APA 7th Edition: Top Formatting Tips -by Dr. Lucy Wells-Johnson

If you’re working on a dissertation, thesis, or research paper, formatting your work according to APA 7th Edition guidelines is essential. Correct formatting not only meets academic standards but also demonstrates your attention to detail  something reviewers and committees notice. At Doctorate Done Right, we know formatting can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together our top tips to help you master APA style with confidence.

1. Set the Right Margins, Font, and Spacing

Tip: Use 1-inch margins on all sides, 12-point Times New Roman font (or approved alternatives like Calibri 11 or Arial 11), and double spacing throughout the document including references.

2. Master the Title Page Requirements

Tip: For student papers, include your paper’s title, your name, your institution, course name, instructor, and due date  all centered and double-spaced. For professional papers, include an author note and running head.

3. Perfect Your Headings

Tip: APA 7th Edition uses five heading levels, each with specific formatting (bold, italic, title case, or lowercase). Use them consistently to organize your paper logically.

4. Format In-Text Citations Correctly

Tip: For direct quotes, include the author’s last name, year, and page number: (Smith, 2022, p. 45). For paraphrasing, you can omit the page number but must still cite the source.

5. Get the Reference Page Right

Tip: Center the word “References” at the top. Use a hanging indent for each entry, double space the list, and alphabetize by author’s last name. Follow the correct reference format for each source type (journal article, book, website, etc.).

6. Pay Attention to Tables and Figures

Tip: APA 7th Edition has simplified table and figure formats. Each should have a number, title (italicized), and note if applicable. Keep them as clean and easy-to-read as possible.

Charts and Tables

7. Use APA’s DOI and URL Guidelines

Tip: When available, include a DOI in the reference. For URLs, drop the “Retrieved from” unless a retrieval date is required. Hyperlink DOIs and URLs in blue and underlined text.

The Bottom Line

Formatting your dissertation or research paper according to APA 7th Edition doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and using APA’s official manual as a reference, you can ensure your work is professional, polished, and committee-ready.

Need help with APA formatting, editing, or final dissertation polish? Doctorate Done Right offers hands-on coaching and formatting assistance so you can focus on your research and let us handle the details.

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