Hello there! As an expert in document formatting, I'm here to guide you through the process of formatting a document in APA style using Microsoft Word. APA style is widely used in the social sciences and is known for its clear and consistent structure. Let's dive into the details.

### Step 1: Setting Up Your Document

#### New Document
Start by opening a new document. You can do this by clicking on "All Programs," then selecting "Microsoft Office," and finally choosing "Word 2010."

#### Font Selection
The first step in formatting your document is to set the font. According to APA guidelines, the Times New Roman font is the standard, and the font size should be 12 points. To set this, go to the "Home" tab and select "Times New Roman" from the font dropdown menu, then choose "12" from the font size dropdown.

#### Margins
Next, you'll want to set your document margins. Click on the "Page Layout" tab, then select "Margins." Choose "More margins..." from the dropdown menu to open the "Page Setup" dialog box. Here, you can set the top, bottom, left, and right margins according to APA guidelines, which are typically 1 inch for all sides.

#### Spacing
Proper line spacing is also crucial. APA style recommends double-spacing for the entire document. To set this, go to the "Paragraph" group on the "Home" tab, and click on the "Line and Paragraph Spacing" icon. Choose "Double" from the list.

### Step 2: Headings and Title Page

#### Title Page
Every APA paper requires a title page. This includes the title of your paper, your name, the institution you are affiliated with, and the date. The title should be centered and should be in title case, meaning that the first letter of important words is capitalized.

#### Running Head
Additionally, you need to create a running head, which is a shortened version of your title, and it should appear on the top left corner of every page. The running head should be in all caps and should not exceed 50 characters.

#### Page Numbers
Page numbers are also a part of the APA format. They should be placed at the top right corner of every page, starting with the title page. In Word, you can insert page numbers by double-clicking on the header area and then clicking on "Page Number" in the "Header & Footer" toolbar.

### Step 3: Main Body and Citations

#### Paragraph Indentation
To create a new paragraph, press the "Enter" key. APA style requires the first line of each paragraph to be indented 0.5 inches. You can set this by highlighting the paragraph, going to the "Paragraph" group, and increasing the "Indentation" to 0.5 inches.

#### Citations
APA style uses a specific citation format. When citing sources, you'll need to include the author's last name, the year of publication, and the specific page number(s) in parentheses. For example: (Smith, 2019, p. 23).

#### References
At the end of your document, you'll need to compile a list of references. This should be a comprehensive list of all the sources you've cited in your paper. Each entry should include the author's name, the year of publication, the title of the work, and the source information.

### Step 4: Final Touches

#### Proofreading
Before you submit your document, it's essential to proofread it for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies in formatting.

#### Formatting Consistency
Ensure that all elements of your document follow the APA guidelines consistently. This includes headings, subheadings, and any tables or figures you may have included.

#### Saving Your Work
Finally, don't forget to save your work in a format that retains the formatting, such as a Word document (.docx).

Now, let's move on to the next step.

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Formatting an APA Style Paper.Using Microsoft Word 2010.Open up a new document by clicking on All Programs, then select Microsoft Office, and select Word 2010. ... Setting the font.On the Hometab, select Times New Roman, Size 12 from the dropdown menu.Set the margins and spacing.Click the Page Layout tab.Click Margins.More items...read more >>