If you use Google Docs for scholarly writing, then you may be familiar with the APA format. While you can use the Google Docs template, it also helps you learn how to manually configure the APA format in Google Docs.
What is the format of APA?
Your instructor may have specific requirements, but most papers in the APA format should include the following.
- Double-space text without additional spaces between paragraphs.
- Size 12 times the new Roman font, or similar fonts.
- One inch page margin on each side.
- A header that includes the title and page number of your paper.
- A title page that includes the title of your paper, your name, and the name of your school.
- Body paragraphs begin with a 1/2 inch indent.
- A reference page at the end of the paper.
- Text references to specific references or facts.
The Google Doctor APA template includes topics you may or may not need. For example, your instructor may not need the ‘Methodology’ or ‘Results’ section. The American Psychological Association’s website contains official guidelines for the APA style.
Step by step instructions to utilize the APA template in Google Docs
Google Docs offers some templates that automatically format your documents. To configure the APA template in Google Docs:
- Open a new document and select File> New> Template.
- The template gallery will open in a separate browser tab. Look down to the Education section and select Report APA.
- A new document will open with dummy text in the form of APA. With the appropriate formatting already in place, all you need to do is change the words. If there are parts you don’t need, delete them.
How to format APA on Google Docs
Since the layout can be somewhat befuddling, you ought to see how to arrange APA style in Google Docs bit by bit. Once you have formatted your paper, you can save it for future use as your template:
- Change the font to Times New Roman and font size to 12.
- Select Insert> Header and Footer> Header.
- The font will return to the header by default, so change it to 12 Point Times New Roman and type the title of your paper into all caps.
- Select Insert> Page Number> Page Number.
- Move the text cursor to the left of the page number and press the space bar or tab key until it joins the top right margin, then check the box at the bottom of the first page.
- The text you enter will disappear from the first page, but it will appear on later pages. Type running head: then space, then type your title on all caps.
- Type the number, then move the text cursor to the left of the page number and press the space bar or tab key until it is aligned with the top right margin.
- Type the number, then move the text cursor to the left of the page number and press the space bar or tab key until it is aligned with the top right margin.
- Press the Enter key until the text cursor is in the middle of the page and select Center Alignment.
- Type the full title of the paper, your full name, and the name of your school on separate lines.
- Select Start> Break> Page Break to start a new page.
- Align the center and type the summary.
- Press Enter, select left alignment.
- Select the tab to indent, then type your abstract.
- To start a new page, select Insert> Break> Page Break, then click the Tab button and start typing your paper body. Start each new paragraph with an indent.
- When you’re done with your paper body, select Insert> Break> Break Page to create a new page for your references.