Quick Fix Summary: The title page in APA format is page 1. Drop page numbers in the top right corner of every page—even the title page. If numbering doesn’t start at 1 on the title page, flip on "Different First Page" and set the page number format to start at 1.
What's Happening
In APA 7th edition (as of 2026), the title page kicks off your document and must wear page number 1 in the top right corner. That goes for professional papers, student papers, and manuscripts sent to journals. Five things go on this page: a bolded title, the author’s name, the institutional affiliation, an author note (when required), and a running head with the page number. Skip page 1 on the title page? You’re breaking APA rules—and risking formatting penalties from instructors or journals.
According to the American Psychological Association, the title page is basically your paper’s ID badge. It tells readers the title, who wrote it, and where it came from. Page numbers on every page—including the title page—keep everything consistent and easy to follow.
Step-by-Step Solution
Here’s exactly how to make the title page page 1 in Microsoft Word (Windows or macOS) or Google Docs:
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Insert Page Numbers:
- Word: Head to Insert > Page Number > Top of Page > Plain Number 3 (or pick a style that puts the number in the top right).
- Google Docs: Click Insert > Page Number, then choose the version with the number in the top right corner.
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Remove Page Number from Title Page (if needed):
- Word: Turn on Different First Page under Design > Options. This hides the page number on the title page while keeping it on the rest of the document.
- Google Docs: Google Docs doesn’t do this automatically, so you’ll have to delete the page number on the title page by hand.
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Set Page Numbering to Start at 1:
- Word: Double-click the page number on the second page. Hit Header & Footer > Page Number > Format Page Numbers. Under Page Numbering, set Start at to 1.
- Google Docs: Click the page number on the second page and manually type 1 if it doesn’t default right.
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Verify Running Head (if applicable):
- The running head—a shortened title in all caps—goes in the top left corner of the title page, with the page number right next to it in the top right. In Word, pop into Insert > Header > Edit Header, type your shortened title in caps, then add the page number.
If This Didn't Work
Still not seeing page 1 on the title page? Run through these fixes:
- Check Section Breaks: Make sure nothing’s splitting the title page from the second page and messing with numbering. In Word, go to Layout > Breaks and delete any unnecessary Next Page breaks.
- Reset Page Numbering: Wipe all page numbers, then add them back starting on the title page. In Word, hit Insert > Page Number > Remove Page Numbers, then follow the steps above to put them back.
- Use a Template: Grab the official APA 7th edition template for Word or Google Docs to dodge manual formatting headaches.
Prevention Tips
Want to skip page-number headaches next time? Try these habits:
- Use APA Templates: Start with an APA-compliant template so formatting is correct from the get-go. The APA website has downloadable templates for Word, Google Docs, and LaTeX.
- Enable "Different First Page": Always switch this on in Word (Design > Options) so the title page can have its own formatting without dragging the rest of the document along.
- Double-Check Margins and Fonts: APA demands 1-inch margins, double-spaced text, and a clear font (Times New Roman 12pt is the classic choice). Mess these up, and layout issues can throw off your page numbers. Check Layout > Margins and Home > Font to be sure.
- Save as PDF Before Submitting: Turn your document into a PDF before sending it off—especially for journals or instructors who might use different software. In Word, go to File > Save As > PDF.
