update the department and institution lines. If all authors share the same affiliation, one line is enough; if not, you can later apply superscript numerals to connect authors with the correct affiliations.


• If an author note is required, replace the placeholder after “Author Note (if required)” with brief paragraphs that cover ORCID IDs, changes in affiliation, conflict-of-interest disclosures, acknowledgments, and contact information, in that order.

Once you have customized these lines and styled them correctly, you have a reusable professional APA 7 cover page you can adapt for new manuscripts without starting over.

LaTeX minimal setups

If you write in LaTeX, the apa7 class can generate your apa formatted title page automatically, based on a few key commands. The example below follows the official manuscript option described in LaTeX community templates that use apa7.cls (Overleaf).

\documentclass[man]{apa7} \title{Title in Title Case} \shorttitle{SHORT TITLE} \author{Author Name} \affiliation{Department, University} \begin{document} \maketitle \end{document}

• What to edit :

• Change `Title in Title Case` to your full paper title; LaTeX will place it in bold and centered when `\maketitle` runs.


• Set `SHORT TITLE` to your running head text in caps; the class uses it in the header.


• Replace `Author Name` with one or more authors. The `apa7` documentation explains how to format multiple authors and affiliations.


• Update the affiliation with the correct department and institution in the same pattern used in Word and Docs.

For a student-style LaTeX apa 7th edition cover page with no running head by default, switch the document option to stu and add course details. The following structure matches the way the apa7 class handles student papers.

\documentclass[stu]{apa7} \title{Title in Title Case} \author{Your Name} \affiliation{Department, University} \course{COURSE 123} \professor{Instructor Name} \duedate{Month Day, Year} \begin{document} \maketitle \end{document}

• What to edit :

• Replace the title, name, affiliation, course, professor, and due date fields with your actual information.


• Compile to confirm that the page looks like a standard student APA cover, with the title and information centered and double spaced.

Whether you rely on these text blocks or an external apa title page generator, always compare the result with current APA guidelines to be sure the elements, order, and spacing still match the standard.

In the next step, you will see fully annotated samples that label each line on the page, so you can double‑check every part of your template against official title page requirements.

Step 7 Follow annotated samples to avoid guesswork

When you stare at a blank screen, it is hard to know if your first page really matches APA rules. Looking at a clear, labeled apa title page example turns that uncertainty into a simple copy-and-check process.

In this step, you will see annotated student and professional layouts. Each line is labeled so you can match it to the rule it satisfies and adapt it to your own apa title page template.

Annotated student title page

Imagine you are turning in a standard class paper. A student title page in APA 7 must include the paper title, author name, affiliation, course information, instructor name, due date, and the page number in the header. Here is a compact, labeled version.

[1] The Effects of Sleep on Memory Consolidation [2] Jordan Lee [3] Department of Psychology, Riverview University [4] PSY 202 Cognitive Psychology [5] Dr. A. Nguyen [6] April 15, 20XX

1. [1] Title – This is your paper title. APA requires it to be centered three to four lines down from the top of the page, written in bold, and using title case (capitalize major words). On an actual page, remove the bracket and number; they are only here to annotate this sample apa title page.

2. [2] Author name – This line gives your full name (first name, middle initial(s), and last name) centered on the page. Do not include degrees or titles such as Dr. or PhD, which APA says to leave off the byline for both student and professional papers.

3. [3] Affiliation – For students, affiliation is the institution where you attend school. APA recommends including both department and institution, separated by a comma, such as “Department of Psychology, Riverview University”.

4. [4] Course number and name – This line identifies the course for which you are submitting the paper. The official guideline is to use the course number exactly as shown on instructional materials, followed by a colon and the course name (for example, “PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology”).

5. [5] Instructor name – Here you provide the instructor’s name in the format used on the syllabus or learning platform. APA notes that instructor names on the student title page should match the version shown on course materials.

6. [6] Assignment due date – The final line is the assignment due date. APA allows you to use the date format commonly used in your country (for example, “October 18, 2020” or “18 October 2020”), as long as the style is consistent.

All of these lines are double spaced and centered. In the header, page 1 appears in the top-right corner, and student papers usually do not include a running head unless your instructor specifically asks for one. If your own layout looks like this sample apa cover page , you are on the right track.

Annotated professional title page

Now imagine you are preparing a manuscript for a journal. The professional version of an apa style title page example shares the same basic title and byline structure but adds a running head, and often an author note, while leaving out course details and due dates.

[1] The Effects of Sleep on Memory Consolidation [2] Jordan Lee, Priya Shah [3] Department of Psychology, Riverview University [4] Author Note: disclosures, acknowledgments, ORCID, corresponding author

1. [1] Title – Just like in the student version, this is a bold, centered title in title case, placed three to four lines down from the top of the title page.

2. [2] Author names – For two authors, APA indicates you should join their names with “and” (for example, “Jordan Lee and Priya Shah”). In many journal examples and teaching guides, you will also see authors listed on one centered line in this order of contribution, without academic titles.

3. [3] Affiliation – On a professional title page, this line identifies the institution where the research was conducted, again including both department and institution, separated by a comma. If all authors share the same affiliation, only one line is needed.

4. [4] Author note (when required) – Many journals expect an author note in the bottom half of the title page, with a bold label “Author Note” centered and paragraphs left aligned. It can include ORCID IDs, changes in affiliation, disclosures of conflicts of interest, acknowledgments, and correspondence information in that order. In this annotated title page example , we simply mark the spot where that content would begin.

In the header of a professional paper, you also add a running head: a shortened version of the title (maximum 50 characters including spaces), in all caps, aligned left, with the page number aligned right on every page. APA 7 specifically states that you should not type the label “Running head:” before this short title.

Multi-author variations

Working with co-authors? Here is how to adapt these title page examples when more than one person shares credit.

• Student papers with several authors

• APA shows that multiple authors on a title page can appear on one centered line, joined with “and” for two authors, or commas plus “and” before the last author when there are three or more.


• If all students share the same institution and course, you can keep a single shared affiliation, course line, instructor name, and due date, just like the earlier student **cover page apa example**.

• Professional papers with different affiliations

• When authors belong to different institutions, APA recommends adding superscript numerals after each author’s name and before each affiliation line to connect names and institutions.


• Each distinct affiliation appears on its own centered line in the title page’s upper half, directly under the byline.

• Author note for many authors

• For professional manuscripts, the author note can list multiple ORCID IDs and indicate which author is responsible for correspondence, as described in APA’s guidance on author notes.

If you hold your own draft beside these annotated layouts and a trusted apa style title page example from your writing center or instructor, you can check each line against a specific rule instead of guessing. In the next step, you will tackle the most common formatting glitches and learn how to fix them quickly, so your title page keeps its structure even after edits and file conversions.

Step 8 Troubleshoot and fix common APA title page errors

When you finally finish your paper, the last thing you want is a crooked first page or a broken header. Imagine opening your file right before submission and spotting a missing page number or strange spacing on your apa format front page. This step walks you through fast, practical fixes so your layout stays clean and compliant.

Header and page number glitches

Most problems on the first page start in the header. APA requires the page number in the top-right corner of every page, starting with the title page. Professional papers also add a running head on the left, but student papers usually do not. If your page header apa is misbehaving, try these targeted fixes.

• Problem: Page number missing on page 1 Fix :

• In Word, go to **Insert > Page Number > Top of Page > Plain Number 3**. This puts the number in the top-right of the header, which is the required **apa header format** for page numbers.


• In Google Docs, use **Insert > Page numbers** and choose the layout with numbers in the top-right starting on the first page.


• If you still see numbers only on later pages, uncheck or adjust **Different first page** in the header options.

• Problem: Running head appears on a student paper Fix :

• APA 7 explains that student papers normally include only a page number in the header; a running head is not required unless your instructor asks for it.


• Double-click the header, select any short-title text on the left, and delete it so only the number remains on the right.


• Check that the font and size of the page number still match the body text settings from your **apa header** template.

• Problem: The words “Running head:” show in the header Fix :

• APA 7 explicitly states that professional papers should show only the short title in all caps; the label “Running head:” is no longer used.


• Double-click the header, select _Running head:_ and delete the phrase, leaving just the short title and the page number.

• Problem: Page numbers restart later in the document Fix :

• In Word, this usually happens after a section break. Open the header on the page where numbering restarts, choose **Page Number > Format Page Numbers**, and select **Continue from previous section**.


• In Google Docs, click **Insert > Page numbers** and reapply the option that numbers the _whole document_ from page 1.

Do not type "Running head:" in APA 7.

Alignment and spacing drift

You spend time centering the title block, and then after a few edits it looks slightly off or the spacing feels uneven. Because APA requires double spacing throughout and centered elements on the title page (Northwestern Polytechnic Library), these small shifts can make your first page look unpolished.

• Problem: Centered block suddenly shifts left Fix :

• Drag your cursor to highlight _only_ the title page lines (title, name, affiliation, course details).


• Press **Ctrl+E** (or use the Center alignment icon) to re-center this block.


• Make sure you did not include the entire page or later paragraphs, or your whole paper may end up centered instead of just the title area.

• Problem: Extra space appears between lines Fix :

• APA requires the entire paper, including title page and references, to be double spaced with no extra spacing before or after paragraphs.


• In Word, select the title block, then go to **Home > Paragraph**. Set **Line spacing** to **Double** and both **Before** and **After** to **0 pt**.


• In Google Docs, select the same lines, choose **Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Double**, then open **Custom spacing** and set **Before** and **After** to **0**.

• Problem: First line of the title or name is indented Fix :

• Title page lines should not be indented. Paragraph indents in APA start on the first line of the body paragraph, not on the cover page.


• In Word, select the title block, open **Paragraph** , and set **Special** to **(none)**.


• In Google Docs, use **Format > Align & indent > Indentation options**, then set **Special indent** to **None**.

• Problem: Parts of the page show a different font Fix :

• APA recommends picking one readable font and size and using it consistently across the entire paper, including the title page and header.


• Highlight the entire title block and header, then apply your chosen font (for example, 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Calibri).


• Reapply bold only to the title line so it stands out while author names, affiliations, and course details remain unbolded.

Word–Docs conversion pitfalls

Have you ever moved your document from Word to Google Docs (or back) and noticed that your once-perfect apa format front page suddenly changed? Different software handles headers, margins, and spacing slightly differently, so it helps to know what to check after each conversion.

• Problem: Margins change after opening the file in a new program Fix :

• APA expects 1 inch margins on all sides of the page for the entire paper.


• In Word, go to **Layout > Margins > Normal** to reset everything to 1 inch.


• In Google Docs, click **File > Page setup** and make sure Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins are all set to **1**.

• Problem: Header or page number disappears during conversion Fix :

• After converting, immediately scroll to page 1 and confirm that the header shows the correct page number in the top-right corner.


• If it is missing, reinsert it using the regular steps for your program instead of copying it from another file. This keeps your **apa header format** stable across platforms.

• Problem: Running head appears on some pages but not others Fix :

• In Word, open the header and confirm that **Link to Previous** is turned on for all main sections of your paper, so the same running head and page number format continues throughout.


• In Google Docs, place your cursor in the header and check whether **Different first page** or **Different odd & even** are enabled. Turn off options you do not need so every page uses the same header design.

• Problem: Double spacing changes to single spacing in copied sections Fix :

• Copying from another file or from the web can bring in hidden spacing. To fix this, highlight the affected section and reapply double spacing using your program’s paragraph tools.


• In both Word and Google Docs, make sure Before and After spacing are set to 0 so your lines follow APA’s consistent double-spacing requirement.

• Ctrl+E – center selected lines (handy for the title block).

• Ctrl+Z – undo the last change if a quick fix makes things worse.

Once these glitches are under control, your first page will look as polished as any formal sample. In the next step, you will see how to plug your finished cover into a broader workflow so the rest of your paper stays just as organized.

Step 9 Streamline your workflow with connected templates

You have a clean, correct title page. Now imagine the rest of your paper staying just as organized — from the first paragraph to the final reference. Instead of rebuilding settings for every assignment, you can turn your work into a reusable apa template paper and plug it into a simple tool stack that saves hours across the semester.

Build once, reuse everywhere

When you treat your finished cover as the front page of a full apa format paper template , you stop wrestling with formatting and start focusing on ideas. The goal is simple: create one solid base and reuse it for every new project.

• Turn your file into an APA base documentSave the document that already has 1 inch margins, double spacing, page numbers, and a correct title page as your personal starter file. In Word, this can act as your own apa style template for word ; in Google Docs, it becomes your personal apa google doc template that you just duplicate before each new paper.

• Lock in consistent structureOnce your first page is correct, add the usual sections (Abstract if needed, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, References). Keeping the same order and heading styles every time means you are always starting from a familiar, low-stress layout.

• Reduce decision fatigueBecause spacing, fonts, and headers are already correct, you no longer have to remember small rules for every assignment. You simply open your base file, replace the title page text, and start writing.

Over time, this one-time setup does more work for you than any single apa title page template. It becomes the front door to a complete, ready-to-write research paper template word or Docs file that always matches APA 7 expectations.

Finish faster with connected templates

Sounds complex to manage everything beyond the title page — sources, deadlines, notes, and drafts? You do not have to build that system from scratch either. You can connect your formatted first page to a few simple tools that handle the rest of your workflow.

• AFFiNE Template GalleryStart by pairing your document with ready-made academic layouts from the AFFiNE Template Gallery. You will find APA-friendly pages, a Citation Generator that formats references in APA style from your sources, and templates for Academic Planners, Assignment Trackers, and Cornell Notes. Together, they help you keep research, tasks, and deadlines in one place instead of scattered across files.

• Your word processor's built-in stylesOnce you have a solid title page and headings, save those choices as styles. In Word, updating and reusing styles effectively turns your document into a living apa style template for word. In Google Docs, saving paragraph styles gives you the same benefit for an apa google doc template without extra add-ons.

• Cloud backup and versioningStoring your master apa template paper in a cloud drive means you always know where to find the latest version. When you duplicate it for a new assignment, your title page, headings, and reference layout come along automatically.

To put this into practice, open your best-formatted file, clean out the old content, and save it as your personal APA starter. Then visit the AFFiNE Template Gallery, pick the academic templates that match how you plan, draft, and cite, and connect them to that starter. With the title page done and these supports in place, each new paper becomes far more about your thinking and far less about fixing margins and spacing.

APA Title Page Template FAQs

1. How do I format an APA 7 title page step by step?

Start by setting 1 inch margins, double spacing, and an APA-approved font such as 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Calibri. Insert a page number in the top-right header so the title page is page 1. Center your cursor in the upper half of the page, then add a bold, title case paper title, followed on separate centered lines by your name, affiliation, course, instructor, and due date for student papers. For professional papers, include author names, affiliations, and an author note if required, and add a short running head in all caps to the left of the page number. Once you have one correct layout, save it as an APA style template for Word or as a reusable Google Docs APA format template.

2. What is the difference between a student and professional APA title page?

A student APA title page includes the paper title, your name, your institutional affiliation, the course number and name, your instructor’s name, the assignment due date, and only a page number in the top-right header. A professional APA title page omits course and due date details but adds a running head, which is a short version of the title in all caps on the left side of the header, plus the page number on the right. Professional pages may also include an author note in the lower half of the page for disclosures, acknowledgments, and contact information. If you are writing for a class, the student version is usually correct unless your instructor says otherwise.

3. What are the required parts of an APA title page?

For a student paper, the required parts are a bold, centered paper title in title case; your full name; your department and institution; the course number and course name; your instructor’s name; the assignment due date; and a page number in the header. For a professional manuscript, the core parts are the paper title, author name or names, author affiliations, a page number in the header, a short running head in caps on the left, and an author note when requested by the journal or institution. In all cases, the whole title page is double spaced, uses the same readable font as the rest of the paper, and counts as page 1.

4. What are common APA title page mistakes and how can I fix them?

Frequent errors include missing page numbers on page 1, adding the old “Running head:” label, using single spacing instead of double spacing, inconsistent fonts, and misaligned title blocks. To fix them, reinsert page numbers through your word processor’s header tools and make sure numbering starts at 1 on the title page. Remove any “Running head:” text and keep only a short title in caps for professional papers. Reapply double spacing with zero spacing before and after paragraphs, set one approved font and size for the entire document, and recenter only the title page lines so the rest of the paper stays left aligned. After converting between Word and Google Docs, recheck margins, headers, and spacing so your APA front page still matches the standard.

5. Is there a fast way to reuse my APA title page and academic layouts?

Yes. Once you have a correct APA cover page, save that file as your master APA template paper. In Word, you can store your fonts, spacing, and headings as styles so every new document starts with the same look. In Google Docs, save your paragraph styles and duplicate the file for each assignment. To manage the rest of the workflow beyond the title page, pair your document with tools like the AFFiNE Template Gallery, which offers an APA-friendly Citation Generator plus academic planners, assignment trackers, and Cornell Notes templates. This combination lets you keep formatting, deadlines, and references organized without rebuilding your setup for every paper.

Related Blog Posts

1. Therapy Notes Template In 10 Steps: Audit-Ready In Minutes

2. Table of Contents SEO: Win Jump Links and 18% CTR Uplift