APA Header Format for College Essays and Research Papers

The APA header is a key element in academic writing that follows the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) style. It helps organize a paper clearly and professionally, making it easier for readers to navigate the content. Whether you’re a student submitting an assignment or a researcher preparing a manuscript, understanding how to format an APA header correctly is essential.

The header typically includes a page number and, in some cases, a running head—depending on whether you’re following APA 6th or 7th edition guidelines. While it may seem like a small detail, the header plays an important role in maintaining consistency and meeting academic standards. Errors in formatting can distract readers and may even affect grading or publication acceptance. This article will explain what an APA header is, outline the correct formatting rules for different versions of APA style, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you apply it accurately.

What is an APA Header?

An APA 7th edition header is a simplified formatting element that appears at the top of each page in academic papers. The 7th edition significantly streamlined header requirements compared to previous versions.

For Student Papers:

• Page number only: Right-aligned at the top of every page, starting with “1” on the title page
• No running head required: Unless specifically requested by your instructor
• Headers appear 0.5 inches from the top margin

For Professional Manuscripts (journal submission):

• Page number: Right-aligned on every page
• Running head: Shortened paper title (50 characters maximum including spaces) in all caps, left-aligned
• First page includes “Running head:” label before the title

Key 7th Edition Changes:

• Eliminated the running head requirement for student papers
• Removed the “Running head:” label from pages 2 and beyond in professional papers
• Simplified formatting reduces complexity while maintaining organization

Formatting Specifications:

• Use the same font as your paper (typically 12-point Times New Roman)
• Headers are automatically inserted using your word processor’s header function
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout the entire document

This simplified approach allows students to focus more on content quality rather than complex formatting rules, while still maintaining the professional standards necessary for academic writing.

APA 7th Edition vs. 6th Edition Header Format

Student Papers

APA 6th Edition (Previous)

• Running head required on all pages
• First page: “Running head: ABBREVIATED TITLE”
• Subsequent pages: “ABBREVIATED TITLE” only
• Page numbers right-aligned on all pages
• Maximum 50 characters for running head

APA 7th Edition (Current)

• No running head required for student papers
• Page numbers right-aligned on all pages
• Running head only needed if instructor specifically requests it
• When required, format matches professional manuscript style

Professional Manuscripts (Journal Submission)

APA 6th Edition

• First page: “Running head: ABBREVIATED TITLE” + page number
• Subsequent pages: “ABBREVIATED TITLE” + page number
• Running head left-aligned, page number right-aligned

APA 7th Edition

• First page: “Running head: ABBREVIATED TITLE” + page number
• Subsequent pages: “ABBREVIATED TITLE” + page number (same as 6th edition)
• No change for professional manuscripts

How to Create an APA Header in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

Microsoft Word Instructions

For Student Papers (Page Numbers Only)

Step 1: Insert Header

1. Click Insert tab in the ribbon
2. Select Header → Blank
3. Your cursor will automatically move to the header area

Step 2: Add Page Numbers

1. With cursor in header, click Insert tab
2. Select Page Number → Current Position → Plain Number
3. Click Header & Footer Tools Design tab
4. Check Different First Page if title page needs special formatting

Step 3: Format Header

1. Select the page number
2. Click Home tab → Align Right button
3. Ensure font matches your paper (typically 12-point Times New Roman)

For Professional Manuscripts (With Running Head)

Step 1: Set Up Different First Page

1. Double-click in header area
2. Check Different First Page in Header & Footer Tools

Step 2: First Page Header

1. Type “Running head: YOUR ABBREVIATED TITLE”
2. Press Tab twice to move to right margin
3. Insert page number (Insert → Page Number → Current Position)

Step 3: Subsequent Pages

1. Click Next to go to page 2 header
2. Type “YOUR ABBREVIATED TITLE” (no “Running head:” label)
3. Press Tab twice and insert page number

Google Docs Instructions

For Student Papers (Page Numbers Only)

Step 1: Insert Header

1. Click Insert → Headers & footers → Header
2. Your cursor moves to the header section

Step 2: Add Page Numbers

1. Click Insert → Page numbers
2. Choose Top of page → select right-aligned option
3. Click Apply

Step 3: Format (if needed)

1. Select the page number in header
2. Use formatting toolbar to adjust font/size to match paper

For Professional Manuscripts (With Running Head)

Step 1: Enable Different First Page

1. Click Format → Headers & footers
2. Check Different first page header
3. Click Apply

Step 2: First Page Setup

1. Double-click in first page header
2. Type “Running head: YOUR ABBREVIATED TITLE”
3. Press Tab several times to reach right margin
4. Insert → Page numbers → choose position option

Step 3: Subsequent Pages

1. Navigate to page 2
2. Double-click in header area
3. Type “YOUR ABBREVIATED TITLE”
4. Add page number aligned to right

Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues:

• Page numbers not continuing: Check that you’re using “Current Position” not “Top of Page” in Word
• Headers appearing on title page when they shouldn’t: Enable “Different First Page” option
• Running head too long: Abbreviate to 50 characters maximum including spaces
• Formatting inconsistent: Ensure header font matches body text

Time-Saving Tips:

• Create templates with proper header formatting
• Use styles to maintain consistent formatting
• Save frequently used running heads for future papers
• Double-check requirements with instructor or publication guidelines

Professional Manuscript Checklist:

• ✓ First page includes “Running head:” label
• ✓ Subsequent pages omit “Running head:” label
• ✓ Running head is 50 characters or fewer
• ✓ Page numbers appear on every page
• ✓ Font matches manuscript body text

FAQs