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APA 7th Edition Style Guide

This guide provides an overview of APA style and citations to assist in your writing.

Formatting and Page Setup

All papers typically include a title page, text, and references. They may also include other elements such as tables, figures, appendices, or abstracts. Check your syllabi or ask your professors to determine what elements are required in your papers. 

Arrange the pages of an APA Style paper in this order:

  • title page
  • abstract
  • text
  • references
  • tables
  • figures
  • appendices

Use the tabs above and boxes on this page for more information on formatting your papers.

Title pages are to be formatted in the same way as the entire paper, including the font, spacing, and margins. The page number is to be at the top right corner. the page should be double spaced and the title will begin 3-4 lines down from the top of the page. Alignment should be centered, and there should be an extra line space between the title and author.

The title page includes the following elements:  

  • paper title
  • author name(s) 
  • author affiliation (your department and university) 
  • course number and name
  • instructor name
  • assignment due date 

image depicting the page setup of a title page in APA style.

image from: https://apastyle.apa.org/

The text of your paper will begin on a separate page after the title page. The page should be double spaced. The title of the paper will repeated on the first page of text, centered and bolded. Starting with the first paragraph, the text should be left aligned, with rugged right alignment. 

You will typically begin with an introduction, and your following sections will include descriptive headings (see Headings page for more information). 

image depicting the text setup in APA style

image from: https://apastyle.apa.org/

Video: Set up an APA Format Paper in 6 Minutes

Spacing & Margins

Margins:

  • Use 1-in. margins on all sides of the page (top, bottom, left, and right).

Spacing:

  •  Use double-spacing for the entire paper. Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs or headings.

Page Numbers

Page numbers should be at the top right corner of every page, including the title page.

Handout: Student Paper Setup Guide