Writing an APA format paper in Google Docs is surprisingly straightforward. By following a few simple steps, you can set up your document to meet all the APA guidelines. This includes things such as font style, size, spacing, and the inclusion of a title page and reference page. Let’s dive into how to get your Google Doc APA ready!
Table of Contents showBefore we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand what these steps will achieve. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to format your document according to APA standards, which is crucial for many academic papers. Let’s get started!
Choose a 12-point Times New Roman font for your document.
APA format requires the use of a standard, easily readable font. Times New Roman is the most commonly accepted font, and it should be set at a 12-point size for the body of your text. This ensures clarity and uniformity throughout your document.
Set your document’s line spacing to double.
APA format requires double spacing throughout the document. This includes the title page, abstract, body of the document, and references. Double spacing makes the document easier to read and allows for comments and corrections.
Add a running head on the title page.
The running head is a shortened version of your title and should not exceed 50 characters, including spaces. It should be aligned to the left-hand side of the page, and you’ll need to insert it into the header section of your Google Doc.
Insert a title page that includes the title, your name, and the institution.
The title page is the first impression of your APA document. It should be clean and well-organized, providing the reader with essential information such as the paper’s title, your name, and the institution you’re affiliated with.
Include in-text citations and a reference page.
Proper citation is a critical component of APA format. Make sure to include in-text citations wherever you reference another author’s work. Additionally, create a reference page at the end of your document that lists all the sources you’ve cited.
After completing these steps, you will have a Google Doc that is formatted according to APA standards. This will ensure that your document is professional, credible, and ready for submission or publication.
No, Google Docs does not have an automatic APA formatting feature. However, you can manually set up your document following the steps provided in this article.
APA format requires attention to detail, and while Google Docs does not automatically format your document, it does provide you with the tools necessary to correctly set up your APA document.
Google Docs does not currently offer an official APA template. However, you can create your own template by formatting a document according to APA standards and saving it for future use.
You insert a running head in the header section of your Google Docs by double-clicking the top of the page and typing in your shortened title.
Remember to include the words “Running head” before the title on the title page only. For subsequent pages, only the title (in all caps) and the page number should appear in the header.
Headings in APA are bold and centered. There are different levels of headings that follow specific formatting rules, which you can find in the APA manual or reputable academic sources.
To create a hanging indent, you’ll need to go to “Format,” select “Align & indent,” then “Indentation options,” and set a 0.5-inch indent under “Special indent.”
This will format the second and subsequent lines of each reference entry to be indented, which is a requirement for APA reference pages.
Mastering APA format in Google Docs is a valuable skill for any student or professional. Although it may seem daunting at first, with a bit of practice and attention to detail, it becomes second nature. Remember, the key to success is consistency and adherence to the official APA guidelines. By following the steps laid out in this article, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a polished and professional document that meets all the APA standards.
Moreover, as someone who has navigated the intricacies of APA formatting, I can assure you that the satisfaction of a well-formatted document is worth the effort. It’s not just about following rules—it’s about developing a clear and effective way to communicate your ideas. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get that Google Doc in tip-top APA shape. Who knows, you might just find yourself becoming the go-to APA expert among your peers!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.