This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of correctly inserting a running head and page numbers in Microsoft Word, adhering to the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide. Proper formatting is crucial for academic papers and ensures your work meets professional standards. We'll cover everything from setting up the header to customizing its appearance.
Understanding APA Formatting Requirements
Before diving into the steps, let's clarify what APA requires for running heads and page numbers:
- Running Head: A shortened version of your paper's title (maximum 50 characters including spaces) that appears at the top of every page. It's typically in all caps.
- Page Number: Located in the upper right-hand corner of each page, aligning with the running head.
Failure to correctly format these elements can impact your grade or publication acceptance.
Step-by-Step Guide: Inserting Running Head and Page Number in Word
These instructions are for Microsoft Word, but the core concepts apply to other word processors with minor variations.
1. Navigating to the Header Section
- Open your Word document.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Click on Header and choose a header style. A blank header will appear at the top of your page.
2. Adding the Running Head
- In the header section, type your shortened title in all caps. Remember, keep it under 50 characters. For example, if your title is "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health," your running head might be "SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH."
- Important: In the first page header only, you will also type "Running head:" before the shortened title. This is only for the first page.
3. Inserting the Page Number
- Click on the Design tab (this appears when you're editing the header).
- In the "Header & Footer Tools" section, click Page Number.
- Choose where you want the page number to appear (typically the upper right-hand corner). Word will automatically insert it.
4. Aligning Running Head and Page Number
- You might need to manually adjust the alignment to ensure the running head and page number are flush left and right respectively. Use the text alignment tools within the header section.
5. Making the Running Head Consistent Across All Pages
- By default, the first page may appear differently. To ensure the running head is consistent, click on the header of page 2. Delete "Running head:" from the header. The remaining shortened title will now be consistent for all pages.
6. Customizing the Appearance (Optional)
- You can change the font, size, and style of both the running head and page number using the formatting tools on the Home tab. Remember to maintain consistency with the overall document formatting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Running head not showing on all pages: Double-check that you've correctly linked the header across all sections of your document.
- Page number in the wrong location: Adjust the page number position using the options in the "Header & Footer Tools" section.
- Inconsistencies in formatting: Carefully review the formatting of your running head and page number to ensure consistency throughout your paper.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips
- Different Header for First Page: While the running head is consistent throughout, the first page of your APA paper has different requirements and is styled differently. Learn how to create different headers for different sections of your document.
By following these steps, you can effectively insert a running head and page number in your Word document, complying with APA style guidelines. Remember to always double-check your formatting against the latest APA style manual for accuracy and consistency. This attention to detail demonstrates professionalism and ensures your work is presented in the best possible light.
