Your title page sets the immediate tone for your entire research paper or professional manuscript. According to the APA Publication Manual, getting this single page right ensures your work meets the formal standards required in the social sciences, nursing, and education. If you're wondering how to structure your cover page without guessing margins or font sizes, here is the exact breakdown you need.
An APA title page isn't just a decorative cover; it's a structured signpost designed for clarity. The 7th edition of the APA manual introduced streamlined guidelines that separate student papers from professional manuscripts. Whether you're turning in a term paper or submitting an article to an academic journal, nailing the layout saves you from frustrating formatting revisions later.
Page Setup and Core Layout Rules
Before typing a single word, configure your document settings. These foundational parameters apply to both student and professional papers.
- Margins: Set all margins—top, bottom, left, and right—to exactly one inch.
- Font Choice: Use an accessible, standard font. Acceptable options include 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, 11-point Calibri, or 11-point Georgia. Keep the font uniform throughout the document.
- Line Spacing: Double-space the entire title page. Don't add extra blank lines above or below the title.
- Page Numbers: Insert the page number in the top-right corner of the header. The title page is always page 1.
Anatomy of a Student Title Page
If you're writing a paper for a class, your title page requires specific details arranged in the center half of the page. The elements stack vertically in a precise order.
First, place the paper's title three or four lines down from the top margin. Type the title in bold, use title case, and keep it centered. The title should be concise, ideally no more than 12 words, avoiding filler phrases like "A Study of" or "An Investigation Into."
Hit Enter twice, then type your name. Follow your name on subsequent double-spaced lines with your institutional affiliation (your university department and name), the course number and name, your instructor's name, and the assignment due date.
Here is how the vertical stack looks on the page:
- Paper Title (bold, centered, title case)
- Author Name (you)
- Department Name and University Name
- Course Number: Course Name
- Instructor Name
- Due Date
Anatomy of a Professional Title Page
Professional manuscripts submitted for publication drop the course and instructor details and add an author note.
The professional layout includes the running head, the paper title, author names, affiliations, and an author note placed at the bottom half of the page. The running head is typed in all capital letters and aligned flush left in the header, paired with the page number on the right. Note that unlike the older 6th edition, the 7th edition does not require the words "Running head:" on professional title pages unless specifically requested by a journal editor.
The author note provides disclosures, funding sources, and contact information. It sits below the affiliations block, starting with the label "Author Note" centered and bolded.
Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced writers trip over minor technicalities when building an APA cover page. Watch out for these frequent errors:
- Wrong Text Alignment: Every line on the title page must be centered, except for the page number in the top-right corner. Don't left-align your name or affiliation block.
- Incorrect Bold Styling: Bold the title, but keep your name, affiliation, and course details in plain text.
- Extra Spacing: Don't press Enter multiple times to push text down the page. Use the vertical centering tool or adjust your document's top margin spacing if necessary.
- Mismanaged Running Heads: For student papers, omit the running head entirely unless your instructor explicitly demands it. For professional papers, ensure the shortened title fits within the 50-character limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an abstract on my APA title page?
No. The abstract belongs on page 2 of your manuscript, immediately following the title page. Start the abstract on a fresh page with the word "Abstract" centered and bolded at the top.
Can I use a custom font if my professor likes it?
It's risky. Stick to the approved 7th edition fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri unless your instructor grants explicit permission to use something else.
How do I handle a subtitle in my APA title?
If your paper has a subtitle, use a colon after the main title. Place the subtitle on the same line if it fits, or on the double-spaced line directly below it, maintaining the same bold styling.
Do professional papers require course names?
No. Course numbers, instructor names, and assignment dates are strictly for student papers. Professional manuscripts feature only the author names, affiliations, and the author note.
