Are you working on an important document and want to make a great first impression? One way to achieve this is by creating a professional-looking cover page.
If you don’t know where to begin, follow along as we discuss how to make a cover page on Google Docs according to APA and MLA styles.
Table of Contents
What To Include When Writing a Cover Page
The first part of an academic paper is called the cover page (or title page). It should contain the basic but important details about your paper, such as the author’s name, instructor, and title. To ensure a well-structured and professional-looking cover page, here is a comprehensive list of what you should include:
APA Style
In APA style, the cover page of a student paper should follow specific formatting guidelines provided by the American Psychological Association (APA). To ensure adherence to these guidelines, the following information should be centered on the cover page using a 12-point Times New Roman font:
Student Papers
If you’re writing a student paper, abide by the formatting guidelines for students unless your professor specifies otherwise:
- Title of your paper
- Name(s) of the author(s)
- Author’s affiliation, which consists of the:
- Department name
- College name
- The university they attend
- Code and name of the course
- Name of the instructor or professor
- Essay or assignment due date
- Page number, which is “1” for cover pages
Here’s an example:
Effects of Music Therapy on Stress Reduction
Sarah Johnson, David Lee
Department of Psychology
XYZ University
PSY201: Introduction to Psychology
Dr. Emily Davis
November 30, 2023
Professional Papers
In professional APA cover pages, there are two key elements that distinguish them from student-style cover pages: The author’s note and the running head. However, apart from these additions, they are quite similar. The information to include on a professional cover page is as follows:
- Paper title
- Name(s) of the author(s)
- Name of the institution where the research was made, including the following information:
- Department name
- College name
- University
- Other institutions
- Author’s note
- Running head (at the upper-left corner of the page)
- Page number starting at 1
Refer to the photo below for a clearer demonstration of this:
Source: APA Style
Note: To learn more about the APA style formatting for cover pages — visit the official website.
MLA Style
It’s actually considered rare to include cover pages when using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. However, there are instances where your instructor may require it or when working on a group-assigned paper. In such cases, the following information should be included:
- Name(s) of the author(s), which must have their own line
- Name of the instructor
- Course name and number
- Institution name
- Paper due date
- Paper title
Except for the paper title, put all other information at the top of your cover page, formatted in left alignment. Then, enter a few blank lines (around three to four) and insert the title of your paper. Note that the paper title should be centered.
Example:
John Smith
Emily Johnson
Sarah Lee
Prof. David Davis
Advanced Research Methods ENG202
University of Pennsylvania
November 30, 2023
The Impact of Music Therapy on Reducing Anxiety Levels
Related: How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs [Step-by-Step Guide]
How To Make a Cover Page on Google Docs
Ready to make your cover page? Here’s how to add a cover page in Google Docs:
- Go to docs.google.com and open a new document by clicking “Blank” under the “Start a new document” section.
- If your instructor requires specific formatting, you can adjust the margins and document size by selecting “File” > “Page setup.”
- For APA or MLA style, choose “Format” > “Line & paragraph spacing” > “Double” to set double spacing for your document.
- Alternatively, the “Line & paragraph spacing” option is in the toolbar.
- Now, it’s time to insert the necessary details for your cover page, following the formatting guidelines of your chosen style. Include the following:
- Paper title
- Author’s name
- Instructor’s name
- Course information
- Institution name
- Due date
- Other required information
- Make sure to proofread your writing and double-check the formatting before finalizing your cover page.
- Once you’ve completed the cover page, saving your document is essential. Choose “File” > “Download” > “Microsoft Word” to download it in Word format. Alternatively, you can select any other file format that suits your needs.
Best Tips on How To Do a Cover Page on Google Docs
When creating an academic cover page, you need to abide by the formatting rules of the style you’re using. Take this refresher on the general formatting rules of APA or MLA cover pages:
- Font and font size: Use the appropriate font and size specified by the style guide you’re following. MLA requires Times New Roman font size of 12, while APA requires Times New Roman font size of 12 or 11.
- Center Alignment: Make sure all the text on your cover page, including the title, author’s name, and other information, is centered on the page. This creates a visually balanced and organized look.
- Title case: Use the right case for the title of your paper. You can utilize the following links for the correct title capitalization according to style:
- Include Required Information: As discussed above, include all the necessary information according to the style guide requirements. This typically includes the title of your paper, the author’s name, the instructor’s name, course details, and institution information.
- Proofread carefully: Before submitting your paper, check the cover page for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
- Avoid adding photos: Unless specifically instructed by your professor, it’s best to avoid including photos on your cover page. Usually, a clean and text-based cover page is preferred for academic papers.
Use a Template to Create a Title Page in Google Docs
If you want to set up your Google Docs title page quickly, you might be happy to know that Google Docs provides templates that can expedite the process for you. Here’s how you can access and use them:
- Go to docs.google.com, and click on “Template gallery.”
- Scroll down to the “Education” section, and select the appropriate “Report” option for either APA 6 or APA 7, depending on your requirements.
- Edit the content of the first pages of these templates to customize your Google Docs cover page according to your needs.
Note: These templates are designed for professional use. Therefore, they may not align fully with student paper requirements. If you’re a student, it’s advisable to follow the guidelines provided earlier in this article to create a cover page manually.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the MLA report template in the Google Docs Template Gallery doesn’t include a cover page. As mentioned previously, including a cover page in MLA style is not common. In such cases, you can refer to our guide above on creating cover pages manually to ensure compliance with MLA formatting requirements.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted cover page for your paper is essential for maintaining a professional appearance. To quickly set it up, follow the instructions provided in this article on how to make a cover page on Google Docs.
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