APA outline Google Docs templates

How to Create an APA Outline Template in Google Docs

Using Google Docs to create an APA outline template is straightforward and convenient. Follow these steps to get started:

Access Google Docs:

Open your web browser and visit Google Docs at docs.google.com. Log in to your Google account if you haven't already.

Open a New Document:

To start a new document, click on the "+ Blank" option to open a blank page. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made template by clicking "Template Gallery" and selecting an APA Outline template if available.

Set Up the Document:

To format your document in APA style, follow these guidelines:

• Title Page: Include a title page with the title of your paper, your name, and your institution. Center this information on the page.
• Headers: Add a running head with a shortened title of your paper in all caps on the left and the page number on the right. To do this, go to "Insert" > "Headers & footers" > "Header" and then "Insert" > "Page numbers."
• Font and Spacing: Use a standard font like Times New Roman, 12-point size, and double-space your text.
• Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides. Go to "File" > "Page Setup" to adjust the margins.

Create the Outline:

Start creating your APA outline with the following structure:

• Main Headings: Use Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.) for main sections. For example:
• I. Introduction
• II. Literature Review
• III. Methodology
• IV. Results
• V. Discussion
• VI. Conclusion
• Subheadings: Use capital letters (A, B, C, etc.) for subheadings under each main section. For example:
• A. Background Information
• B. Research Questions
• Detail Points: Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) for detailed points under each subheading. For example:
• 1. Previous studies on the topic
• 2. Theoretical framework
• Further Detail: Use lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc.) for further details under each point. For example:
• a. Key findings
• b. Gaps in research

Save Your Document:

Google Docs automatically saves your work as you type. For added security, you can manually save by clicking on "File" > "Save" or using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + S on Windows, Command + S on Mac).

Collaborate and Share:

One of the significant advantages of using Google Docs is the ability to collaborate in real-time. Click the "Share" button in the top-right corner to invite collaborators via email. You can grant them permission to view, comment, or edit the document.

Review and Edit Revisions:

Google Docs keeps track of changes, making it easy to review and edit revisions. Go to "File" > "Version history" > "See version history" to view and restore previous versions of your document.

Download or Print:

Once your APA outline template is complete, download it in different formats by going to "File" > "Download." To print your document, select "File" > "Print."

Close and Exit:

When you're finished, close the document or tab. Google Docs automatically saves your changes, so there's no need to worry about losing your work.

That's it! You've successfully created an APA Outline template using Google Docs. Whether you're working on a research paper, thesis, or any academic project, Google Docs offers a user-friendly platform with robust features for efficient and effective document creation.