Setting up an APA title page doesn't have to be a guessing game. Whether you're writing a student paper or a professional manuscript for journal submission, getting the cover page right sets the tone for your entire piece. The American Psychological Association (APA) outlines specific rules in the seventh edition of its publication manual, and missing even a minor detail like line spacing or a page number can cost you valuable points.
This guide breaks down every requirement for structuring an APA title page correctly. You'll learn how to handle margins, font choices, line spacing, and the critical differences between student and professional formats so you can submit your work with absolute confidence.
Student Versus Professional APA Title Pages
The APA style manual divides title pages into two distinct categories: student papers and professional papers. Knowing which one to use prevents unnecessary formatting errors right from the start.
Most undergraduate and graduate coursework requires the student title page. Unless your instructor explicitly requests a professional layout, stick to the student format.
The student title page requires these elements, listed in order from top to bottom:
- Page number (top right corner, starting at 1)
- Paper title (centered, bold, in the upper half of the page)
- Author name(s)
- Institutional affiliation (department and university name)
- Course number and name (e.g., PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology)
- Instructor name
- Assignment due date
The professional title page, by contrast, is designed for manuscripts submitted for academic publication. It includes a running head, author note, and author affiliations without course details or instructor names.
Core Formatting and Layout Rules
Before typing a single word on your title page, configure your word processor's basic layout settings to match official APA standards. Consistency across the document is essential.
Margins and Spacing
Set uniform 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right). The entire title page must be double-spaced, meaning there should be an even double-space between every single line—no extra blank lines or paragraph breaks are allowed.
Typography Options
The seventh edition expands acceptable font choices to accommodate modern digital readability. You can use any of the following standard fonts:
- 12-point Times New Roman
- 11-point Calibri
- 11-point Arial
- 11-point Georgia
- 12-point Aptos
Whichever font you select, use it consistently throughout the entire document, including headings, body text, and reference lists.
Step-by-Step Construction of a Student Title Page
Building the page correctly involves precise vertical positioning and alignment. Follow this sequence to assemble your cover page.
1. Configure the Header
Insert page numbers using your word processor's automatic numbering tool. The number 1 must appear in the top right corner of the header. Student papers do not require a running head, so leave the left side of the header blank.
2. Position the Paper Title
Place the title three to four lines down from the top margin. Center the text horizontally and format it in bold. Use title case, meaning you capitalize major words while keeping minor words (like short conjunctions and prepositions) lowercase. Keep your title focused and concise—ideally around 10 to 12 words. If the title is long, split it across two double-spaced lines without adding extra vertical spacing.
3. Add Author Details and Affiliations
Hit enter once to create a double-spaced blank line beneath the title. Then, center the following elements on separate consecutive lines:
- Author name: Write your full name (First, Middle initial, Last) without professional titles like Dr. or PhD.
- Affiliation: List your department and university, separated by a comma (e.g., Department of Psychology, University of Michigan).
- Course info: Enter the official course code and title from your syllabus.
- Instructor: Include your instructor's preferred name and title.
- Due date: Write the date using your institution's standard format (e.g., November 2, 2026).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even diligent students run into formatting pitfalls. Watch out for these frequent errors before turning in your paper:
- Forgetting to bold the title: The seventh edition explicitly requires the main paper title to be bolded. Leaving it in plain text is a frequent deduction.
- Adding extra line breaks: Writers often hit enter twice between the title and the author's name. Stick strictly to a single double-spaced line between elements.
- Using full justification: Keep your paragraph alignment left-aligned with a ragged right margin. Never use full justification on an APA paper.
- Including a running head on student papers: Running heads are reserved for professional manuscripts going to journals. Leave them off student assignments unless specifically requested.
To verify your broader document structure against official guidelines, review the APA Style Student Paper Setup Guide for visual diagrams and layout checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cover page for a short assignment?
Check your instructor's specific prompt. While the APA manual requires a title page for all student papers, some professors waive this requirement for short, informal reflections or two-page memos. When in doubt, include it.
How do I format a subtitle on an APA title page?
Place your subtitle on the line immediately following your main title. Separate the main title and subtitle with a colon, and ensure both are centered and bolded as part of the single title block.
Can I use a custom font if my professor likes it?
It's risky. Sticking to standard options like Times New Roman or Calibri ensures your document renders correctly across different computers and grading software platforms.
What should I do if my author name spans two lines?
If you have multiple authors from different institutions, list each author's name centered on the page, followed by their respective institutional affiliation on the next line down. Use superscript numbers to link authors to different universities if necessary.
