Quick Fix Summary
In Microsoft Word 2407 or newer: Double-click the header → Check “Different First Page” → Type “Running head: ABBREV.” (max 50 chars) on page 1 only → On pages 2+, keep only the abbreviated title flush left → Insert page numbers flush right. In Google Docs: Go to Insert → Header → Type “Running head: ABBREV.” on page 1 → Uncheck “Different first page” → Type short title on page 1, then remove label and abbreviate further if needed.
What’s going on with running heads?
A running head is a short title that appears at the top of every page in a document, helping readers track content without scrolling.
It’s especially critical in APA 7th edition formatting—used widely in psychology, education, and social sciences as of 2026. The header must be ≤50 characters (including spaces and punctuation), all caps, and aligned flush left, with the page number flush right. Since 2020, APA no longer requires running heads in student papers unless specified by an instructor, but professional submissions still mandate them (APA, 2020).
How do I actually add a running head to my document?
Follow these steps in Microsoft Word (Version 2407) or Google Docs (as of 2026) to insert and format a compliant running head.
Microsoft Word (Version 2407)
- Open your document. Double-click the top margin to open the header area.
- On the ribbon, go to Header & Footer Tools Design → Options → Check Different First Page.
- In the first-page header box, type: Running head: followed by a short version of your title in ALL CAPS (e.g., RUNNING head: TELEHEALTH IMPACT ON ANXIETY). Keep it under 50 characters including spaces and punctuation.
- Press Tab once to move right, then insert the page number (Insert → Page Number → Top of Page → Plain Number 1).
- Go to page 2. Double-click the header. Delete the label “Running head:” and shorten the title if needed (e.g., TELEHEALTH IMPACT ON ANXIETY). Keep it flush left.
- Confirm the page number is flush right. Save the document as a .docx file in File → Info → Check for Issues → Inspect Document to verify headers.
Google Docs (as of 2026)
- Open your document. Click Insert → Header.
- In the header box, type: Running head: followed by your abbreviated title in ALL CAPS (e.g., RUNNING head: TELEHEALTH IMPACT ON ANXIETY). Stay under 50 characters.
- Click the Options dropdown (top right of header) → Uncheck Different first page.
- Go to page 2. Double-click the header. Remove “Running head:” and shorten the title if needed. Ensure it’s flush left.
- Go to Insert → Page numbers → Choose top right. Confirm alignment and spacing.
Why isn’t my running head showing up on every page?
Check your header settings—if it’s not appearing consistently, the issue is almost always a linking or formatting problem.
- Header doesn’t appear on all pages: Ensure “Different First Page” is unchecked on page 2+ in Word; in Google Docs, confirm header is linked across pages.
- Running head too long: Shorten by removing articles (a, an, the) or combining key terms. The limit is strictly 50 characters, per APA guidelines (APA, 2020).
- Format not consistent: Use the Styles pane in Word or the Format → Paragraph menu in Google Docs to set alignment to “Left” and ensure no bold or italics are applied.
What if my running head looks messy or inconsistent?
Alignment and formatting issues usually come from inconsistent settings—fix them by standardizing your approach.
First, check your alignment settings. In Word, use the Styles pane to set everything to “Left” alignment. In Google Docs, go to Format → Paragraph and make sure you’re not accidentally using centered or right-aligned text. Also, remove any bold or italics from the header text—those can make things look uneven. Honestly, this is the best approach to keep things clean and professional.
Can I make this easier for future documents?
Absolutely—setting up a template saves time and headaches down the road.
In Word, create a custom template (.dotx) with your running head already embedded. That way, you won’t have to set it up every time. In Google Docs, use a shared template with labeled placeholders (like “[SHORT TITLE HERE]”) so collaborators know exactly where to plug in their text. Before you start writing, always verify your character count using Tools → Word Count → Characters (with spaces) in Word or Tools → Character Counter in Google Docs. If you’re working with a team, lock the header section via Review → Restrict Editing → Header sections only to prevent accidental changes (Microsoft Support, 2024).
Do I even need a running head in my paper?
It depends on your context—student papers often skip them, but professional submissions usually require them.
APA 7th edition no longer requires running heads in student papers unless your instructor specifically asks for them. But if you’re submitting to a journal or professional conference, you’ll almost certainly need one. Always double-check the guidelines—your instructor or publisher will have the final say. (Seriously, don’t assume. Check first.)
What’s the character limit for a running head?
The running head must be 50 characters or fewer, including spaces and punctuation.
That’s a hard limit, no exceptions. If your title is too long, shorten it by removing articles like “a,” “an,” or “the,” or by combining key terms. For example, instead of “THE EFFECTS OF TELEHEALTH ON PATIENT ANXIETY DISORDERS,” you might use “TELEHEALTH IMPACT ON ANXIETY DISORDERS.” The APA guidelines are strict about this (APA, 2020).
How do I abbreviate my title for the running head?
Strip it down to the essentials—keep it short, clear, and under 50 characters.
Start with your full title. Remove any unnecessary words like “a,” “an,” or “the.” Then, combine key terms or use acronyms if they fit. For instance, if your title is “The Impact of Telehealth Services on Rural Mental Health Outcomes,” your running head could be “TELEHEALTH IMPACT ON RURAL MENTAL HEALTH.” If it’s still too long, try “TELEHEALTH & RURAL MENTAL HEALTH.” Just make sure it’s still recognizable and under the limit.
Why does the first page look different from the rest?
The first page usually includes the full “Running head:” label, while subsequent pages only show the abbreviated title.
This is standard in APA formatting. On page 1, you’ll see the full “Running head: YOUR TITLE” in all caps. But starting on page 2, the header changes to just the abbreviated title (no “Running head:” label). That’s why the first page looks different—it’s designed that way to meet formatting requirements.
What if I’m using a different version of Word?
Most versions follow similar steps, but the exact menu names might vary slightly.
If you’re not on Version 2407, don’t panic. The process is generally the same: double-click the header, adjust the “Different First Page” setting, and type your running head. The main difference is in the menu names—older versions might have slightly different labels, but the functionality is identical. If you’re stuck, try searching for “header and footer tools” in your version’s help menu.
Can I use a running head in Google Docs if I’m working with others?
Yes, but you’ll need to protect the header from accidental edits.
Google Docs makes collaboration easy, but headers can get messy if multiple people are editing them. To prevent changes, go to Tools → Protect sections and lock the header area. That way, only you (or whoever has editing access) can modify it. Just remember to unprotect it if you need to make updates later.
What’s the easiest way to count characters in my running head?
Use your word processor’s built-in tools—Word and Google Docs both have character counters.
In Microsoft Word, go to Tools → Word Count → Characters (with spaces). In Google Docs, use Tools → Character Counter. Both will give you an exact count, including spaces and punctuation. If you’re close to the limit, tweak your title until it fits. (Pro tip: If you’re using Word, the status bar at the bottom also shows a quick character count when you highlight text.)
Are running heads required in all academic papers?
No—APA 7th edition only requires them in professional submissions, not student papers.
Unless your instructor specifies otherwise, you can skip the running head in student papers. But if you’re submitting to a journal, conference, or professional organization, you’ll almost always need one. Always check the submission guidelines—rules can vary by field and publisher. When in doubt, include it. It’s better to have one and not need it than to scramble later.
What if my running head still isn’t working after trying everything?
Double-check your settings, then try a fresh document to isolate the issue.
If you’ve followed all the steps and it’s still not working, the problem might be a formatting conflict. Try creating a new document and setting up the header there—if it works, the issue is in your original file. You can also try copying and pasting your content into the new document to preserve your work. If all else fails, check for software updates or consult your word processor’s help documentation.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
