Template Issues

How to Create an APA Cover Page in Microsoft Word

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to create a cover page formatted according to APA guidelines in Microsoft Word.

How to Create an APA Cover Page in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Writing an academic paper that requires strict adherence to APA 7th edition formatting rules.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word does not provide a reliable, built-in APA 7th edition cover page template, requiring the user to format the title page manually.

Before you start

Ensure you know whether you are writing a student paper or a professional paper, as APA 7th edition guidelines have slightly different title page requirements for each.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Format an APA 7th Edition Cover Page

Set up your Word document manually using standard APA page settings, fonts, and spacing.

Since Microsoft Word may not include a dedicated or up-to-date APA cover page template, you can easily create one from a blank document. By adjusting your margins, font, and spacing according to official APA Style or Purdue OWL guidelines, your title page will meet all academic requirements.

Set Page Margins

Open a new document in Word. Go to the 'Layout' tab on the ribbon, click 'Margins', and select 'Normal' to ensure you have 1-inch margins on all sides.

Adjust Font and Spacing

Navigate back to the 'Home' tab. Select an APA-approved font, such as 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri. Click the 'Line and Paragraph Spacing' icon and set it to '2.0' (Double spacing). Ensure no extra spaces are added before or after paragraphs.

Add the Page Number

Go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Page Number', and select 'Top of Page'. Choose 'Plain Number 3' to place the page number in the top right corner of the header.

Enter Title Information

Double-click out of the header. Press the 'Enter' key 3 to 4 times to move down the page. Click the 'Center' alignment button on the 'Home' tab. Turn on 'Bold' and type your paper's title. Press 'Enter' twice, turn off bold formatting, and type your name, institutional affiliation, course name, instructor name, and due date on separate lines.

Manually Format an APA 7th Edition Cover Page

Student vs. Professional Papers: Professional APA papers also require a running head (the paper title in all caps) aligned to the top left of the header. Student papers typically only require the page number in the top right corner.

Format Academic Papers with Ease

Create APA Cover Pages Quickly in WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly capable word processor that fully supports strict academic formatting standards like APA. With precise layout controls and an extensive template library, setting up professional or student papers is completely effortless and free.

1. Create a New Document: Open WPS Writer and click 'Blank Document' to start your paper.
2. Set Margins to 1 Inch: Navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab, click 'Margins', and select 'Normal' to apply 1-inch borders globally.
3. Apply Double Spacing: On the 'Home' tab, click the 'Line Spacing' tool and select '2.0' for standard APA double spacing.
4. Format Your Title Page: Insert a page number in the top right via the 'Insert' tab, then center your text on the page to type out your bolded title and academic details.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) document formats.Easy-to-use margin, paragraph spacing, and header controls for strict APA compliance.Extensive built-in template library for academic and professional use.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use on multiple platforms.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microsoft Word have an APA 7th edition template?

Microsoft Word sometimes includes basic academic templates, but they may not be updated to the latest APA 7th edition standards. It is highly recommended to format the title page manually to ensure full compliance.

What fonts are acceptable for an APA 7 cover page?

APA 7 allows for a variety of accessible fonts. Approved choices include 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode, and 11-point Georgia.

Where can I find reliable examples of APA cover pages?

You can find authoritative examples, title page samples, and detailed formatting guidelines on the official APA Style website or the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).

Do I need a running head on an APA cover page?

Under APA 7th edition rules, a running head is only required for professional papers intended for publication. Standard student papers only require a page number in the top right corner of the header.

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