You Have the Research, Now You Need the Format
You’ve spent hours in the library stacks or scrolling through academic databases. Your research notes are a chaotic masterpiece of highlights and scribbled ideas. The argument is solid, the evidence is compelling. But when you open a blank document to begin writing, a different kind of anxiety sets in. Where does the title go? What font do you use? Is the running head the same as the title?
This moment of formatting paralysis is a universal experience for students and researchers. The American Psychological Association (APA) style, while designed for clarity and consistency, can feel like a labyrinth of rules when you’re just trying to get your first words on the page. Starting correctly isn’t just about avoiding point deductions; it establishes a professional tone, organizes your thinking, and signals to your reader that your work is credible and scholarly.
This guide breaks down the initial steps of creating an APA style paper into a clear, actionable process. We’ll move from setting up your document’s skeleton to crafting those critical first sentences, ensuring you build a strong foundation for the entire paper.
Laying the Groundwork Before You Write a Word
Think of the APA format as the blueprint for your paper. Just as a builder wouldn’t start without a plan, you shouldn’t start typing your introduction without first configuring your document. This pre-writing phase eliminates distractions and lets you focus solely on content later.
Configuring Your Document Settings
Open your word processor—Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar—and immediately adjust these core settings. Consistency here is non-negotiable.
Set your page margins to 1 inch on all sides. This is the default in many programs, but always verify.
Select a readable, professional font. APA 7th edition recommends options like 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, 11-point Calibri, or 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode. For most, 12-point Times New Roman is the standard choice.
Ensure your entire document, including the title page and reference list, is double-spaced. Do not add extra spaces before or after paragraphs. This means every line of text should have a full blank line beneath it.
Align all text to the left margin. This creates a “ragged right” edge. Do not use full justification, which can create awkward spacing between words.
Indent the first line of every paragraph by 0.5 inches. Use the Tab key on your keyboard for this; it’s more reliable than pressing the spacebar multiple times.
Constructing the Title Page
The title page is your paper’s first impression. APA 7th edition simplified this page, but its elements must be placed precisely.
At the very top of the page, in the header, you’ll insert the “running head.” For student papers, this is simply the page number, flush right. The phrase “Running head:” is no longer used. Simply insert the page number “1”.
About one-third of the way down the page, center the following three elements on separate, double-spaced lines.
The full title of your paper. Make it concise, informative, and focused on your main variables or topic. Aim for 12 words or fewer.
Your name. Use your first name, middle initial, and last name.
Your institutional affiliation. This is your university or college.
The course number and name.
Your instructor’s name.
The assignment due date, written in the Month Day, Year format.
Each of these lines should be centered and double-spaced. There is no extra bold or larger font for the title; it’s the same 12-point font as the rest of the paper.
Crafting the Opening Sections: Abstract and Introduction
With the title page complete, start a new page for the abstract. This is a separate, standalone section.
Writing a Precise Abstract
The abstract is a single paragraph, typically between 150 and 250 words, that provides a miniature version of your entire paper. It’s often the only part readers see in databases, so it must be clear and comprehensive.
Center the word “Abstract” at the top of the page, without formatting it in bold, italics, or underlining.
Begin the paragraph on the next line, without indenting. In this one block of text, succinctly cover the key points.
The research problem or topic you investigated.
The primary participants or data sources in your study.
The basic methodology you used.
Your most significant findings or conclusions.
The implications or applications of your findings.
Do not cite references in the abstract, and avoid using abbreviations. Write for a broad academic audience who may not be specialists in your narrow field.
Launching Your Introduction
Start a new page after the abstract. The body of your paper begins here. The first page of the body will have the page number “2” in the header.
Start by retyping the full title of your paper, centered at the top of the page. This is not a heading; it’s the paper’s title again. It should be in the same standard font and size, not bolded.
Now, begin your introduction directly below the title. The introduction does not have a heading labeled “Introduction.” You simply start writing.
The goal of your opening paragraph is to establish the context and importance of your research topic. Start broad. You might begin with a statistic, a central question, or a brief overview of the real-world issue your paper addresses.
For example, if your paper is on the effects of screen time on adolescent sleep, you might open with a relevant, recent statistic about teen device usage before narrowing down to the specific sleep research gap your paper will fill.
Gradually funnel your focus from this general context down to your specific research question or thesis statement. The final sentences of your introduction should clearly state the purpose of your paper and, if applicable, your hypothesis. This tells the reader exactly what to expect in the pages that follow.
Navigating Common Formatting Hurdles
Even with the structure in place, specific elements can trip up writers. Paying attention to these details polishes your paper.
Using Headings Effectively
APA uses a hierarchy of headings to organize sections within the body of your paper. For most standard student papers, you will likely use only two levels.
Level 1 headings are used for the main sections of your paper, like Method, Results, and Discussion. They are centered, bolded, and use title case.
Level 2 headings are for subsections within those main areas. They are left-aligned, bolded, and use title case.
Your introduction does not get a heading. The title at the top of the page serves that purpose. Begin using headings with your first major section after the introduction.
Incorporating Sources from the Start
Academic writing is a conversation, and you join it by citing the work of others. The moment you paraphrase an idea or quote a phrase from a source, you must include an in-text citation.
For a paraphrase, include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the relevant sentence. For example: Recent studies suggest a complex relationship between digital media and well-being.
For a direct quotation, also include the page number. For example: The researcher noted “a significant but nuanced correlation” between the variables.
Every source cited in your text must have a corresponding full entry in your reference list, which will be the final page of your paper. It’s a good practice to start building your reference list in a separate document as you write, adding each source as you first cite it.
From Blank Page to Strong Foundation
The most challenging part of any paper is often simply beginning. By methodically setting up your document according to APA guidelines, you transform an intimidating blank page into a structured workspace. This process does more than satisfy formatting requirements; it disciplines your approach and allows your research and ideas to take center stage.
Start with the technical scaffolding: margins, font, spacing, and the title page. Then, build your abstract and introduction with clarity and purpose, moving from the general context of your topic to your specific thesis. Pay close attention to headings and citations as you proceed, as these elements create the professional framework that supports your argument.
Remember, a perfectly formatted paper starts with these deliberate first steps. With this structure in place, you can now focus on the most important task: communicating your knowledge and analysis effectively. The rules of APA style exist to serve that communication, ensuring your hard work is presented with the credibility and clarity it deserves.
