How to Do a Running Head in APA

Understanding the APA Running Head

The running head is a shortened version of your paper's title that appears at the top of every page in an APA-style document, starting with the title page. Its primary purpose is to help readers quickly identify the document's topic, especially if pages get separated. For student papers, APA 7th edition has simplified things considerably. The most significant change is that you no longer need to include "Running head:" before the shortened title on the title page.

Key Components of an APA Running Head

There are two main parts to the running head:

1. The Shortened Title: This is a concise version of your paper's main topic. It should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces and punctuation. It's always in all capital letters.
2. The Page Number: This is the sequential page number of your document.

Formatting Your Running Head in APA 7th Edition

APA 7th edition has made this process much more straightforward, especially for student papers.

For Student Papers (Most Common)

• Location: The running head appears in the header of every page.
• Content: It consists of the page number only.
• Placement: The page number is right-aligned in the header.

That’s it. For student papers, you don't need a shortened title in the header at all. Just the page number.

For Professional Papers (Less Common for Students)

If you are submitting your paper for publication or in a professional context, the requirements are slightly different.

• Location: The running head appears in the header of every page.
• Content: It includes "Running head:" followed by the shortened title (all caps), and then the page number.
• Placement:

On the title page, "Running head:" and the shortened title are left-aligned, and the page number is right-aligned. On all subsequent pages, only the shortened title (all caps) and the page number appear in the header. The "Running head:" label is omitted.

Important Note for Students: Always check your instructor's specific guidelines. Some instructors might still request the older format, even though APA 7th edition has simplified it.

Crafting Your Shortened Title

When you do need a shortened title (for professional papers), keep these tips in mind:

• Brevity is Key: Aim for clarity and conciseness. Think of it as a headline for your paper.
• Reflect the Core Topic: What is the absolute essence of your research or argument?
• Use Keywords: Include important terms that accurately describe your paper's content.
• Avoid Unnecessary Words: Omit articles (a, an, the), prepositions, and conjunctions unless they are essential for meaning.
• Check the Character Limit: Remember, it's 50 characters max, including spaces.

Example: If your paper title is "The Impact of Social Media Usage on Adolescent Self-Esteem and Mental Well-being," a good shortened title might be:

• "SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH" (43 characters)
• "SOCIAL MEDIA'S IMPACT ON ADOLESCENT WELL-BEING" (48 characters)

How to Set Up the Running Head in Word Processors

Most word processors make setting up headers relatively simple. Here's a general guide for Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Microsoft Word

1. Access the Header: Double-click in the top margin of your document, or go to the "Insert" tab and click "Header," then choose "Edit Header."
2. Insert Page Number:

Go to the "Insert" tab. Click "Page Number." * Select "Top of Page" and choose the "Plain Number 2" (for left-aligned) or "Plain Number 3" (for right-aligned) option.

1. For Professional Papers (Title Page Difference):

In the Header & Footer Tools tab, check the box for "Different First Page." On the first page header, type "Running head:" and then your shortened title in all caps. Ensure the page number is right-aligned. * On the second page header (and subsequent pages), delete "Running head:" and leave only the shortened title (all caps) and the right-aligned page number.

1. For Student Papers (APA 7th Edition):

Ensure "Different First Page" is unchecked. Simply insert the page number (right-aligned) into the header. You don't need "Running head:" or the shortened title.

1. Close Header & Footer: Double-click anywhere in the main document area.

Google Docs

1. Access the Header: Go to "Insert" > "Headers & footers" > "Header."
2. Insert Page Number:

Click "Insert" > "Page numbers." Select the option that includes the header (usually the second option).

1. For Professional Papers (Title Page Difference):

Click "Options" in the header section. Check "Different first page." On the first page header, type "Running head:" followed by your shortened title in all caps. The page number will automatically be right-aligned. On the second page header, ensure "Running head:" is removed, leaving only the shortened title (all caps) and the right-aligned page number.

1. For Student Papers (APA 7th Edition):

Ensure "Different first page" is unchecked. Simply insert the page number (which will be right-aligned by default in this header style). No "Running head:" or shortened title is needed.

1. Click outside the header to return to your document.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the Page Number: Every page needs a number.
• Incorrect Capitalization: The shortened title should always be in all caps.
• Exceeding the Character Limit: Keep it under 50 characters.
• Including "Running head:" on Student Papers (APA 7th): This is a common error now that the rule has changed.
• Formatting Errors: Ensure the page number is right-aligned.

Why It Matters

A properly formatted running head, especially the page number, helps maintain the integrity and professionalism of your academic work. It demonstrates attention to detail and adherence to academic standards. If you're finding the formatting aspects of APA style challenging, services like EssayGazebo.com offer professional editing and formatting to ensure your papers are submission-ready.