What Is Running Head In Journal?
A running head is a short title (50 characters or fewer) that appears in the top margin of every page in a manuscript or thesis, usually in all caps. It helps reviewers and editors quickly identify your document during blind review or when journals require it.
Manuscripts, theses, and professional reports often need a short title at the top of every page so reviewers can quickly identify which document they’re reading. That’s where a running head (or page header) comes in handy. This is especially useful when you’re submitting work for blind review or when journals spell out the requirement in their author guidelines.
Quick Fix Summary
Create a 50-character-or-fewer title in all caps, place it left-aligned in the header, add the page number right-aligned, and use “Running head: TITLE” only on page 1. Skip this step if your instructor or journal does not require it.
What’s Happening
A running head is a concise title printed in the top margin of every page that helps readers and editors keep pages organized. It’s typically in uppercase, no longer than 50 characters (including spaces), and paired with the page number. In APA 7th edition (2020), running heads are required only for manuscripts submitted for publication; student papers generally don’t need one unless the instructor asks for it.
Here’s the thing: always check your target journal’s guidelines. Some still want the classic format (“Running head: ABBREVIATED TITLE”) on the title page only, while others prefer just the abbreviated title alone on every page.
How to Set Up a Running Head in Microsoft Word (Windows 11 & macOS 2026)
You’ll need this on every page except the first one.
- Open your document in Microsoft Word 365/2024.
- Double-click the top margin to open the Header area.
- On the ribbon, go to Header & Footer > Options and tick Different First Page.
- In the First Page Header box, type
Running head:followed by your abbreviated title in ALL CAPS (max 50 characters). - Press Tab once to move the cursor immediately left of the automatically inserted page number.
- Select the entire running-head line, set the font to Times New Roman 12 pt, and left-align.
- Tab once more and confirm the page number is right-aligned.
- Click Close Header and Footer.
- Flip to page 2. You should see only the abbreviated title (in caps) and page number—no “Running head:” prefix.
Troubleshooting When It Doesn’t Work
- Google Docs (2026): Go to Insert > Header & Footer > Options > Header First Page Different. Type “Running head: ABBREV TITLE” on page 1, then just the abbreviated title on page 2.
- LaTeX (TeX Live 2026): Add
\pagestyle{headings}and\markboth{SHORT TITLE}{SHORT TITLE}in the preamble; adjustfancyhdrpackage settings accordingly. - Word for Mac: Navigate to Header & Footer > Options > Different First Page. Repeat the same steps as above.
How to Avoid Running Head Mistakes
Honestly, this is where most people slip up. A little prep now saves headaches later.
| Action | When to Do It | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Check journal author guidelines | Before you begin writing | APA Style |
| Set margins to 1 inch and font to 12 pt Times New Roman | At document creation | Microsoft Support |
| Use “Different First Page” to suppress the prefix after page 1 | Once per document | Microsoft Support |
| Count characters (including spaces) and trim if over 50 | Before submission | APA Style |
Always confirm the latest requirements with the specific journal or institution, as guidelines can change. APA’s 7th edition manual (2020) explicitly states that running heads are no longer mandatory for student papers unless requested.
What If My Journal Doesn’t Want a Running Head?
Skip it entirely. Many journals have dropped the requirement, especially for student submissions. That said, double-check their submission guidelines first—some still ask for it on the title page only.
Can I Use a Running Head for a Thesis or Dissertation?
Yes, but check your university’s formatting rules first. Most graduate programs require a running head on every page, but the exact format varies. Some want the full title, others prefer an abbreviated version. When in doubt, ask your advisor or consult the graduate office.
What’s the Maximum Character Count for a Running Head?
Fifty characters, including spaces. APA 7th edition limits running heads to 50 characters. If your title is longer, shorten it or use a logical abbreviation. Count carefully—some journals enforce this strictly.
Do I Need a Running Head for APA 7th Edition?
Only if you’re submitting for publication. Student papers generally don’t need one unless your instructor specifically asks for it. That’s a relief, honestly—one less thing to worry about for most undergrad assignments.
How Do I Abbreviate a Long Title for the Running Head?
Shorten it logically. Drop articles (a, an, the) and unnecessary words. Keep the core meaning intact. For example, “The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance in College Students” could become “EFFECTS SLEEP DEPRIVATION COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE.”
Can I Use a Running Head in Google Docs?
Absolutely, but the process is different. Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in “Different First Page” option like Word, so you’ll need to manually adjust the header on page 2. It’s a bit clunky, but it works.
What Font Should I Use for the Running Head?
Times New Roman 12 pt is standard. APA 7th edition recommends this font for the entire paper, including the running head. Stick with it unless your journal specifies otherwise.
Where Exactly Does the Running Head Go?
Top left margin, every page. It sits in the header, aligned to the left. The page number goes in the top right margin. Make sure both are in the same font and size as the rest of your paper.
Why Do Journals Require Running Heads?
For organization and blind review. When reviewers get stacks of papers, a running head helps them quickly identify which document is which. It’s a small but helpful detail in the submission process.
What If I Forget to Add the Running Head?
Add it before submission. Most journals won’t reject your paper for a missing running head, but it’s better to follow their guidelines exactly. If you’re unsure, check with the editor or look at recent issues of the journal to see their format.
Can I Use a Running Head in LaTeX?
Yes, but it requires extra setup. You’ll need to tweak the fancyhdr package or use commands like \markboth{SHORT TITLE}{SHORT TITLE} in the preamble. It’s not as straightforward as Word or Google Docs, but it’s doable if you’re comfortable with LaTeX.
Do Running Heads Count Toward the Page Limit?
No, they don’t. Running heads appear in the header, which is outside the main text area. That means they don’t count toward your page limit, word count, or any other submission requirements.
