Transcript using Microsoft Word 2007 to format an essay in APA style

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 intext citations and the References page.
If you have questions about this or any other writingrelated 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.