cover letter in apa

APA Title Page (Cover Page) Format, Example, & Templates

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

In APA Style (7th edition), the cover page, or title page, should include:

• A running head (professional papers only) and page number
• The title of the paper
• The name of the author(s)
• The institutional affiliation
• An author note; optional (professional papers only)
• A student paper should also include course information

Note : APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).

Professional paper APA title page

Student paper APA title page

Formatting an APA title page

Note : All text on the title page should be double-spaced and typed in either 12-point, Times New Roman font. In the 7th edition, APA increaded the flexibility regarding font options: which now include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, Times New Roman 12, or Georgia 11. All words should be centered, and capitalize the first letter of important words.

Running Head

In the 7th edition of the APA style manual, running heads are only required for professional papers that are being submitted for publication (student papers do not require a running head, but still need a page number).

Your title page should contain a running head that is flush left at the top of the page and a page number that is flush right at the top of the page.

Place the running head in the page’s header:

• The running head is the abbreviated title of the paper (IN UPPERCASE LETTERS) aligned left on the page header of all pages, including the title page. APA (7th edition) guidelines require that running heads be a maximum of 50 characters (spaces count as characters).
• The “Running head:” label used in the APA sixth edition is no longer used.
• Place the page number in this same header, but align right, beginning with page number 1 on the title page.
• This header should be 1 inch from the top. Some instructors allow for 1/2 inch, too, but the default is 1 inch.

Paper Title

Position the title of the paper in the upper half of the page. The title should be centered and written in boldface, and important words should be capitalized.

The APA recommends that your title should be a maximum of 12 words and should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose.

Author Name(s)

Institutional affiliation.

Position the school or university’s name below the author(s) name, centered.

A student paper should also include the course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date.

Further Information

• APA Student Title Page Guide
• APA Referencing
• How to Write a Lab Report
• Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students
• APA Style Citations & References
• Example of an APA Formatted Paper

APA Cover Letter

Cover letter maker.

Embarking on the journey to find a job or a professional opportunity often starts with a cover letter . It sets the tone for your resume, articulating your fit and interest for the role, and is critical in making a strong first impression. One style of formatting that is common for academic or scholarly applications is the APA (American Psychological Association) format. This guide will help you understand the APA cover letter, give you the best examples, and provide step-by-step instructions to write one.

What is APA Cover Letter?

An APA cover letter is a job application document formatted according to the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association. It’s typically used for academic, scholarly, or scientific applications, and emphasizes clarity, precision, and inclusivity. The APA cover letter should be concise, professional, and clearly communicate the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the position.

What is the Best Example of APA Cover Letter?

The best APA cover letter is one that adheres to APA guidelines, but also is tailored to the specific job or position for which you’re applying. Here is an example:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Employer’s Name] [Company’s Name] [Company’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of [Job Title], which was advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. I am currently a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] with a background in [Your Field of Expertise], and I believe I have the necessary skills and experience for this role.

In my current role at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. I am confident that this experience, along with my strong [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job], makes me a strong candidate for this position.

I am impressed by [Something You Admire About the Company] and would be thrilled to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the position.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

The above example serves as a basic APA cover letter that you can modify to suit your specific situation and the job you’re applying for. Remember, it’s crucial to customize each cover letter to the job and organization to which you are applying. Show them you understand their needs and demonstrate how your skills, experience, and aspirations align with the organization’s goals.

Size: 28 KB

Free APA Cover Letters – Copy & Paste

Apa cover letter format.

Formatting is key in an APA cover letter. It usually includes four main sections: the header, the salutation, the body, and the closing. The header contains your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information. The salutation addresses the employer directly (if the name is known) or generally if not. The body of the letter contains an introductory paragraph, a middle paragraph (or two), and a concluding paragraph. Finally, the closing includes a polite sign-off and your name. Stick to a professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial, in 12-point size.

[Introductory Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position for which you are applying, and mention how you heard about the opening or organization.]

[Body Paragraph(s): Give some background about your education, experience, and qualifications. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for and highlight your most relevant skills and achievements.]

[Concluding Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. Thank the employer for considering your application and suggest a follow-up.]

Size: 27 KB

Apa Style Cover Letter Example

An APA style cover letter sticks to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association. It should be typed on clean, white paper, and include a header with the page number and shortened title in the upper right corner. The letter itself should be divided into concise paragraphs, each serving a particular purpose – introduction, body, and conclusion. Language should be formal, clear, and concise, avoiding any unnecessary jargon or complex terms. An APA style cover letter also requires the use of one-inch margins on all sides of the page, and a running head at the top of each page.

While APA cover letters are generally used for academic and scientific applications, their clear and concise nature makes them ideal for various professional contexts as well. Here is another example of an APA cover letter:

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position, which I learned about through [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] specializing in [Your Field of Expertise], I am confident that my background and skills align perfectly with the requirements of this role.

During my time at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I have gained valuable experience in [Key Responsibility or Achievement]. I have developed strong [Key Skill Relevant to the Job] skills and have consistently demonstrated my ability to [Key Achievement or Task].

Your company’s commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company] resonates with my professional beliefs, and I am eager to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to further discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your company.

Size: 188 KB

APA Cover Letter for Literature Review Example

Writing an APA cover letter for a literature review requires a slightly different approach. In this context, the letter often introduces your review to the editor of a journal, explaining the purpose, scope, and significance of the review. Here’s an example:

[Editor’s Name] [Journal’s Name] [Journal’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Editor’s Name],

I am submitting a manuscript for consideration of publication in [Journal’s Name]. The manuscript is a literature review entitled “[Title of Literature Review]”. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the current state of knowledge in [Specific Field of Study], drawing from a wide range of sources.

The literature review explores the following themes: [Briefly Outline the Themes/Topics Covered]. I believe it presents valuable insights and fills a notable gap in the current literature of [Specific Field of Study].

Thank you for considering my manuscript for publication. I look forward to your feedback and the possibility of publishing my work in [Journal’s Name].

Size: 26 KB

Professional APA Cover Letter Example

Writing a professional cover letter involves maintaining a formal tone, clarity, precision, and inclusivity as prescribed by the APA guidelines. It is also important to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Here’s an example of a professional APA cover letter:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name]. I am a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status], specializing in [Your Field of Expertise], and I am confident that I am a suitable candidate for this role.

My experience at [Your Current or Previous Workplace] has equipped me with the necessary skills and experiences for this role. Here, I [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. My ability to [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job] has been instrumental in my success and would undoubtedly be beneficial in this role.

Your organization’s dedication to [Something You Admire About the Company] aligns with my professional goals and values, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your team.

Size: 29 KB

APA Cover Letter for Business Example

An APA cover letter for a business position would look similar to other cover letters, but it would particularly highlight skills and experiences relevant to the business role you’re applying for. Here’s an example:

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], which was advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. With my background in [Your Field of Expertise], and my experience in [Business-Related Experience], I believe I am well-suited for this role.

At [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I successfully [Describe a Business-Related Achievement]. This experience, coupled with my knowledge in [Mention a Business-Related Skill], makes me a strong candidate for this position.

I am particularly attracted to your company because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company], and I am keen to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experiences can meet the needs of your business.

APA Cover Letter for Internship Example

Internships are crucial stepping stones in your career path. An APA cover letter for an internship would emphasize your eagerness to learn and contribute, despite having less experience. Here’s an example:

I am writing to express my interest in the internship opportunity posted on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Education Status] majoring in [Your Field of Study], I believe this internship at [Company’s Name] would provide an invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain real-world experience.

During my time at [University Name or Previous Internship], I gained skills in [Mention Key Skills Relevant to the Internship]. This experience, along with my academic training in [Mention Academic Achievement or Relevant Courses], make me a strong candidate for this position.

I am particularly impressed with [Something You Admire About the Company] and I am eager to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of joining your team and learning from professionals in the field.

APA Cover Letter for Job Example

An APA cover letter for a job would typically include your qualifications, experiences, and the reasons you are interested in the job and the company. Here’s an example:

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] with a background in [Your Field of Expertise], I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this position.

In my current role at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I have [Describe a Key Achievement]. I have developed a strong ability to [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job], which I believe would be beneficial in this role.

I am particularly drawn to [Company’s Name] because of [Something You Admire About the Company], and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further.

APA Cover Letter for School Example

An APA cover letter for a school position, such as a teacher or administrator, should focus on your teaching philosophy, achievements, and the skills that make you a strong educator. Here’s an example:

[Principal’s or Hiring Manager’s Name] [School’s Name] [School’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Principal’s or Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [School’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a dedicated educator with [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to your school.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title] at [Your Current or Previous School], I have [Describe a Key Achievement or Responsibility]. My commitment to [Key Aspect of Teaching or Education] has been a key factor in this success.

I am particularly drawn to [School’s Name] because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the School], and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to this commitment.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further.

APA 7th Edition Cover Letter Example

The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual includes guidelines that can be applied to a cover letter. Here is an example:

[Recipient’s Name] [Company’s Name] [Company’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. With my background in [Your Field of Expertise] and [Another Field of Expertise or Skill], I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your team.

At [Your Current or Previous Workplace or University], I have been responsible for [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. This experience, along with my [Key Skill or Attribute], would allow me to make a significant contribution to [Company’s Name].

I am drawn to [Company’s Name] because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company], and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to this.

APA Cover Letter for University Example

When writing an APA cover letter for a university position, focus on your academic and research experiences. Here is an example:

[Recipient’s Name] [University’s Name] [University’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [University’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Position or Field of Study] with a strong background in [Your Area of Expertise], I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your team.

During my time at [Your Current or Previous University or Workplace], I have focused on [Describe Your Key Area of Research or Work]. I believe this experience would enable me to contribute effectively to [University’s Name].

I am particularly drawn to [University’s Name] because of its emphasis on [Something You Admire About the University], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this.

How do you Write an APA Cover Letter?

Writing an APA cover letter involves several key steps

1. Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Also, include the date, the recipient’s name, and the company’s address.

2. Salutation: Always address the letter to a specific person if possible. If the job posting doesn’t include a name, try to find it on the company’s website.

3. Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself, state the position you are applying for, and mention where you found the job listing.

4. Middle Paragraphs: Discuss your qualifications, experiences, and skills that make you a good fit for the position. Be specific and provide examples.

5. Closing Paragraph: Express your interest in the company and the role, and mention your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview.

6. Closing: End the letter with a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Tips for APA Cover Letter

1. Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page. Your letter should be clear and concise, highlighting the most important information.

2. Use a professional tone: Avoid using slang or overly casual language. Be professional and respectful in your tone.

3. Customize each letter: Tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.

4. Proofread: Make sure your cover letter is free of errors. Proofread it several times, and consider having someone else look it over as well.

APA style cover letters are a professional and effective way to introduce yourself to potential employers. By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and demonstrates your interest in the role.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a cover letter for a college student applying for an internship at an educational technology company

Form a cover letter for a high school student seeking a part-time job at a local bookstore.

How to Write a Cover Letter in APA Style

Liza hollis.

If you are submitting a manuscript for publication or applying for a position in the field of psychology, you will want to include a cover letter that makes clear your intentions for your submission. You also will want to ensure that the cover letter format you submit is in keeping with American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines.

Explore this article

• Addressing Cover Letter
• Using Business Letter Format
• Body of the Cover Letter
• Contents of Included Package
• Explaining APA Cover Letter Intent
• Conclusion of the Cover Letter

things needed

• APA style manual

1 Addressing Cover Letter

Address your cover letter by naming an exact recipient. Regardless of the intent of your cover letter, you should target one specific person. If necessary, research the organization to confirm the person to whom you are writing is the one who handles these types of inquiries. This small details shows you have a real interest in being involved in the organization and you are not simply sending out letters randomly. A cover letter determines the first impression the creator makes on a potential publisher, employer or adviser. Making sure that cover letter is specific to the audience and position is crucial.

2 Using Business Letter Format

Use a business letter format to continue writing the cover letter. Start with the date and follow the the name and contact information of the person to whom you are writing. Include a formal greeting such as “Dear Mr. Jones,” followed by a colon. Your letter should be flush left with one-inch margins on all sides of your document with a font larger than 12 points. Accepted font choices in APA style are Times, Arial or Calibri. This letter should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph.

3 Body of the Cover Letter

Explain in the first sentence of the body of your letter why you are writing it. For example, if you are submitting an article for publication in a psychology journal, you could write, “I have enclosed a document for your review which explores the possible connection between diet and developmental disorders.” Throughout the body of your letter, show the person to whom you are writing how the organization will benefit from your involvement.

4 Contents of Included Package

Include specific information about the contents of the package you are sending. In a Purdue Owl cover letter description, the site suggests using sing a "story-like format" to describe your academic and professional background is one approach. APA format cover letters are used to add context to the materials being submitted. If you have enclosed a résumé, manuscript and photographs in your package, you will want to address what is being submitted and how they should be reviewed by the receiver.

5 Explaining APA Cover Letter Intent

Explain your intention for sending the cover letter and any other contents of the package. According to the sixth edition of the APA Publication Manual, the APA cover letter is a rare exception in APA style guidelines allowing you to write from a first-person point of view. Detail in this section how you would like the reader to proceed after reviewing the package.

6 Conclusion of the Cover Letter

Close your APA cover letter by thanking the recipient for his time and consideration when reviewing your submission. Sign your name with blue or black ink at the bottom of the page above your typed name.

• 1 American Psychological Society: How to Write An Impressive Cover Letter
• 2 Hloom: APA Title Page Templates
• 3 Purdue Online Writing Lab: APA Style General Formatting

About the Author

Liza Hollis has been writing for print and online publications since 2003. Her work has appeared on various digital properties, including USAToday.com. Hollis earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Florida.

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How to write a cover letter for journal submission

Download our cover letter template.

When you submit your article to a journal, you often need to include a cover letter. This is a great opportunity to highlight to the journal editor what makes your research new and important. The cover letter should explain why your work is perfect for their journal and why it will be of interest to the journal’s readers.

When writing for publication, a well-written cover letter can help your paper reach the next stage of the manuscript submission process – being sent out for  peer review . So it’s worth spending time thinking about how to write a cover letter to the journal editor, to make sure it’s going to be effective.

To help you, we’ve put together a guide to explain how to write a cover letter for journal article submission. You will receive cover letter instructions of what you should include and what you shouldn’t, and a word template cover letter.

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Customized cover letter

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What should my cover letter include?

Before you start to write, please check the  instructions for authors  (IFAs) of your chosen journal, as not all journals will require one. You should also check the IFAs for any journal specific information on what to include. This may include a list of relevant articles written by you or your co-authors that have been or are currently being considered for publication in other journals.

Key points to include in your letter to the editor:

Editor’s name (you can usually find this on the journal page on  Taylor & Francis Online ).

Your manuscript’s title.

Name of the journal you are submitting to.

Statement that your paper has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by another journal.

Brief description of the research you are reporting in your paper, why it is important, and why you think the readers of the journal would be interested in it.

Contact information for you and any  co-authors .

Confirmation that you have no  competing interests  to disclose.

Things to avoid:

Don’t copy your abstract into your cover letter, instead explain in your own words the significance of the work, the problem that is being addressed, and why the manuscript belongs in the journal.

Don’t use too much jargon or too many acronyms, keep language straightforward and easy to read.

Avoid too much detail – keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page, as an introduction and brief overview.

Avoid any spelling and grammar errors and ensure your letter is thoroughly proofed before submitting.

Click to enlarge your PDF on key information to include in your cover letter .

Cover letter template

If you need further help to write a cover letter for a journal, you can download and use our sample template as a guide.

You might find that the submission system for your chosen journal requires your cover letter to be submitted into a text box rather than as a separate document, but it is still a good idea to write a draft first to make sure you have included everything.

Always make sure to check the journal’s  instructions for authors  for any specific additional information to include.

Submission ready

Use our submission checklist  to make sure you’ve included everything you need to.

If you need more guidance, take a look at our other  information and resources to help you make your submission .

Rapid constructive feedback

Consider the Taylor & Francis Rapid Technical Review service to help you meet your deadline, through peer-review-like comments on your manuscript.

Related resources

Journal submission support

Guide to improve your submission experience

Article submission checklist

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Generate accurate APA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 7th edition
• APA format for academic papers and essays

APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) | Generator, Template, Examples

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on January 17, 2024.

The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual provides guidelines for clear communication , citing sources , and formatting documents. This article focuses on paper formatting.

Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr

Throughout your paper, you need to apply the following APA format guidelines:

• Set page margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Double-space all text, including headings.
• Indent the first line of every paragraph 0.5 inches.
• Use an accessible font (e.g., Times New Roman 12pt., Arial 11pt., or Georgia 11pt.).
• Include a page number on every page.

Let an expert format your paper

Our APA formatting experts can help you to format your paper according to APA guidelines. They can help you with:

• Margins, line spacing, and indentation
• Font and headings
• Running head and page numbering

Table of contents

How to set up apa format (with template), apa alphabetization guidelines, apa format template [free download], page header, headings and subheadings, reference page, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about apa format.

Are your APA in-text citations flawless?

The AI-powered APA Citation Checker points out every error, tells you exactly what’s wrong, and explains how to fix it. Say goodbye to losing marks on your assignment!

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References are ordered alphabetically by the first author’s last name. If the author is unknown, order the reference entry by the first meaningful word of the title (ignoring articles: “the”, “a”, or “an”).

Why set up APA format from scratch if you can download Scribbr’s template for free?

Student papers and professional papers have slightly different guidelines regarding the title page, abstract, and running head. Our template is available in Word and Google Docs format for both versions.

• Student paper: Word | Google Docs
• Professional paper: Word | Google Docs

In an APA Style paper, every page has a page header. For student papers, the page header usually consists of just a page number in the page’s top-right corner. For professional papers intended for publication, it also includes a running head .

A running head is simply the paper’s title in all capital letters. It is left-aligned and can be up to 50 characters in length. Longer titles are abbreviated .

APA headings have five possible levels. Heading level 1 is used for main sections such as “ Methods ” or “ Results ”. Heading levels 2 to 5 are used for subheadings. Each heading level is formatted differently.

Want to know how many heading levels you should use, when to use which heading level, and how to set up heading styles in Word or Google Docs? Then check out our in-depth article on APA headings .

The title page is the first page of an APA Style paper. There are different guidelines for student and professional papers.

Both versions include the paper title and author’s name and affiliation. The student version includes the course number and name, instructor name, and due date of the assignment. The professional version includes an author note and running head .

For more information on writing a striking title, crediting multiple authors (with different affiliations), and writing the author note, check out our in-depth article on the APA title page .

The abstract is a 150–250 word summary of your paper. An abstract is usually required in professional papers, but it’s rare to include one in student papers (except for longer texts like theses and dissertations).

The abstract is placed on a separate page after the title page . At the top of the page, write the section label “Abstract” (bold and centered). The contents of the abstract appear directly under the label. Unlike regular paragraphs, the first line is not indented. Abstracts are usually written as a single paragraph without headings or blank lines.

Directly below the abstract, you may list three to five relevant keywords . On a new line, write the label “Keywords:” (italicized and indented), followed by the keywords in lowercase letters, separated by commas.

APA Style does not provide guidelines for formatting the table of contents . It’s also not a required paper element in either professional or student papers. If your instructor wants you to include a table of contents, it’s best to follow the general guidelines.

Place the table of contents on a separate page between the abstract and introduction. Write the section label “Contents” at the top (bold and centered), press “Enter” once, and list the important headings with corresponding page numbers.

The APA reference page is placed after the main body of your paper but before any appendices . Here you list all sources that you’ve cited in your paper (through APA in-text citations ). APA provides guidelines for formatting the references as well as the page itself.

Creating APA Style references

Play around with the Scribbr Citation Example Generator below to learn about the APA reference format of the most common source types or generate APA citations for free with Scribbr’s APA Citation Generator .

Formatting the reference page

Write the section label “References” at the top of a new page (bold and centered). Place the reference entries directly under the label in alphabetical order.

Finally, apply a hanging indent , meaning the first line of each reference is left-aligned, and all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches.

Tables and figures are presented in a similar format. They’re preceded by a number and title and followed by explanatory notes (if necessary).

Use bold styling for the word “Table” or “Figure” and the number, and place the title on a separate line directly below it (in italics and title case). Try to keep tables clean; don’t use any vertical lines, use as few horizontal lines as possible, and keep row and column labels concise.

Keep the design of figures as simple as possible. Include labels and a legend if needed, and only use color when necessary (not to make it look more appealing).

Check out our in-depth article about table and figure notes to learn when to use notes and how to format them.

The easiest way to set up APA format in Word is to download Scribbr’s free APA format template for student papers or professional papers.

Alternatively, you can watch Scribbr’s 5-minute step-by-step tutorial or check out our APA format guide with examples.

APA Style papers should be written in a font that is legible and widely accessible. For example:

• Times New Roman (12pt.)
• Arial (11pt.)
• Calibri (11pt.)
• Georgia (11pt.)

The same font and font size is used throughout the document, including the running head , page numbers, headings , and the reference page . Text in footnotes and figure images may be smaller and use single line spacing.

You need an APA in-text citation and reference entry . Each source type has its own format; for example, a webpage citation is different from a book citation .

Use Scribbr’s free APA Citation Generator to generate flawless citations in seconds or take a look at our APA citation examples .

Yes, page numbers are included on all pages, including the title page , table of contents , and reference page . Page numbers should be right-aligned in the page header.

To insert page numbers in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, click ‘Insert’ and then ‘Page number’.

APA format is widely used by professionals, researchers, and students in the social and behavioral sciences, including fields like education, psychology, and business.

Be sure to check the guidelines of your university or the journal you want to be published in to double-check which style you should be using.

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Streefkerk, R. (2024, January 17). APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) | Generator, Template, Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 24, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/format/

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APA cover (title) page: format and templates

There are two types of title page required for APA style papers, a professional and a student version.

Student APA cover page

As long as students do not have any specific guidance from their instructors in regards to a cover page format, they should include the following elements on their cover page:

• Running head : only for APA 6th you write "Running head: TITLE" as a header. APA 7th does not require a running head.
• Title of the paper : three to four lines down from the top of the title page, centered and in bold for APA 7 (APA 6 does not have a title in bold).
• Name of author(s) : include a double-spaced blank line between the paper title and the author name(s).
• Affiliation for each author (the university attended, including department)
• Course number and name
• Name of instructor
• Due date of the assignment (date format used in your location)
• Page number (included on all pages), cover page is number 1.
• Times New Roman is the preferred font, 12-point .
• Double spacing
• 1 inch margins

We created a a student APA cover page template of both 6th & 7th edition, which you can download:

Professional APA cover page

A professional APA cover page should include the following elements:

• Name of each author : include a double-spaced blank line between the paper title and the author names.
• Affiliation for each author: give the name of the institution at which the research was carried out.
• Author note : see the specific instructions below.
• Running head (included on all pages): for APA 6th you write "Running head: TITLE" and for APA 7th only the title in caps is required (omitting the phrase running head).
• Page number (included on all pages): page 1 is the cover page.
• Times New Roman is the preferred font, 12 -point.

Since there are a few slight differences between the professional cover page in APA 6th and 7th edition, we created a template for each version, which you can download.

APA cover page: Author note format

An author note in a professional paper can be found at the bottom of the cover page. It is usually composed of four paragraphs.

• In the first paragraph : for APA 6, give the name of the author and their affiliation. For APA 7, give the authors' ORCID iDs. Omit this part if the authors don't have ORCID iDs.
• Second paragraph : Specify any changes of affiliation (for both APA 6 & 7). Use the following format: “[Author’s name] is now at [affiliation].” This paragraph may also clarify the death of an author.
• Third paragraph : give any confidentiality disclosures and/or acknowledgments.
• Fourth paragraph : give the contact information of the author(s).

Format : start this section in the bottom half of the title page, below the affiliations. Leave a minimum of one blank line between the affiliation and the author note title. Center the title “Author Note” in bold. The first line of each paragraph should be indented and all aligned to the left.

Further reading

For more details not covered in this guide, take a look at the following sources:

📝 Student and Professional APA cover page (7th ed.)

🌐 APA 6th cover page tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions about APA cover (title) page

The title page of a student paper serves as a representation of the author. It is a mere formality, as it makes your paper appear more academic. As a student, the title page helps your instructor identify on a glance who wrote the paper, what the topic is, and for what course. In sum, a student should add a title page when indicated.

The title page of a professional paper serves as a representation of the author. For professionals, the function of a title page is to introduce the reader to the main facts of the paper, such as the author, the topic, the year of publication, and contact information. In sum, a professional should add a title page to comply with academic standards.

No. According to APA style, the title's font of a title page should not include any type of Word Art or "fun" fonts of any kind. APA style indicates titles should be written in the same font as the rest of the text, it should centered and in bold (for APA 7).

Yes, APA style's title page should be formated as page 1 of the paper, followed by the abstract page as page 2.

If you learn better by watching than by reading, here are two YouTube tutorials that will help you create a title page: APA Style 7th Edition: Student Paper Formatting and APA Style 7th Edition: Professional Paper Formatting by Samuel Forlenza, PhD.

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For students and teachers.

Never send a naked résumé

Whether hard copy or electronic, show your courtesy by prefacing your résumé with a cover letter that tells (or reminds) the recipient why you are sending them your résumé/CV. It will help you to:

• Introduce yourself and make a great first impression.
• Highlight your qualifications, experience and achievements.
• First paragraph explains why you are writing, knowledge of the organization to which you are applying, reference to position announcement.
• Second paragraph explains why you are specifically suited to the position — experience, accomplishments. Identify unique attribute if possible. Highlight key qualifications without repeating what is on your resume.
• Closing paragraph expresses interest and request for an interview.
• The style (font, paper, etc.) should match that of your resume.

Great cover letters

• Address it to someone who has the authority to hire you. Use their name and title (spelled correctly). Research or call the organization and ask who manages the function/department.
• Remain as brief and focused as possible.
• Tell how you became attracted to the company or opportunity. Show that you’ve done some homework on the company by indicating that you understand their current problems interests, or priorities.
• Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity you are applying for.
• Balance a professional tone with touches of personal warmth. You don’t want to sound like a machine.
• Outline specifically what you are asking for and what you can offer.

Six ways to ruin your cover letter

• Spelling the company’s name incorrectly.
• Sending the letter to the wrong address.
• Addressing the letter “Dear Sir” or “To Whom it May Concern.” 
• Misspelling words and making typographical errors.
• Using poor grammar.
• Forgetting to enclose your resume.
• Omitting your telephone number.

Special thanks to Hull Strategies, LLC © 2016 for this article. For your personal use only. Contact Hull Strategies, LLC or R. Anne Hull, MEd , for copies and more information.

More resources for job seekers

Tips for networking, LinkedIn profiles, interviewing, résumés, negotiating offers, and more.

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

What Is a Cover Letter?

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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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.

A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc). It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.

Cover letters do more than introduce your resume, though. A cover letter's importance also includes its ability to:

• Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume
• Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements
• Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application
• Provide a sample of your written communication skills

The following resources are a compilation of tips and strategies to guide you throughout the writing of your cover letter. Please refer to the sample cover letters for a picture of the finished product.

Good luck writing!

Job seekers at Purdue University may find value in the Purdue career Wiki here .

The following are additional Purdue OWL resources to help you write your cover letter:

• Purdue OWL YouTube Channel: Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Workshop- Formatting and Organization
• Example Employment Documents
• Cover Letters 2: Preparing to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letters 3: Writing Your Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Presentation
• Job Search Documents for Working Class Positions