reference page apa google docs

• Get Great Eclipse Photos with Your Phone
• The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones to Buy

How to Use APA Format in Google Docs

Format any academic paper with ease

In This Article

Jump to a Section

What Is APA Format?

• Step-by-Step: Use the APA Template in Google Docs
• Use APA Format on Google Docs

Formatting References for APA Style

In-text citations for apa style.

• Frequently Asked Questions

If you use Google Docs for academic writing, then you'll likely need to be familiar with APA format. While you can use a Google Docs template , it also helps to know how to set up APA format in Google Docs manually, too.

Instructions in this article apply to the web version of Google Docs. The steps are the same for all web browsers and operating systems .

Your instructor might have specific requirements, but most papers in APA format should include the following:

• 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 that includes the title of your paper, your name, and your school's name.
• Body paragraphs begin 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 Doc APA template includes headings that you may or may not need. For example, your instructor might not require a 'Methodology' or 'Results' section. The American Psychological Association's website has the official guidelines for APA style .

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:

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, delete them.

How to Do APA Format on Google Docs

Since the template can be a little confusing, you should understand how to set up APA style in Google Docs step-by-step. Once you format your paper, you can save it to use as your own personal template for the future:

Change the font to Times New Roman and the font size to 12 .

Google Docs uses 1-inch margins all round by default, so you don't need to change the margins.

Select Insert > Headers & footers > Header .

You can easily change and remove headers on 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.

You can use a shortened version of your title if it is particularly long.

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 it 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 .

Alternately, 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 , select Left Align .

Select Tab to indent, then type your abstract.

Google Doc's default ident 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.

At the end of your paper, there should be a separate page that begins with the word “References” (without quotation marks) centered below the heading. The appropriate format for each reference depends on the type of source. For instance, use the following format to reference articles found on the web:

• Author last name, first name (year, month day). Title. Publication. URL.

So, an online news article can be referenced as follows:

• 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 .

Your references should be alphabetized by the author's last name, and each entry needs a hanging indent , which means that every line after the first one is indented.

APA style also requires in-text citations. Follow all facts or quotes with a citation in the format (Author last, publication year, p. #) after the quote or before the sentence's end punction. For example:

• (Atwood, 2019, p. 43)

You can omit the page number if you're referencing an entire work.

The American Psychological Association website has more examples of references in APA style .

Select Insert from the Google Docs menu bar, followed by Table . From the pull-down menu, choose the number of rows and columns for your table (1x1 minimum, 20x20 maximum). Remove all vertical lines in the table by selecting them, then select the Border Color tool and choose a color that matches the table background. Do the same for the horizontal lines, except when those lines are needed for data clarity. Type the number of the table (in bold) above the table, then type the table's title in title case (and in italics) below that. Include any relevant notes below the table.

Change the formatting of citations that have already been written to APA by selecting Tools from the menu bar, followed by Citations . A citation format sidebar will appear on the right side of the screen. Select APA from the drop-down menu to have Google Docs change your citation format accordingly.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs
• How to Use Google Docs Page Break
• 3 Ways to Delete a Blank Page in Word
• How to Do a Hanging Indent in Google Slides
• How to Edit Google Docs
• How to Do a Hanging Indent Google Docs
• How to Do a Block Quote in Google Docs
• How to Use Google Docs Brochure Template
• How to Indent on Google Docs
• How to Add Advanced Headers and Footers in Word
• How to Add Footnotes in Google Docs
• How to Remove Header in Google Docs
• How to Add a Border in Google Docs
• What Is Google Docs?
• How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs
• How to Make a Table of Contents in Google Docs

How to set up an APA format paper in Google Docs

• How to use Google Docs' APA format templates

How to write an APA format paper in Google Docs using a template or other built-in features

• You can write an APA formatted paper in Google Docs using its built-in tools or a template.
• The basics of APA 7 format include double-spaced lines, a running header, and a title page — all of which can be done in Google Docs.
• Google Docs' templates page includes pre-made APA 6 and APA 7 documents you can use as well.

While some students write in MLA format, others write in APA format. APA — short for American Psychological Association — is a standardized format for writing academic papers, especially in the fields of sociology, psychology, and other behavioral or social sciences. It has specific rules for what your essays should look like, and how they should be structured.

APA format has changed a few times over the decades (right now we're on APA Seventh Edition, or "APA 7"), but the basics have stayed the same. And no matter which version of APA format you're using, you can set it all up using Google Docs.

Here's how to make an APA essay in Google Docs, either manually or using a template.

Like other style guides, APA format has a variety of rules and standards. Here are the most important guidelines for structuring your paper, along with tips on how to meet those guidelines in Google Docs.

• The font needs to be readable and consistent.

APA isn't strict about what font you should use, or even what size it should be. It just needs to be legible, and you need to use the same font throughout your entire paper (with exceptions for figures, computer code, and footnotes). Some common choices are 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, and 11-point Calibri.

You can change your font and font size using the toolbar at the top of the screen. If you're trying to change text that you've already written, just be sure to highlight it first.

• Your entire document needs to have one-inch margins and double-spaced lines.

All Google Docs documents have one-inch margins by default, so you probably don't need to worry about that. If you want to double-check or change them anyway, you can change the margins using the Page Setup menu or ruler feature .

Meanwhile, you can enable double-spacing with the Line & paragraph spacing menu in the toolbar above your document. Highlight all the text in your document, then select Double in this menu to turn on double-spacing . 

• Every page needs a header with the paper's title in the top-left, and the page number in the top-right.

Google Docs lets you add headers to any page. You can add automatic page numbers through the Insert menu , and then double-click the header to add your title on the left if needed.

Remember that they need to be the same font and font size as the rest of your paper.

• Your paper needs a title page with your name, paper title in bold, "institutional affiliation," and more.

Probably the most important part of an APA paper is the title page. It needs to include the paper's title in bold, your name, and your "institutional affiliation" — the school or organization that you're writing for. If you're a student, you also need to add the course number and name, your instructor's name, and the due date.

All this information should be centered in the upper-half of the first page. You can find Google Docs' alignment options in the toolbar at the top of the page. Highlight your text and select Center align in this menu to center everything.

• Your paper should end with a References page, and each entry should be written with a hanging indent.

The last section of your paper is the References page. Make sure to put it on a new page (or pages, depending on how many you have to cite).

The word "References" should be centered and bolded on the very first line of the page. You can center the words using the alignment options mentioned above, and bold it by clicking the B icon .

List all your references in alphabetical order and use the ruler to give each one a hanging indent — in other words, every line after the first needs to be indented .

Your citations need hanging indents, which you can make with the ruler tool. Google; William Antonelli/Insider

How to use google docs' apa format templates.

While you can format your paper manually, Google Docs also offers two different APA templates — one for APA 7, and another for APA 6. These templates will let you meet most of the APA guidelines right away, but you'll probably still need to change some of it.

To use one of these templates:

1. Head to the Google Docs homepage and click Template gallery in the top-right.

2. Scroll down the templates page until you reach the Education section. In this section, click either Report [APA 6th ed] or Report [APA 7th ed] .

3. A page will open with an APA format paper already written in fake Lorem Ipsum language. Most of the formatting is there, so you just need to replace the pre-written words with your own.

You can find these templates in the mobile app by tapping the plus sign icon in the bottom-right, and then selecting Choose template .

On February 28, Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, joined 31 other media groups and filed a $2.3 billion suit against Google in Dutch court, alleging losses suffered due to the company's advertising practices.

• Main content

• Help Center
• Google Docs Editors
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Submit feedback
• Google Docs

Add citations and a bibliography

You can add citations and a bibliography to your Google Doc with these styles:

• MLA (8th ed.)
• APA (7th ed.)
• Chicago Author-Date (17th ed.)

Important: The citations tool is available in all languages, but the elements the tool generates in your document only appear in English at this time.  For example:

• A book title you enter in the citations tool appears in the language you entered it.
• The “Bibliography” heading, “edited by,” and other elements generated by the citations tool appear in English regardless of your language in Google Docs.

You can translate auto-generated elements to another language after you insert them in your document.

• In the sidebar, select your formatting style from MLA , APA , or Chicago Author-Date .

Add a citation source and related details

• In the Citations sidebar, under your selected style, click + Add citation source .
• Select your source type.
• You can use a URL to search for websites or online newspapers, or use an ISBN number to search for books.
• Recommended fields include a blue asterisk.
• To add multiple contributors, click + Contributor.
• You can indicate if a contributor is an organization, such as a company.
• Click Add citation source .

Learn more about how to add and edit sources .

Insert an in-text citation

• In the Citations sidebar, hover over the source you want to cite.
• A Cite button appears on the side of the citation source.
• The source appears in your selected style within the text of your document.
• If a “#” appears in the text of your document, delete it or replace it with the page number(s) for your citation.

Edit a citation source

• At the bottom of the sidebar, click Save source .

Delete a citation source

Insert a bibliography.

• In your document, place your cursor where you want the bibliography to appear.
• In the Citations sidebar at the bottom, click Insert bibliography. A bibliography appears in your selected style.

Related articles

• Add and edit sources
• See and use suggested content in a document
• Correct your spelling & grammar in Google Docs
• Count the words in a document
• Search and use find and replace

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Add Citations and a Bibliography in Google Docs

By Erin Wright

This tutorial shows how to add citations and a bibliography in Google Docs. First, we will enter the source information. Then, we will add in-text citations. Finally, we will create a bibliography (also known as a Works Cited list or References list).

Table of Contents

How to Enter Sources

How to add in-text citations, how to create a bibliography.

Watch all the steps shown here in real time!

Explore more than 200 writing-related software tutorials on my YouTube channel .

Let’s get started…

• Select the Tools menu.

• Select Citations from the drop-down menu.

• Select MLA , APA , or Chicago Author-Date from the style guide format menu in the Citations sidebar. (You only have to make this choice for the first source.)

• Select Add citation source .

• Select the type of source from the Source type menu:
• Book section
• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Miscellaneous

• Select how you accessed the source from the Accessed by menu. (The options will change according to the type of source you are citing.)

How to Enter Sources Automatically with ISBNs and URLs

If you are citing a book, book section, website, or article from a website, you can use the ISBN or URL to enter the source information automatically.

• Enter the ISBN or URL into the text box and then select the Search button.

• After the source information appears, select the Continue button.

• The source information will be automatically entered into the relevant fields. Manually fix any incorrect or missing information and then select the Add citation source button.

The source will now appear in the Citations sidebar.

How to Manually Enter Sources

If you are citing a journal article, newspaper article, film, TV series, TV episode or miscellaneous source, enter as much information as you have available in the related fields.

• Select the type of contributor and then enter the name in the text boxes. (The type of contributors available will depend on the type of source you are citing.)

• Select Corporation/organization if the contributor is not a person and then enter the name in the text box.

• Select + Contributor if you need to add additional contributors.

• Fill out the remaining fields with as much information as you have available and then select the Add citation source button (see figure 9).
• If the Citations sidebar is not visible, select the Tools menu (see figure 1) and Citations from the drop-down menu (see figure 2).
• Place your cursor in the text where you want to insert the citation.
• Hover your pointer over the source in the sidebar and then select the Cite button.

• If necessary, delete the # or manually enter the page numbers into the citation. (Page numbers are not entered when creating the source because you may cite multiple pages or page ranges from the same source.)

Important Note: Google Docs will include all your sources in the bibliography, even those you didn’t cite in your text.

Therefore, you may want to delete unused sources from the sidebar before creating the bibliography by hovering over the source, selecting the three-dot menu, and then selecting Delete .

Alternatively, you can manually delete those sources from the bibliography later.

• Place your cursor in the text where you want to insert the bibliography.
• Select the Insert References or Insert Works Cited button.

The bibliography will appear in your document. You can manually edit the heading to Bibliography, Works Cited, Reference List, or List of References as necessary.

Related Resources

How to Insert Citations in Microsoft Word (Step-by-Step)

• Microsoft Word Tutorials
• Adobe Acrobat Tutorials
• PowerPoint Tutorials
• Writing Tips
• Editing Tips
• Writing-Related Resources

How to Style Your Paper with APA Format in Google Docs

• Last updated November 15, 2023

If you’re a student or working in the academic field, you’re probably somewhat familiar with the APA format. However, formatting your paper according to APA guidelines can be daunting, especially if you’re using a tool like Google Docs.

But fear not! In this article, we’ll teach you how to use APA format in Google Docs and access its built-in APA templates to save you time and effort in the long run.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What Is APA Format?

APA stands for American Psychological Association. From its name, it’s easy to guess that this style has become the standard for many disciplines, including psychology, education, and social sciences.

The APA Style  is a standard format used in essays, research, and other forms of academic writing.

Related : How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs [Step-by-Step Guide]

How to Set Up APA Format in Google Docs

Before starting the writing process, it’s essential to customize the appearance of your document. This ensures that every important section in an APA-style paper is present. As of writing, APA is in its seventh edition  (APA 7). Therefore, we’ll use this version in the following guide.

Here’s how to do APA format in Google Docs.

Step 1: Configure Margin Settings

By default, a new document in Google Docs has one-inch margins on all sides. If you’ve changed your default settings at some point in the past, you’ll need to modify them for APA.

• Go to “File,” then select  “Page setup.”

• Ensure that all margins are set at 1 inch  (or in the margin size specified by your instructor).
• Click  “OK”  when done.

Step 2: Add Page Headers

• In the drop-down menu bar, select “ I nsert” > “Headers & footers” > “Header.”

• If you’re writing the paper for professional use, type the title in all caps (as a running head ). If not, skip step three.
• Highlight the page header and select  “Times New Roman,”  size 12 as the font.

• Under the Header menu, click on the “Options”  drop-down and choose “Page numbers.”

• Ensure that the value in the “Start at”  field is 1. Click on the “Apply”  button to insert the pagination.

• Place your cursor at the immediate left of the page number. Press the  “Tab”  key and/or the spacebar on your keyboard to flush the page number to the right.

Step 3: Set up the APA Format for Title Page in Google Docs

• Click on any part of your document.
• Change the font style by clicking on the “Font”  drop-down menu and selecting “Times New Roman.”

• Adjust the font size to 12 using the “Font size”  option in the Google Docs toolbar.

• Click on the “Line & paragraph spacing”  button (denoted by an up-down arrow with three horizontal lines). Select  “Double.”

• Press the  “Enter” or  “Return”  key on your keyboard three to four times.
• Click on “Align” > “Center align”  in the toolbar to flush the text to the middle of the page.

• Type your paper title and make it bold by pressing  “Ctrl” + “B”  (or “Cmd” + “B”  for Mac) on your keyboard.

• Alternatively, highlight the title and click the  “B” (Bold) button on the toolbar at the top.

• Add a new line, then type the name of the author(s) below it.
• For students : Author’s school, course number and name, name of the instructor, and assignment due date.
• For professionals : Author’s affiliation (where the research was conducted), notes from the author, and ORCiD link .

• To start a new page, select  “Insert” > “Break” > “Page break.”

Step 4: Insert an Abstract Page

An abstract page  presents the overall gist of your paper. It contains both the summary and a list of keywords related to your topic. Note that this is only important for professional papers.

To insert an abstract page, simply follow the steps below.

• On a new page after the title page, type “Abstract”  and select  “Align” > “Center align”  in the toolbar.

• Make it bold by pressing “Ctrl” + “B”  (or  “Cmd” + “B”  for Mac).
• Press “Enter”  to start a new line.
• Enable  “Left align”  and begin typing your abstract.

Step 5: Type the Full Paper Title & Start Writing

Having laid out the basic formatting of your paper, you can now begin writing your content. On the first line of a new page, you’ll have to enter the full title of your work. This should be bolded, centered, and using an APA-style title case .

When it comes to the body of your paper or dissertation, there are a few more elements to remember.

Apply the Correct Paragraph Format

When using the APA style, your paragraphs should be aligned to the left margin. Each paragraph should also start with a 0.5-inch indentation . In Google Docs, pressing the “Tab”  key on your keyboard should produce a half-inch indentation by default.

If you’re citing original text from another source with more than 40 words, you should use a “block quotation.”  This means the whole block or paragraph is indented ½ inch to the right (but remains left-aligned).

Related : Easily Insert a Google Sheet Into Google Docs [2023 Guide]

Use In-Text Citations Properly

When getting information from other references, make sure to use in-text citations. You can do this in two ways:

• (Author’s surname, publication year, and page number): This is called a parenthetical citation . You can insert it right after a quote or at the end of a sentence. The page number is important if you’re citing specific lines from another source. But you can remove it if you’re citing the summary of an entire paper.

• [Author] reported that…(Publication year): This is called a narrative citation . Here, the surname of the author is part of the paragraph itself. You only need to enclose the publication year in parentheses.

How to Format References for APA Style

You have to give credit to every source used in your APA research and paper. This allows your instructor or reader to verify whether certain information in your work is true. Therefore, you must have a References page at the end of your document.

Here’s how to set it up.

• On a new page, type the word  “References”  on the first line.
• Put it in center alignment and make it bold.

• Start a new line and input the correct format for your source type .
• After listing your references, alphabetize them based on the surnames of the authors.
• Highlight your reference list.
• Go to “Format” > “Align & indent” > “Indentation options.”

• Under “Special indent,”  select “Hanging” from the drop-down menu.
• Click on the  “Apply” button.

How to Use the APA Google Docs Templates

Given the common use of the APA format in academia, it’s common to find templates designed for it. Google Docs itself offers two variants: APA 6th Ed.  and APA 7th Ed.  (the latest edition).

Here’s how you can set them up for your use.

• Launch your browser and go to the Google Docs homepage .
• Click on “Template Gallery.”

• Under the  “Education”  category, select “Report”  with the words “APA 6th Ed.”  or “APA 7th Ed.”  below it (depending on what your instructor requires).

You can also access the templates from a blank document you created. To do this, click on “File” > “New” > “From template.”  This will redirect you to the same Template Gallery. Select any of the two APA formats to proceed.

Doing the steps above would open an APA format template in Google Docs. All you have to do is insert your content.

It’s important to note that APA formatting for professional and student papers differs slightly. This is noticeable, especially when making the APA cover page in Google Docs . These templates have parentheses that say “for professional papers”  and “for student papers.” Select what applies to you and delete the other unnecessary parts of the template.

Get Even More APA  Format Tips and Templates!

By following this guide to using APA format in Google Docs, you’ll ensure that papers meet your educational institution’s formatting requirements (while giving your work a professional and polished look).

Need more assistance with APA? Not to worry: Udemy’s got plenty of APA formatting courses  to give you a leg-up!

Looking for powerful templates to improve your work output? You can find them on our Gumroad page ! Check out our huge list of templates and get 50% off by using the code “SSP .”

• How to Make Columns in Google Docs [Complete Guide]
• How to Highlight in Google Docs [Step-by-Step Guide]
• How to Save a Document in Google Docs: A Quick Guide
• 20 Best Handwriting Fonts on Google Docs to Add a Personal Touch

Most Popular Posts

How To Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets

How to Make Multiple Selection in Drop-down Lists in Google Sheets

Google Sheets Currency Conversion: The Easy Method

A 2024 guide to google sheets date picker, related posts.

How to Import Stock Prices into Google Sheets

• April 2, 2024

How to Calculate Age in Google Sheets (2 Easy Methods)

• Sumit Bansal
• February 21, 2024

How to Hide Gridlines in Google Sheets

• February 14, 2024

Excel and Google Sheets Drop Down Lists: Complete Guide

Thanks for visiting! We’re happy to answer your spreadsheet questions. We specialize in formulas for Google Sheets, our own spreadsheet templates, and time-saving Excel tips.

Note that we’re supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission at no extra cost to you.

Like what we do? Share this article!

• Research Guides> Research Guides
• Citation Citation
• Chat with a Librarian Chat with a Librarian
• LASC Library

Question: How do I format a Google Doc in APA Style (7th ed)?

• 11 Circulation Policy
• 11 General information
• 5 Library Conduct
• 38 Reference
• 43 Technology

Answered By: Norma Drepaul Last Updated: Dec 11, 2020     Views: 61325

Start the document.

Note* Google Docs works best when using Google Chrome as an internet browser.

• Go to Google.com:  https://www.google.com/
• Sign  in to your Google account (the same username and password that you use for Gmail)
• Click on the  Google Apps  button
• Scroll down and select  Docs
• Click on  Blank  to start a document from scratch
• Click on  Untitled Document  to enter a title for this document.  This will make it easy for you to find it in the future.  

The default should already be set to one-inch all around, but it is always a good idea to double-check. 

• Go to the  File  menu
• Click on  Page setup
• Make sure that all the margins are set up correctly to one inch from top, bottom, left, and right. 

Line Spacing

Line Spacing needs to be set up to double, this means that there is a blank line between each line of text in your essay. 

• Click on  Double

APA guidelines call for the font to be accessible to all users, so check with your professor for their preferences.   APA changed their recommendations and added additional font options: 11 point Calibri, Arial or Georgia, or 12 point Times New Roman

Font name should be set to "times new roman," and the font size should be "12" for most academic work unless your professor indicates anything different..

• From the toolbar, click on the  Font  menu and select  Times New Roman .
• From the toolbar, click on the  Font Size  menu and select  12 .

Header and Page Numbering

Most academic work, unless your professor indicates anything different, requires you to add the page number onto the header of every page, and align it to the right.  google docs can configure the page numbers for you..

• From the Menu bar, click on the  Insert  tab.
• Click on  Page numbers
• Select the button that shows all pages to be numbered, and aligned to the top right of the page.  
• highlight and select the page number,
• then go to the Font and Font Size buttons to select the appropriate options
• Press the Esc key, or click outside of the header to go back to the body of your document

Occasionally, when students copy and paste an essay from another application (Microsoft Word, or others), the header margins are not what they are supposed to be, and Google Docs places the header either too high or too low.  To make the corrections:

• Go to the header of the page by double-clicking on the header area (by your last name and page number)
• Click on  Options
• Click on  Header format
• Under Margins, look for Header and set the inches from top to  0.5
• Click on  Apply.

The APA 7th edition now provides specific guidelines for the title page on a student paper.  A student paper title page should include the following elements: title of your essay, your name, course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date. Students should follow the guidelines from their instructors or institution when determining which title page format is most appropriate to use. For more details on setting up the title page see:  APA: Student title page .

No longer required for students papers, unless it is requested by the instructor:

• no running head
• no author note
• no abstract

After you set the font, line spacing, page header, and press the sec key on your keyboard or click outside of the header to exit it and to set up your title page:   

• Press the Enter key on your keyboard three times to move the cursor down the page 
• From the toolbar, click on the  Center  align button
• From the toolbar, click on B  for Bold button on the toolbar (to turn on the bold font tool)
• Note* Titles should be no more than 12 words and must be clear, concise, and summarize the main idea of your paper.
• Press the enter key on your keyboard twice
• From the toolbar, click on B to un-bold the rest of the text from the title page
• Type your first and last name, press enter
• Type the college name followed by any other requirements from your professor, these could be the professor’s name, course name, date, etc
• After you complete all the required elements for your title page, add a page break.

After the title page elements have been entered, add a page break to start on the second page.  

• From the Menu bar, click on the  Insert  tab
• Click on  Break
• Click on  Page break  (or you can just use your keyboard and press the control and enter keys at the same time)

Begin your Essay

After you have completed your title page and added a page break, you are ready to begin with page two.  

• On the first line on page two, make sure to activate the B for bold and the Center alignment
• Make sure that the title is in bold, centered, and all major words are capitalized
• Press the enter key and then toggle off the B old and the C enter align  buttons
• Press the tab key (on your keyboard) to indent your first paragraph, and start typing your essay

Follow your professor's instructions, and remember to indent each paragraph within your essay, unless indicated otherwise.  From here on, you just type your paper.  There is nothing different in the rest of the pages (unless you have to include headings and subheadings throughout your essay, check with your professor) until you get to the References page.  You do not have to worry about the right margin, Google Docs, like Microsoft Word, has a function called word-wrap that automatically moves your content to the next line when you reach the right margin.   

References List and Hanging Indents

After you complete your essay, the last part is where you list all of your sources into a References page. 

The References section needs to start on a separate page in the same document.  After you type the last paragraph, place a page break by pressing the control and enter keys on your keyboard at the same time, or by going to the Insert tab from the menu bar, click on Break, then click on Page break.  (Illustration on  how to insert a page break is listed above)

After you have added a new page, as per instructions above, then you are going to title this page with the word: References

This needs to be centered, in bold, and you must use the same font and the same font size from your essay.  

• From the toolbar, press the  Center align  and the Bold buttons 
• Enter: References
• Then press the enter key to move the cursor to the next line
• Press the Left align  button to move the cursor to the left menu, and click on the Bold button to toggle off the bold function (the rest of the text in the citations are not in bold)

After you have pressed the enter key, now is time to start listing all of the sources that you used according to APA style. 

Each entry needs to:

• follow the guidelines from APA
• be listed in alphabetical order
• have a hanging indentation

To manually enter all of your citations, first set up the hanging indentation option: 

From the Menu bar, click on the  Format  tab

Click on A lign & Indent  menu

Click on  Indentation options

Under Special indent, select  Hanging  from the drop-down menu, and make sure that it is set to  0.5

Click on  Apply

Instead of manually entering your citations, you can use a citation generator to create the citation.

• Once the generator has created the citation, you can copy it, then go to your Google Doc and paste the citations into your References page. 
• make sure that all the formatting is correct like the font and font size
• make sure that each citation has hanging indents. 
• If you need to make any changes to the citations that you just pasted, then highlight them all, then use the tools from Google Docs to make the changes, such as changing the font to "Times New Roman" and the font size to "12", and add the hanging indentations by following the instructions above.  

Many times, when you copy a citation from a generator, it brings unnecessary formatting such as strange fonts, or backgrounds from different colors.  If you use the citation generator from EBSCO databases, many times a gray background also follows the citation. 

To remove the gray background:

• Highlight all the citations that need to be fixed by using the mouse 
• From the toolbar, click on the  Highlight color  button
• Click on  None

If the links turn into active hyperlinks with blue font and become underlined, this is not a problem, but you can change the color back to black and remove the underline. 

While you still have the citations selected:

• Click on the U for Underline to remove the underline
• Click on the A for font Text color
• Select black

Your References List 

Explore some of the tools from Google Docs to help you create a better document, these can be found in the Tools bar:

• Use the spelling and grammar tool to help you catch errors. 
• Use the Word Count tool if you need to provide that information to your professor.
• If you are using Google Docs with Google Chrome, you can also dictate text in addition to typing.

Sharing Your Document

• You can create a link for your Google Doc to share with your professor or download it as different file types (Word, PDF, and more) to submit on Canvas.  
• Check with your professor to see how they would like your essay to be submitted.

Go to the File tab to see different download and print options:

• Click on the  Share  button
• To get a link that anybody can open in your class, under the "Get Link" section, click on the " Change with anyone with the link "
• Click on  Copy link
• Then you can go to Canvas or send your professor or classmates the link to your essay.  Be sure to follow instructions from your professor.

Related Topics

• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Yes 103 No 11

Comments (0)

Askalibrarian.

Google Docs APA Format: A Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Application

Applying APA format to your Google Docs is easier than you might think. In a nutshell, you’ll need to adjust your document’s settings to meet APA guidelines, which include 1-inch margins, a running head, page numbers, double spacing, and the correct font and font size. After reading this article, you’ll be an APA formatting pro!

Step by Step Tutorial: Applying Google Docs APA Format

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get a sense of what we’re aiming for. The APA format is a set of rules for formatting academic documents. It’s widely used in the social sciences, and following it correctly can really make your work shine. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Set Your Margins to 1 inch

Open your Google Doc and click on the “File” menu, then select “Page Setup.”

Getting your margins right is crucial because it’s the framework of your document. APA requires all margins to be set at 1 inch, and luckily Google Docs makes this easy. Once in “Page Setup,” you’ll see the margins section where you can enter “1” for all sides.

Step 2: Insert a Running Head

Click on “Insert,” then “Header,” and type your running head.

The running head is a short version of your paper’s title and should be no more than 50 characters, including spaces. It goes in the header of each page, aligned to the left. Your first page will have “Running head: YOUR TITLE” and subsequent pages will just have the title.

Step 3: Add Page Numbers

While in the header, click on “Insert” again, then “Page Numbers,” and choose the top-right option.

Page numbers are a must in APA format. They should be flush to the right margin and located in the header of every page. Google Docs makes it a breeze to add these.

Step 4: Double Space Your Text

Select all your text with Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on Mac), then click on the “Line Spacing” icon and choose “Double.”

Double spacing is standard for APA format because it makes the document easier to read and edit. Remember to apply double spacing to your entire document, including your references page.

Step 5: Choose the Correct Font and Size

Highlight your text and select “Times New Roman” as your font and “12” for your font size.

APA typically requires Times New Roman at a 12-point size. Make sure your document adheres to this standard so that it’s not only compliant but also looks professional.

Once you’ve followed these steps, your document should be perfectly formatted according to APA standards. This means it’ll be ready for submission to your professor or for publication in an academic journal.

Tips for Applying Google Docs APA Format

• Always check with your instructor for specific formatting guidelines they may require.
• Use Google Docs’ built-in citation tools to help format your references.
• Remember to include a title page and abstract if required, following APA guidelines.
• Pay attention to the headings and subheadings structure, which APA also regulates.
• Keep the “Page Setup” options in mind for future documents – once you’ve set them, you can use them as a template for other APA papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i align my title page according to apa format in google docs.

Your title page should be double spaced and centered both vertically and horizontally on the page. You can adjust the vertical alignment by going to “Format,” then “Align & indent,” and selecting “Centre.”

Can I use fonts other than Times New Roman for APA format?

While Times New Roman is the traditional font for APA format, other readable fonts like Arial (11-point) or Georgia (11-point) are also acceptable. Be sure to check with your instructor or publication guidelines.

How do I create a hanging indent for my references in Google Docs?

Highlight your references, then go to “Format,” “Align & indent,” and select “Indentation options.” Set “Special indent” to “Hanging” and “By” to 0.5 inches.

What should I do if my instructor has additional formatting requirements?

Always follow your instructor’s specific guidelines, even if they differ from standard APA format. They have the final say on how your document should be formatted.

Is there a difference in formatting between the APA 6th and 7th editions?

Yes, there are several changes, including the running head, which is no longer required for student papers in the 7th edition, and guidelines for font choices. Always confirm which edition you should be using.

• Set your margins to 1 inch in the “Page Setup.”
• Insert a running head in the header for the first page and then a shortened title for subsequent pages.
• Add page numbers in the top-right corner of the header.
• Double space your entire document.
• Use Times New Roman font at a 12-point size or another approved font.

Mastering Google Docs APA format can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. Remember, the key to any good academic paper is not just the content but also the presentation. Correct APA formatting shows your attention to detail and respect for the academic community’s standards. Don’t be afraid to use this article as a reference – bookmark it, share it with friends, or keep it handy for your next big paper. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or a first-year college student, knowing how to apply google docs APA format is a skill that will serve you well throughout your academic journey. Now, go forth and format with confidence!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

Share this:

Join our free newsletter.

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related posts:

• How to Do a Hanging Indent on Google Docs
• How to Use APA Format in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Subscript in Google Docs (An Easy 4 Step Guide)
• How to Double Space on Google Docs – iPad, iPhone, and Desktop
• How to Insert Text Box in Google Docs
• How to Delete a Table in Google Docs (A Quick 5 Step Guide)
• How to Clear Formatting in Google Docs
• How to Make a Header Row in Google Sheets
• How to Center a Table in Google Docs (2023 Guide)
• How to Insert a Page Break in Google Docs
• How to Remove Strikethrough in Google Docs (A Simple 4 Step Guide)
• Can I Change the Font on the Google Docs IPhone App?
• How to Insert a Horizontal Line in Google Docs
• Google Docs Space After Paragraph – How to Add or Remove
• Can I Convert a PDF to a Google Doc? (An Easy 5 Step Guide)
• How to Insert a Header on Only the First Page in Google Docs: A Guide
• 1 Inch Margins Google Docs Guide
• How to Make Google Docs Landscape
• How to Change Margins in Google Docs
• How to Create a Folder in Google Docs

• iPhone Apps
• Fix iPhone Errors
• iPhone Tutorials
• Apple Watch
• Google Docs
• Google Drive
• Google Account
• Fix Windows 10 Errors
• Windows 10 Tutorials
• Creative Courses
• Technical Courses
• Windows 7 Themes
• Online Services

How To Use APA Format In Google Docs

Key Takeaways

• APA format is the preferred format for writing academic papers in social sciences, psychology, and behavioral studies.
• You can use either the built-in tools of Google Docs or the template to create an APA format in Google Docs. 
• An external add-on available in Google Workspace Marketplace is also of great help.

The American Psychological Association, or APA, developed the terminology that academics use and understand throughout the world. APA format serves as the standard for writing research papers in social sciences, psychology, and behavioral sciences. Those who wish to use APA format in Google Docs can use the built-in functions or the template.

Google Docs supports the APA and MLA formats , the most commonly used format template in academic writing. APA style is generally used to organize studies better and make it easier for the reader to access critical information. In addition, the APA style is widely used because it sets the standard for writing. The current APA style is 7th edition.

What Is APA Format?

If you want to write in APA format in Google Docs like an MLA format template document, you must follow an extended checklist. If not all, most APA formats require the components mentioned below-

• Introduction
• Review of the Literature
• References/ Cited List

3 Ways To Use APA Format In Google Docs

There are three ways to write your academic papers in APA format in Google Docs.

1. Use Template To Access APA Format In Google Docs

When it comes to using templates for APA format in Google Docs, there are two templates available in the template gallery –  6th and 7th edition templates. Using the template helps you write your academic papers in an easy way because it is already in a general APA formatted paper that you might need.

Let us see how we can use it.

Step 1: Open Google Docs on your browser.

Step 2: Click on the Template Gallery in the top right corner of your Google Docs homepage.

Step 3: From the Education Section, select APA Format. Two editions of the format are available, viz. 6th and 7th edition. Choose whichever you prefer.

Step 4: The APA format on Google Docs will open. You can either select the 6th edition or the 7th one.

Font style, font size, margins, alignment, sequence of the parts, preferred citation format – all the proper formatting details are taken care of. It is a sample paper where formatting is done, and you just have to write your APA paper.

You can write your academic paper (student paper) and professional papers with the help of these editable templates. If your instructor needs some minor changes in the formatting, please do that in these templates and use them.

2. Step-by-Step Manual On APA Format In Google Docs

If you don’t wish to use the template, you can also format your paper in a blank Google Doc. You can create the APA format in Google Docs if you know all the formatting settings.

When using Google Docs in APA format, keep these things in mind:

• All the margins need to be 1 inch on all sides.
• The font style has to be Times New Roman, and the font size should be 12
• Line spacing has to be double spaced.
• Every paragraph should have an indentation.
• A title page is a must which should include information about your paper and you.
• A header with a paper title and page numbers is a must.
• You should have an abstract about your paper findings.
• The title should be center-aligned.
• You should have a References page at the end of your paper with alphabetical APA citations.
• All APA headings should be in bold font style.

Keeping these things in mind, let us see how you can apply the APA format on Google Docs.

Step 1: Change the margins. You need to set 1-inch margins on all sides for your APA format paper. By default Google Docs has one-inch page margins on all sides, so you will not need to change it. If you have set a different default value for all your Google Docs, you will need to change them back to 1 inch.

Step 2: Change Font and Size. By default, every Google Doc font is ‘Arial,’ and font size is set to 11. For your APA format in Google Docs, you will need to select the font ‘Times New Roman’ from the drop-down list. Then, increase the size to 12 by clicking on the plus (+) button beside the textbox where the font size is displayed.

Step 3: Change Line Spacing. By default, line spacing is 1.15. You need to change it to Double. There are no extra spaces between paragraphs. For line spacing, click on the Line and spacing paragraph icon on the formatting toolbar. From the drop-down list, select Double.

There is another way to accomplish this. Click on the Format menu from the menu bar. Select the Line & paragraph spacing option. Select Double from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Paragraph Indentation. Every first line of a new paragraph of your paper needs to be indented. Click on the Tab key on your keyboard before starting a new paragraph. You can also use the left indent on your document’s ruler. Drag the rectangle pointer and set it to 0.50 on the ruler, i.e., 1/2-inch left indent from the left margin.

Step 5: Title Page. Every paper or essay needs to have a title paper. For the title page of APA format in Google Docs, you need to make a few changes. The Title page text needs to be center aligned. Select the alignment by clicking on the center align button on the formatting toolbar.

Next, hit the Enter key on your keyboard at least seven times so that you will start your text from the quarter of your page. Write the Full Title of your paper in bold letters. To do so, click on the Bold icon on the formatting toolbar.

Now, unselect the Bold icon and type your Full name in the First Middle Last sequence. On the next line, type the name of your School or Institution. Then in the following lines, write the Course name and number, the Instructors name, and Date, respectively.

Step 6: The next section of the title page is the Authors Note. This section is used only when you are writing the paper for some professional use.

Mention these things: First paragraph: Author ORCID iDs (if any), Second paragraph: Changes in affiliation (if any), Third paragraph: Disclosures and Acknowledgments, Fourth paragraph: Contact information (mailing address and e-mail).

Step 7: Set Header. For APA format in Google Docs, you need to show the title of your paper and page number on every page of your essay.

To do so, click on the Insert menu from the menu bar. Then, from Headers and Footers, select the Header option. Set the font to Times New Roman and size to 12 for the header.

Write the full title of your paper in all capital letters. For page numbers, select Page numbers from the Options dropdown menu.

By default, it is set to 1. Click Apply.

The header will look as shown in the figure. Adjust the spacing properly.

Step 8: Next comes the Abstract Page. Hit the Ctrl+Enter key for a Page break. Then, choose the Center Alignment and Bold style. Type ‘Abstract’ and press the Enter key. Do not set the indent for this paragraph as it is a single paragraph section. Now, select Left Align for the abstract.

Step 9: Start of Paper. For this, hit Ctrl+Enter for a Page break. Select Center Align by clicking the center align button, and for the Bold Style, click the bold icon. Type the full name of your title. Press the Enter button.

Then, set the indent for the paragraph. Now, you can start writing your paper.

Step 10: References. All of the sources you’ve summarized, paraphrased, or quoted in your essay are listed alphabetically on your References page. A reference page is a must for any APA format in Google Docs.

This page should be placed at the end of the paper and should start a new page.

Next, press the Ctrl+Enter keys on your keyboard. The references list should be double-spaced and left-aligned. It should be written in a bold style and center-aligned. The reference list must have hanging indents.

Hanging indents are those kinds of indents where the first line is not indented, and all the subsequent lines are indented. The subsequent lines use ½ inch indent.

Step 11: In-text citation entries. For APA format Google Docs also requires in-text citation details. All the quotes and facts are followed by complete citations. The citation style consists of Author’s last name, publication year, and page number. You can eliminate the page number if you refer to the entire work. Giving a citation source is very important.

Example:  (Hawking, 2000, p. 34)

3. Use External Add-on For APA Format In Google Docs

Google Workspace Marketplace also has some external add-ons or plugins for using APA Format in Google Docs. One such add-on is MLA/APA Formatter. The default template supports MLA style as well as APA style paper. The add-on will set all the APA formatting needed for writing an essay.  

Users can follow the steps mentioned below for installing and using the add-on.

Step 1: Get the MLA/APA Formatter from Google Workspace Marketplace. A new tab will open.

Step 2: Click Install.

Step 3: A prompt will appear asking for permission to continue. Click continue.

Step 4: Select the Google Account.

Step 5: Click Allow to give the permissions for installation.

Step 6: Click Next to continue.

Step 7: Click on Complete additional setup now.

Step 8: A new window will open. Click on the install button.

Step 9: Next, let’s use the add-on. Open a new blank document. Then click on the Add-ons menu from the menu bar. After that, select the MLA/APA Formatter add-on.

Step 10: A panel will appear on the right side of the screen.

You can start the tutorial or import data to use APA format in Google Docs.

The APA format has changed a few times over the years (we’re now using APA Seventh Edition, or “APA 7”), but the fundamentals have remained consistent. You can set it up in Google Docs regardless of which version of the APA format you’re using. Most users prefer to use the APA format in Google Docs  as the paper’s formatting is already set.

We can even do the formatting right from scratch if we want to with the help of various built-in features of Google Docs. Also, an external add-on helps you with the formatting if you do not wish to use the template or do the formatting yourself. You can write in any word processor like Microsoft Word, or Libre Office writer. But Google Docs not only provides you with APA 7th edition template, but its other features make it more user-friendly.

Latest Articles

25 best chatgpt plugins to install and use in 2023, how to fix local security authority protection is off on windows 11, how to use windows 11 snap layouts, how to enable hyper-v on windows 11, how to factory reset windows 11, how to fix snap layouts not working in windows 11.

The Tech Edvocate

• Advertisement
• Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
• Home Page Four
• Home Page Three
• Home Page Two
• Icons [No Sidebar]
• Left Sidbear Page
• Lynch Educational Consulting
• My Speaking Page
• Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
• Newsletter Unsubscription
• Page Example
• Privacy Policy
• Protected Content
• Request a Product Review
• Shortcodes Examples
• Terms and Conditions
• The Edvocate
• The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
• Write For Us
• Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
• The Edvocate Podcast
• Assistive Technology
• Child Development Tech
• Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
• EdTech Futures
• EdTech News
• EdTech Policy & Reform
• EdTech Startups & Businesses
• Higher Education EdTech
• Online Learning & eLearning
• Parent & Family Tech
• Personalized Learning
• Product Reviews
• Tech Edvocate Awards
• School Ratings

How to Get Excited About Life: 11 Steps

How to make a tulle rose: 5 steps, how to close a facebook business page, how to stop taking tramadol: 13 steps, 3 ways to prepare a proposal for a business idea, how to make a basketball hoop: 9 steps, 3 ways to make a spinner, 3 ways to make confetti poppers, how to woohoo in the sims 2: 12 steps, how to swing a softball bat: 11 steps, how to use apa format in google docs.

APA format is widely used in academic writing and research papers, and it is essential to follow this format to ensure that your work is presented in a clear and organized manner. Google Docs is a powerful word processing tool that many people use, and it is possible to use APA format in Google Docs with ease. In this article, we will discuss how to use APA format in Google Docs.

• Set up margins and font

APA format requires a specific font and margin size. The recommended font is Times New Roman, size 12, with double-spaced text. Go to the “File” and select “Page setup”. Set up the margin size to 1 inch for all sides.

• Add a Running Head

The running head is a brief title that appears at the top of each page. It should be no more than 50 characters and should provide a brief synopsis of the entire paper. The running head should be aligned to the left-hand side of the page. To add a running head in Google Docs, go to “Insert > Header > Edit Header” and type your running head in the insert header line.

• Add a Title Page

APA format requires a title page with specific information. The title page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, and institutional affiliation. The title should be centered, and the author’s name should be just below it. To add a title page, go to “Insert > Page break” and then add the required details.

• Use correct in-text citations

APA format requires authors to cite their sources in a particular way. All in-text citations should include the author’s last name followed by the year of publication. If you’re using a direct quote, you will also need to include the page number. To add an in-text citation, highlight the text you want to cite and click “Insert ” Citation ” in the toolbar.

• Add a References Page

APA format requires a reference page that lists all the sources used in a paper. The reference page should be formatted alphabetically and should include the author’s name, publication date, title, and publication information. To create a reference page, add a new page at the end of the document, then go to “Insert > Bulleted List” and start entering the citation details.

In conclusion, using APA format in Google Docs is easy, and it can be done quickly once you’re familiar with the requirements. By following the guidelines listed above, you can ensure that your work is presented in a professional and organized way. Remember to always reread and proofread your work before submitting it to ensure that it is free from errors and adheres to the APA format.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows keyboard equivalents for the mac’s special ....

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

How to Install RAM in Your PC, Step-by-Step

How to Put Echo Buds in Pairing Mode

How to Recover Lost Safari Bookmarks

Ways to Find Music and Songs From TV Shows

How to Fix Netflix Error Code 113

How to alphabetize in google docs.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

In-Text Citations

Resources on using in-text citations in APA style

Reference List

Resources on writing an APA style reference list, including citation formats

Other APA Resources

Generate accurate APA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 6th edition
• APA reference page (6th edition)

APA reference page formatting | 6th edition guidelines

Published on November 4, 2020 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on January 25, 2024.

The APA reference page is a separate page at the end of your paper where all sources you cited in the main text are listed. The references are sorted alphabetically , double spaced , and formatted using a hanging indent of ½ inch. Use “References” as page heading and include a running head with your paper title and page number.

Table of contents

Apa reference page example, creating references in apa format, formatting the reference page.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Each reference must be structured according to the rules for that source type. These rules vary between books, journal articles, internet articles and more. APA references can be created either manually or by using an APA Citation Generator.

The Scribbr APA Citation Generator is free of ads and can automatically cite your sources based on the website URL, journal DOI or book ISBN.

You should include a reference for all sources you have cited in the text . Don’t include sources you have only consulted. There are four types of source that are never included in an APA reference page:

• Classical works such as the Bible
• Personal communication such as emails, telephone conversations and chat messages
• Entire websites (always cite the page)
• Common knowledge

Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr

Multiple authors in apa.

A standard source reference begins with the author’s surname, followed by a comma, then the initial(s) of his or her first name.

If there are multiple authors, place a comma between each of the author names and an ampersand (“&”) before the last author’s name. If there are more than eight authors, list the first six followed by an ellipses “…” followed by the last author.

There should always be a period after the author name(s).

• One inch (2.54 cm) page margins on all sides
• Times New Roman font in 12 pt
• ‘References’ as title (centered)
• Running head (top left corner)
• Page number (top right corner)
• Double spacing within and between references
• ½ inch hanging indent for references longer than one line.

Setting up in Google Docs

This video will demonstrate how to format the APA reference page in Google Docs.

Alignment instructions for Word

• Make sure you can see the ruler at the top of the page (change the setting under the “View” tab if you cannot).
• Select all text in the reference list.
• The ruler will show two triangles and one square. Drag the bottom triangle to the right, half an inch, to set the hanging indent.

Dividing URLs

Microsoft Word sees a URL as one word and will always split a long URL over more than one line. This often leaves a lot of white space. See the screenshot below:

To avoid this, you want Word to divide the URL after a slash. You can divide a URL after a slash by placing your cursor after the slash and then clicking on Insert → Symbol → More Symbols… → Special Characters. Then add the character “No-Width Optional Break” or type ALT+8203.

You can also do this for all the slashes in your document by using the Find and Replace function in Word. At “Find what”, insert a slash. At “Replace with” insert a slash and then type ALT+8203. Then click “Replace All.”

Alphabetizing

The last step in creating the perfect APA reference page is to ensure the sources are correctly alphabetized, usually based on the author’s surname. Word can do this automatically for you. We also wrote an in-depth article on how to alphabetize the APA reference list .

APA format for other sections

The reference page is not the only part of your paper with specific formatting requirements in APA Style. Read our guide to APA formatting  or see our articles on the APA format guidelines of the  title page , running head , abstract and headings .

In October 2019, APA also released the 7th edition APA Manual . Check with your supervisor to see which edition your paper needs to adhere to.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Gahan, C. (2024, January 25). APA reference page formatting | 6th edition guidelines. Scribbr. Retrieved April 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/6th-edition/archived-reference-page/

Is this article helpful?

Courtney Gahan

Scribbr apa citation checker.

An innovative new tool that checks your APA citations with AI software. Say goodbye to inaccurate citations!

ENG 12 (Prof. Maxine Krenzel, Spring 2024)

• Using E-Resources
• Databases for Finding Articles
• Tips for Database Searching
• Narrowing a Search Topic
• Citations & References

Creating a Bibliography Page in Google docs

• Create a new document and title it "Bibliography"
• Copy your citation from the database. (Highlight the text with your cursor and then hit "Ctrl" and "C" if you're using a PC; hit "Command" and "C" if you're using a Mac.)
• Paste the citation in your Google doc ("Ctrl" and "V" if you're using a PC; hit "Command and "V" if you're using a Mac.)
• You may need to change the font color to black and get rid of any highlighting
• Insert your cursor at the start of the second line.
• Under "Format", click on "Align & Indent".
• Then, click on "Indentation Options".
• On the drop-down menu under "Special Indent" select "Hanging" and click "Apply". 
• Now, the citation should have hanging indentations after the first line

Citation Basics & Resources

Citing your sources is a very important part of the research process. Why?

• Citations help you avoid plagiarism.  As you may know, Kingsborough stands strongly against plagiarism, or using the work of others as your own. ( See the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity here .) Citing direct or indirect quotations can prevent you from inadvertently claiming another writer's work as your own. 
• Citations help you make your case.  In addition to avoiding plagiarism, citing sources will make your work much stronger. Each citation stands as a piece of evidence: a citation adds to your paper by saying to the reader: "What she is arguing is backed up by the scholars in the field."
• Citations show the person who is reading how to get further information.  Citations can be a great way of pointing your reader to more interesting sources on your topic. 
• Citations strike up a conversation with your source.  In scholarly writing, citations are considered a form of communication between one author and another. By citing an author's work, you not only support your own argument, but you are also announcing that the sources you cited are good works of research or scholarship. It's a conversation, even though they may not know about it. 

Citation formats: There are several different citation styles, and each style has its own particular rules about how exactly a source should be cited. Your professor will often require a particular format (such as MLA or APA), or may tell you to choose one yourself. Below are some common citation styles. 

• MLA Format  (from the Modern Language Association) is the most common citation style used in undergraduate papers. You can find more information about MLA style in their handbook ( available through the library ), the  Purdue OWL , or on  MLA Style Center .  
• APA Formatting  (from the American Psychiatric Association) is quite common in social sciences publications, and occasionally in undergraduate assignments as well. You can find more information about APA style in their manual ( available through the library ), the  Purdue OWL , or on  APA Style website . 
• Chicago Style  (from the University of Chicago Press) is another common citation style in scholarly publications. You can find more information about Chicago style in their manual ( available through the library ), the  Purdue OWL , or on the  Chicago Manual of Style website . 

Citation Links

A number of websites are devoted to helping students and other researchers cite their work.

• Research and Documentation Online This resource offers recommended resources for various areas of study as well as citation instructions.
• RefWorks This link opens in a new window Online bibliographic management program that allows users to create a personal database of references and generate bibliographies in a variety of formats. First time users need to sign up for an account.

Books on Citation

There are a number of books available at the library to assist with citation as well as proper format, style, and content.

• << Previous: Narrowing a Search Topic
• Last Updated: Apr 7, 2024 5:17 PM
• URL: https://library.kbcc.cuny.edu/krenzel