Creating an APA title page correctly sets the tone for your paper and helps readers and instructors form a strong first impression. This guide walks you through each element so you can produce a professional, compliant title page quickly.
Follow the steps below to format every detail, from spacing to running heads, with clarity and precision.
| Element | APA 7th Edition Requirement | Placement Example | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Centered, bold, title case, font size 12-14 | About halfway down the page | Using all caps or lowercase |
| Author Name | First name, middle initial, last name | One or two lines below the title | Including credentials |
| Institutional Affiliation | Department or school name | Line below the author name | Missing or vague wording |
| Running Head | Left-aligned, uppercase, max 50 characters | Page header, flush left | Adding “Running head:” on all pages |
| Page Number | Right-aligned in header | Same line as the running head | Using lowercase Roman numerals |
How to Format the Title
Centering and Capitalization
Place the title in the upper half of the page, center aligned, and written in title case. Avoid all caps, which can look too aggressive, and do not underline or place quotation marks around the title.
Font and Spacing
Use the same font as the rest of your paper, typically Times New Roman 12 pt or an approved sans‑serif. Double-space the title and all author information, and do not add extra spacing above or below the block unless your instructor requests it.
Author Name and Affiliation Details
Structuring Author Information
List your first name, middle initial, and last name without degrees or titles. Center this information directly under the title, and include your institutional affiliation, such as a university or organization, on the following line.
Multiple Authors and Units
Separate multiple authors with a double space and an ampersand. For authors from different institutions, list each affiliation on a new indented line below the author name to maintain clarity.
Running Head and Page Number Rules
Setting Up the Running Head
The running head appears in the page header and includes the words “Running head” in uppercase, followed by a colon and a shortened title. This format is required only on the title page, while subsequent pages use a shortened title alone.
Consistency Across Pages
Ensure the header is left aligned, in all caps, and does not exceed 50 characters including spaces. The page number is right aligned on the same line, creating a clean, uniform header for easy navigation.
Common APA Title Page Pitfalls
Spacing and Alignment Errors
One frequent mistake is uneven spacing or using tabs instead of centering. Always rely on your word processor’s centering tools and check that all elements sit in the vertical center of the page.
Formatting the Title Incorrectly
Avoid creative formatting such as bolding keywords, adding italics, or changing font sizes for the title alone. Consistency across the entire document supports readability and professionalism.
Final Checks for a Polished Title Page
- Center all title page elements horizontally on the page.
- Use double spacing for the entire title block.
- Verify that the running head appears only on the title page.
- Keep the running head under 50 characters, excluding the “Running head:” label on the first page.
- Match the title font and size with the rest of the document.
- Confirm that page numbering starts at 1 in the top right corner.
- Include institutional affiliation exactly as registered.
- Proofread for typos and alignment issues before submission.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I include my student ID on the APA title page?
Only include your student ID if your instructor or institution specifically requests it; otherwise, omit it to keep the page clean.
Should the title be in sentence case or title case?
APA style requires title case, which capitalizes major words, rather than sentence case, which only capitalizes the first word.
How long can the running head title be?
The running head title must be 50 characters or fewer, counting letters, spaces, and punctuation, to remain compliant with APA guidelines.
Is it acceptable to add a subtitle on the title page?
You may include a subtitle on the title page if your instructor allows it, placing it on a new line after the main title and ending it with a period.