Do you use Google Docs for academic writing? 📚 If so, getting familiar with APA format is essential. While using a Google Docs template can save time, knowing how to set up APA format manually in Google Docs is also very useful.
This guide covers the steps for setting up APA format in the web version of Google Docs. The instructions apply to all web browsers and operating systems, making it easy to follow no matter what you’re using.
What Is APA Format?
Your instructor might have specific requirements, but most papers in APA format generally include:
- Double-spaced text with no extra spaces between paragraphs.
- Size 12 Times New Roman font, or a similarly legible font.
- One-inch page margins on all sides.
- A header that includes the title of your paper and the page number.
- A title page with the title of your paper, your name, and your school’s name.
- Body paragraphs beginning with a 1/2 inch indent.
- A References page at the end of the paper.
- In-text citations for specific quotes or facts.
The Google Docs APA template includes headings that you may or may not need. For example, your instructor might not require a ‘Methodology’ or ‘Results’ section. For the official guidelines, check out the American Psychological Association’s website.
How to Use the APA Template in Google Docs
Google Docs offers several templates that automatically format your documents. To set up the APA template in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Open a new document and select File > New > From template.
- The template gallery will open in a separate browser tab. Scroll down to the Education section and select Report APA.
If you need to set up MLA format in Google Docs, there’s also a template for that.
A new document will open containing dummy text in APA format. With the proper formatting already in place, you just need to change the words. If there are sections you don’t need, simply delete them.
How to Do APA Format on Google Docs
Since the template can be a little confusing, here’s a step-by-step guide to set up APA style in Google Docs. Once your paper is formatted, you can save it as your own personal template for future use:
- Change the font to Times New Roman and the font size to 12.
- Google Docs uses 1-inch margins all around by default, so you don’t need to change them.
- Select Insert > Headers & footers > Header.
- You can easily change and remove headers in Google Docs at any time.
- The font for the header will revert to the default, so change it to 12-point Times New Roman and type the title of your paper in all caps. If your title is long, use a shortened version.
- Select Insert > Page numbers > Page count.
- Move the text cursor to the left side of the page number and press the spacebar or tab key until it is aligned with the top-right margin, then check the box under Different first page.
- The text you entered will disappear from the first page but will appear on subsequent pages. Type Running head: followed by a space, then type your title in all caps.
- Type the number 1, then move the text cursor to the left side of the page number and press the spacebar or tab key until it is aligned with the top-right margin.
- Make sure the font is set to the same font as the rest of your text.
- Click or tap anywhere below the header, then select Format > Line Spacing > Double.
- Alternatively, select the Line spacing icon in the toolbar at the top of the page and choose Double.
- Press the Enter key until the text cursor is about mid-way down the page and select Center Align.
- Type the paper’s full title, your full name, and your school’s name on separate lines.
- Select Insert > Break > Page Break to start a new page.
- Select Center Align and type Abstract.
- Press Enter, then select Left Align.
- Select Tab to indent, then type your abstract. Google Docs’ default indent of 0.5 inches is appropriate for APA format.
- Select Insert > Break > Page Break to start a new page, then press the Tab key and begin typing the body of your paper. Begin each new paragraph with an indent.
- You can set custom indents in Google Docs using the ruler tool.
- When you’re finished with the body of your paper, select Insert > Break > Page Break to create a new page for your references.
Formatting References for APA Style
At the end of your paper, create a separate page with the heading References (without quotation marks) centered at the top. The format for each reference varies depending on the type of source. Here’s how to reference articles found on the web:
Author last name, first name (year, month day). Title. Publication. URL.
For example, an online news article should be referenced like this:
Kelion, Leo (2020, May 4). Coronavirus: UK contact-tracing app is ready for Isle of Wight downloads. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52532435.
Ensure your references are alphabetized by the author’s last name. Each entry needs a hanging indent, which means that every line after the first one is indented.
In-text Citations for APA Style
APA style requires in-text citations for all facts or quotes. Place the citation in the format (Author last name, publication year, p. #) after the quote or before the sentence’s end punctuation. For example:
(Atwood, 2019, p. 43)
If you’re referencing an entire work, you can omit the page number.
Conclusion
Mastering APA format in Google Docs can greatly enhance the professionalism and credibility of your academic writing. By using the APA template or setting up the format manually, you ensure your work adheres to academic standards. Remember to:
- Use double-spaced text and a 12-point Times New Roman font.
- Set one-inch margins and include a header with your paper’s title and page number.
- Follow proper formatting for title pages, abstracts, and body paragraphs.
- Create a References page with correctly formatted citations and hanging indents.
- Use in-text citations to give credit for quotes and facts.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to present your research in a clear and organized manner.
FAQ
1. What is APA format and why is it important?
APA format is a set of guidelines for writing and formatting research papers and is widely used in academic writing. It ensures consistency and professionalism, making your work easier to read and understand.
2. How do I set up APA format in Google Docs?
To set up APA format in Google Docs, you can either use the APA template from the template gallery or manually adjust the settings. This includes setting the font to Times New Roman size 12, double-spacing the text, and creating headers with your paper’s title and page numbers.
3. What should be included on the title page of an APA formatted paper?
The title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school’s name, all centered and double-spaced. Ensure the title is in title case and centered on the page.
4. How do I format in-text citations in APA style?
In-text citations in APA style should be in the format (Author last name, publication year, p. #). Place the citation after the quote or before the sentence’s end punctuation. Omit the page number if referencing the entire work.
5. What is a hanging indent, and how do I apply it in Google Docs?
A hanging indent means that every line after the first line of a reference entry is indented. In Google Docs, you can apply a hanging indent by selecting the text, clicking on “Format,” choosing “Align & Indent,” then “Indentation options,” and setting the special indent to “Hanging.”
6. Where can I find the official guidelines for APA style?
The official guidelines for APA style can be found on the American Psychological Association’s website. This resource provides comprehensive details on formatting papers, citing sources, and other important aspects of APA style.
