Overview
This lecture explains how to properly format a Microsoft Word document according to APA guidelines, including title page setup, page numbering, font, spacing, and margins.
Adding Page Numbers in the Header
- Click the INSERT tab, select "Page Number," choose "Top of Page," and select "Plain Number 3" to place numbers in the top-right header.
- Double-click outside the header to return to the main document.
Creating the Title Page
- Press "Enter" three times to move the cursor to the upper-middle of the first page.
- Center text (Ctrl+E) and enter the paper's bolded title.
- Press "Enter" and, each on a new centered line, add your name, school, course info, instructor's name, and due date.
- Highlight all title page text (Ctrl+A) and double-space it using Ctrl+2.
Setting Font Style and Size
- Click the Home tab, highlight all text (Ctrl+A), choose "Times New Roman," and set the font size to 12 pt.
- To set Times New Roman 12 pt as default, use Ctrl+D to access font settings, select options, click "Set as Default," choose "All documents based on the Normal template," and confirm.
Double Spacing the Document
- Select the text to double space (Ctrl+A for all).
- On the Home tab, click "Line and Paragraph Spacing," then choose "2.0" for double spacing.
Adjusting Margins
- Click on the Page Layout tab and select "Margins."
- Choose "Normal" to set 1-inch margins on all sides.
Key Terms & Definitions
- APA format — A standardized style for academic writing, including specific rules for layout and citations.
- Header — Section at the top of each page, often containing page numbers.
- Title page — The first page of an APA paper containing identifying information.
- Double spacing — Formatting where lines of text have a full blank line between them.
- Margins — The blank space around the sides of the page, set to 1 inch in APA.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Format your document to APA standards following these steps.
- Set your default Word font to 12 pt Times New Roman if required.
- Ensure your title page and spacing comply with APA formatting guidelines before submission.