Creating a perfectly formatted APA style title page can feel daunting, but centering the title is a crucial element. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your title page is both accurate and visually appealing. We'll cover different methods depending on your word processor, providing clear, step-by-step instructions.
Understanding APA Title Page Requirements
Before diving into centering, let's refresh the core elements of an APA title page:
- Running head: A shortened version of your title (maximum 50 characters including spaces), appearing in the upper left-hand corner of every page.
- Page number: Appears in the upper right-hand corner of every page.
- Title: Your paper's title, written in title case (capitalize the first letter of each significant word), and centered.
- Your Name: Centered below the title.
- University Name: Centered below your name.
Centering Your Title: Step-by-Step Instructions
The method for centering your title varies slightly depending on the word processing software you use. Below are instructions for the most popular options:
Microsoft Word
- Open a new document: Begin with a blank document in Microsoft Word.
- Type your title: Enter your title, following APA's title case rules. Don't worry about centering yet.
- Select the title: Highlight your entire title with your mouse.
- Center alignment: Click the "Center Alignment" button in the toolbar. It usually looks like a horizontal line with arrows pointing to the center. Your title should now be centered.
- Add other elements: Once your title is centered, add your name and university affiliation, centering each element separately using the same method.
Google Docs
- Create a new document: Start with a new document in Google Docs.
- Enter your title: Type your title, adhering to APA style capitalization rules.
- Select your title: Highlight your title.
- Center alignment: Click the "Align center" icon in the toolbar. It’s usually represented by a horizontal line with arrows pointing inwards.
- Format the rest: Center your name and university name similarly.
Pages (Mac)
- Start a new document: Open a new document in Pages.
- Type your title: Write your title, following APA guidelines for capitalization.
- Select the title: Highlight your title.
- Center alignment: In the toolbar, you should find alignment options. Select the center alignment button.
- Add remaining elements: Center the other elements (your name and university) using the same process.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Double-check your spacing: Ensure consistent spacing between the title, your name, and your university name.
- Use the correct font: APA typically uses Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- Page margins: Make sure your page margins are set to the standard APA 1-inch margins.
- Header and footer: Ensure your running head and page number are correctly formatted in the header.
By following these steps, you can confidently create an APA title page that is perfectly centered and adheres to all style guidelines. Remember to always double-check your work against the latest APA Publication Manual for the most accurate formatting. Good luck with your paper!
