Creating an APA Style “Running head”
in Microsoft Word
Check that your document
will default to an appropriate
font and size.
Times New Roman 12-point
font is usually a good choice.
Double-click near the top of the page to open a new blank header. Be sure to check the box for a “Different First Page.”
Then select “Page Number” to insert the page number first.
Page numbers are usually placed in the top right-hand corner.
With the cursor blinking next to the page number, type the words:
Running head:
followed by the title of your paper. The title should be in all caps
and should not be more than 50 characters long.
Then press the “Tab” key twice so that the
Running head is left-aligned on the paper.
When your header is complete, click the button to close the header.
The header for the first page should look like this.
Repeat the steps to insert a new blank header onto the second page of your document. Remember to insert
the page number first, and the number 2 will automatically be inserted into the proper location on the paper.
With the cursor blinking next to the number 2, type just the title (without the words “Running head”) in all caps.
Press the “Tab” key until the title is left-aligned on the paper.
Any subsequent pages you add to the document will be numbered and formatted correctly!