APA Format for Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a student struggling with the formatting requirements of an APA-style paper on your Mac? Don't worry, as this guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a well-formatted APA Style student paper using your default word-processing program.

For most paper elements, you don't need to make any changes to the default settings of your word-processor, such as Academic Writer, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs. The seventh edition of APA Style was designed with modern word-processing programs in mind, ensuring that most default settings already comply with APA guidelines. However, it is always a good idea to check with your instructor or institution for specific guidelines, which may differ from or supplement APA Style requirements.

To set up your paper correctly, follow these steps when you first open your document:

* Set the margins

* Choose the font

* Adjust line spacing

* Align paragraphs and indent them as needed

* Set page headers

These basic setup guidelines apply to the entire paper, so once you complete these steps, you won't need to worry about them again while writing your paper.

The APA Style website provides additional information on paper format, tables, and figures, as well as a full sample student paper. Chapters 1 and 2 of both the Concise Guide to APA Style and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association describe the elements, format, and organization for student papers.

To further assist you in setting up your paper, the APA Style website offers the Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF) and an A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Style Student Papers webinar. These resources provide annotated diagrams and step-by-step instructions on how to organize your paper and improve its quality and presentation.

The article then covers formatting for the major sections of a student paper, including:

* The title page

* The text

* Tables and figures

* The reference list

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to create an APA Style student paper that meets the requirements of your instructor or institution. So, take advantage of this guide and start creating your APA-style paper today.

Apa format for mac