Format Guide
APA Title Page Format: Student & Professional
APA 7th edition defines two title page formats: one for student papers and one for professional papers. Both share core elements like the paper title and author name, but differ in details like the running head and author note. This guide covers both formats with examples.
Student Paper Title Page
A student paper title page includes the following elements, all centered and double-spaced. The page number appears in the top-right corner of the header. Three to four lines down from the top margin, place your paper title in bold and centered. Below the title, add the author name (first name, middle initial, last name), the university or institutional affiliation, the course number and name, the instructor's name, and the assignment due date. No running head is required for student papers in APA 7.
Professional Paper Title Page
A professional paper title page includes the page number in the top-right corner and a running head in the top-left corner. The running head is a shortened version of your paper title in ALL CAPS, limited to 50 characters. Note that APA 7 removed the "Running head:" label that was required in APA 6. Three to four lines below the top margin, center your bold paper title. Below it, add the author name(s), institutional affiliation(s), and an author note. The author note appears in the bottom half of the page and may include an ORCID iD, disclosures, and a correspondence address.
Title Formatting
The paper title should be bold, centered, and written in Title Case (capitalize major words). Position it three to four lines down from the top margin, roughly in the upper half of the page. APA recommends keeping titles concise — ideally no more than 12 words. The title should be specific and informative, summarizing the main topic of the paper.
Formatting Rules
APA 7th edition accepts several fonts: Times New Roman 12pt, Calibri 11pt, Arial 11pt, or Georgia 11pt. Use 1-inch margins on all sides. The entire title page is double-spaced. Do not add extra space between elements. Use the same font and size throughout the paper, including the title page, body text, and references.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistakes on APA title pages include: adding a running head to student papers (not required in APA 7), including the "Running head:" label on professional papers (removed in APA 7), forgetting to bold the paper title, using the wrong date format, and adding extra spacing between elements. Always double-check whether your paper is classified as a student or professional submission, as the requirements differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do student papers need a running head in APA 7?
No. APA 7th edition removed the running head requirement for student papers. Only professional papers submitted for publication need a running head.
What information goes on an APA student title page?
An APA 7 student title page includes the paper title (bold, centered), the author's name, the university or institutional affiliation, the course number and name, the instructor's name, and the assignment due date. All elements are centered and double-spaced.
How do I format the running head for APA professional papers?
Place the running head in the top-left header, in ALL CAPS, with a maximum of 50 characters. The page number goes in the top-right corner. Do NOT include the "Running head:" label — that was an APA 6 requirement removed in APA 7.
What font should I use for APA 7?
APA 7th edition allows Times New Roman 12pt, Calibri 11pt, Arial 11pt, or Georgia 11pt. Use the same font throughout the entire paper, including the title page, body, and references.
Should the title be bold on an APA title page?
Yes, the paper title should be bold and centered in APA 7th edition. This applies to both student and professional title pages.
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