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APA 7th Guide: Formatting Resources

Paper Formatting

In-Text Citations

Short Direct Quotes

Long Direct Quotes

References Page

Different Sources

Paper Formatting Checklist for Students

General Formatting

  • Header includes page numbers, right aligned at the top of each page
  • Margins are 1 inch on all sides
  • All text is double spaced
  • All paragraphs are left-aligned
  • All paragraphs in the Text have the first line indented
  • Font may be 12pt Times New Roman*
  • Header may include a running head*

Title Page

  • Text is center aligned
  • Full title of the paper, bolded
  • Author name(s)
  • Affiliated institution and department
  • Course number
  • Instructor Name
  • Assignment due date (Month Day, Year)

Abstract*

  • Left aligned 
  • No paragraph indentation
  • Usually no more than 250 words

Text

  • Starts on a separate page from the Title Page/Abstract
  • Title of the paper in level 1 heading format at the top of the first page
  • The first line of each paragraph is indented 1/2 inch
  • Section headings to organize content

Reference List

  • Starts on a new page, separate from the Text
  • "References" is capitalized, bold, and centered at the top of the page
  • Left aligned with a hanging indent on each reference entry
  • Organized alphabetically by the first letter in each reference entry

Tables & Figures* 

  • Can appear in the text after the paragraph in which they were mentioned or at the end of a paper after the reference list
  • Number (bolded)
  • Brief title in italics
  • Note following

Appendices*

  • Appears in the text after Tables and Figures or the Reference List
  • Each appendix is referenced parenthetically in the Text
  • Each starts on its own page
  • Appendix (X) and Title must be centered and bold at the top of the page

*Not required in the APA 7th Ed. Manual for students, but may be required by your professor.

Fonts

Which Font?

APA 7th Ed. permits several styles of font, depending on whether the text will be read on a screen or in physical copy. Always check to see if your professor requires a certain font, especially since Times New Roman 12pt font has been the default for so long.

Sans-serif fonts for reading on a screen

  • Calibri 11 pt.
  • Arial 11 pt.
  • Lucida Sans Unicode

Serif fonts for reading in physical copy

  • Times New Roman 12pt.
  • Georgia 11pt.
  • Computer Modern 10pt.

Online Resources for APA Style

Headings

Level 1 Heading

     This is the highest level of heading and should be used to denote the primary sections within a paper such as the Methods, Discussion, or Conclusion of a paper. Level one headings should be centered, bolded, use title case (upper and lower case letters). All headings should be the same font size as the rest of your manuscript.

Level 2 Heading

     Use this level of heading to organize topics within the major sections of your manuscript. For example, you could have sections for sample selection, participant recruitment, and/or assessment tool in the methods section of your manuscript. The level 2 heading is formatted the same as the level 1 heading except it should be flush with the left margin.

Level 3 Heading 

     This heading is very useful for organizing specific subjects within a topic. For example, if assessing different sources in a literature review, list the name of each source as a level 3 heading at the beginning of the paragraph in which a specific source is discussed. This heading is formatted the same as a level 2 heading, except it is italicized.

Tables & Figures

Each table is assigned a number in bold based on the order it is used in the article (i.e. Table 1). Located below the table number (and just above the table itself) should be a clear but concise title in italics and title case. Notes about the table go underneath the table. To format one, put "Note." in italics with a period or colon then follow it with a description or explanation.

Example:

 7th edition table formatting

Example provided courtesy of Dr. Kandi Pitchford.

For more information on formatting and when to use tables, check out the link below.

Each figure is assigned a number in bold based on the order it is used in the article (i.e. Figure 1). Located below the figure number (and just above the figure itself) should be a clear but concise title in italics and title case. Notes about the figure go underneath. To format a note, put "Note." in italics with a period or colon then follow it with a description or explanation.

Example:

Figure 1

Official Emblem of South College

 

Note: Emblem provided with the approval of South College

For more examples and guidelines for how and when to use figures in a paper, follow the link below.

Formatting Appendices

An appendix is a section that can come after the reference list that includes supplementary content that doesn't belong in the main text.

Examples: results table from a cited source, an info-graphic, a guideline checklist, or a diagram of complex equipment.

Point readers to the content of an appendix in the body of an article by referring to the corresponding appendix heading. Each appendix should be referred to at least once in the text with a parenthesis.

Example: This kitchen is rated a 5 on the Hazard Scale (for more information on the Hazard Scale, see Appendix B). 

Format an appendix the same way you would start a reference list, with "Appendix" and the title bolded and centered at the top of a new page. If there is more than one appendix, start each on a new page and include a capital letter with the heading. Appendices are lettered and organized by the order they are referred to in the body of the article.

Example: 

Appendix B

Hazard Scale

  • 1 - The room is completely safe and the likelihood of being injured is very low.
  • 2 - The room is relatively safe, but injury is likely if one is inattentive to the environment.
  • 3 - The room is completely unsafe and injury or illness is very likely.

APA Librarian

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