Documentation Style: APA Guide (Based on the 6th Edition): Formatting

APA Guide (Based on the 6th Edition): Formatting

Video Instruction

APA Formatting Video: https://libraries.uta.edu/video/instruction/apa/apaformatting4min.html

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Structure Outline

Formatted Word Document

To start your paper, begin with this document formatted according to APA style.

All About Formatting

The Basics Headings

References

The Basics

When writing a paper using APA style, be sure to use the following formatting guidelines:

Fonts: The preferred font of APA is Times New Roman 12 pt.

Margins: Margins should be 1 inch on all sides.

Page Numbers: Page numbers should be placed in the document header, flush right.

Spacing: The entire document should be double-spaced.

Page Breaks: There should be page breaks (i.e., start a new page) at the Introduction and the References.

Justification: All paragraphs should be indented at 0.5". Keep the body of paragraphs flush left and the right margin uneven/ragged.

Tip! How to Indent

1. Before beginning the list, right-click on the paragraph to be indented.
OR
After creating the list, select all of its text, and right-click on the selection.

2. Choose Paragraph in the menu.

3. In the pop-up, choose First Line under "Special." Press Okay.

Every time you hit "Enter" for a new paragraph afterwards, it will continue to indent the first line.

See “Formatting Tables and Figures” section on pages 127-150 in the APA manual for exceptions.

Headings

Headings also help structure the paper. The more complex your paper the more levels of headings you will use.

Always start anew with Level 1 headings.
Avoid over-using them (number of headings, and number of heading levels).
Avoid headings with numbers or letters.

APA Headings
Level 1 heading	Centered, Boldface, and Title Case Heading The text follows as a new indented paragraph.
Level 2 heading	Flush Left, Boldface, and Title Case Heading The text follows as a new indented paragraph.
Level 3 heading	Indented, boldface, lowercase paragraph heading ending with a period. Immediately followed by the text.
Level 4 heading	Indented, boldface, italicized, lowercase paragraph heading ending with a period. Immediately followed by the text.
Level 5 heading	Indented, italicized, lowercase paragraph heading ending with a period. Immediately followed by the text.

See page 62-63 of the manual for more information.

Reference

American Psychological Association. (2009). Manuscript structure and content. In Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (pp. 21-60). Washington, DC: Author.

References

Begin with References centered at the top of the page (no underlining, italics or special coloration).
Arrange references in alphabetical order by the author's last name, and then in order by date.
Double space between and within references.
Have a hanging indent at the second line of each reference.

Tip! How to Indent

(Want video instructions? Click here!)

1. Before beginning the list, right-click on the paragraph to be indented.
OR
After creating the list, select all of its text, and right-click on the selection.

2. Choose Paragraph in the menu.

3. In the pop-up, choose Hanging under "Special." Press Okay.

Every time you hit "Enter" for a new paragraph afterwards, it will continue to indent all but the first line.

Reference

American Psychological Association. (2009). Manuscript structure and content. In Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (pp. 21-60). Washington, DC: Author.