To do APA format correctly, follow these key guidelines based on the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual:
General Paper Formatting
- Use standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Double-space all text throughout the paper, including the title page, abstract, body, and references.
- Use a legible font such as Times New Roman 12 pt, Arial 11 pt, or Georgia 11 pt.
- Indent the first line of every paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- Include page numbers in the top right corner of every page
Title Page
- Center the title about three or four lines from the top of the page in bold.
- Below the title, center your name and your institutional affiliation.
- Include a page header (running head) on the top left for professional papers; for student papers, only the page number is required on the top right.
- For professional papers, an author note may be included at the bottom of the title page
Abstract
- On the page after the title page, center the word "Abstract" at the top.
- Write a single, unindented paragraph of 150-250 words summarizing the key points of your paper.
- Optionally include keywords below the abstract, italicized and indented
Main Body
- Organize content under headings and subheadings formatted as follows:
- Level 1: Centered, bold, title case.
- Level 2: Flush left, bold, title case.
- Level 3: Flush left, bold italic, title case.
- Level 4: Indented, bold, title case, ending with a period, text continues on the same line.
- Level 5: Indented, bold italic, title case, ending with a period, text continues on the same line.
- Use lists (bulleted, numbered, or lettered) where appropriate to organize information clearly
References
- Start the reference list on a new page with the heading "References" centered and bolded.
- List entries alphabetically by the surname of the first author.
- Use a hanging indent for each reference (the first line flush left, subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches).
- Follow specific APA rules for citing books, articles, websites, etc.
Additional Tips
- Use one space after punctuation marks.
- Avoid extra spacing between paragraphs of the same style.
- Maintain consistency in font and formatting throughout the paper
This structure ensures your paper meets APA style requirements for clarity, uniformity, and professionalism. For detailed examples and templates, you can consult official APA resources or citation guides like EasyBib, Scribbr, or the Purdue OWL
