create an APA-style title page using Microsoft Word 2007 quick tips for creating an APA template create an APA-style title page using Microsoft Word 2007 Trinity Writing Center (2011)

keep in mind … This presentation applies directly to Microsoft Word 2007. If you have an earlier or later version of Word, the steps are the same, but the commands differ slightly. You can still benefit from viewing this presentation, regardless of your version of Word. Information presented here is based on guidelines from the 6th edition of the APA manual. You should always follow your instructors’ requirements, even if they differ from the advice offered here.

before you start You should already have your header set. Refer to the first presentation in this series if you don’t know how to set a header in APA style. This is a completed title page header. You should have it set before you type your title page. You should also have your second page header set before you begin typing. Refer to the first presentation in this series for instructions on setting your headers.

set line spacing Before you type anything, be sure to set the Line Spacing in your document to Double. You should also set the Before and After Spacing to zero. Open the Paragraph menu to make the changes. By default, Line Spacing is set to Multiple. Change it to Double using the drop-down menu. After spacing is also set by default. Change it from 10 pt. to 0 using the arrows.

type the title page When you’ve made your changes in the Paragraph menu, click OK. Now it’s time to type your title page. Title page information includes the title of your essay, your name, the course name and number, the instructor’s name and the due date. Type it at the top of the title page first. You will position it in the next step. Notice the completed header at the top of the page.

finish the title page Once you’ve typed your title page, select the text and center it using the button in the ribbon. Next, position the cursor at the beginning of your title and hit Enter 7 or 8 times to move everything down to the middle of the page. Select the text on your title page and click the Center button on the ribbon. Once the text is centered, put the cursor at the beginning of your title and hit Enter a few times to move the information into position in the middle of the page.

begin typing on the second page If you followed the instructions in the first presentation, you should already have inserted a page break to create the header on page two. If not, insert a page break after the title page information by pressing CTRL + Enter. You will either begin your essay or your abstract on page two, depending on your instructor’s requirements. If your instructor requires an abstract, it should be labeled and typed in block format. If you begin your essay on page two, type the title and indent your first paragraph ½ inch. If you use an abstract, the title would go on page 3, and you would begin typing your essay there.

moving forward … Once you’ve completed your header and title page, you’re ready to start typing your essay. The third presentation in this series will cover APA-style in-text citations and the References page. If you have questions about this or any other writing-related matter, feel free to make an appointment at the Trinity Writing Center. Click here to fill out the writing center’s online appointment request form.