
Creating a running head in Microsoft Word might seem like a straightforward task, but it’s a journey that takes you through the digital forest of formatting, design, and sometimes, a bit of frustration. Whether you’re a student working on a thesis, a professional preparing a report, or just someone who loves to organize documents, mastering the art of the running head is essential. Let’s dive into the various aspects of this process, exploring different methods, tips, and tricks to make your document stand out.
Understanding the Running Head
Before we delve into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the “what.” A running head is a shortened version of your document’s title that appears at the top of every page. It’s commonly used in academic papers, especially those following APA style, to help readers quickly identify the document they’re reading. The running head is typically aligned to the left, while the page number is aligned to the right.
Why Use a Running Head?
- Professionalism: A running head adds a layer of professionalism to your document, making it look polished and well-organized.
- Navigation: It helps readers navigate through the document, especially in lengthy papers.
- Consistency: It ensures consistency across all pages, which is crucial for academic and professional documents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Running Head in Word
Step 1: Open Your Document
Start by opening the document where you want to add the running head. If you’re starting from scratch, create a new document and input your content.
Step 2: Access the Header Section
To add a running head, you need to access the header section of your document. Here’s how:
- Double-click at the top of any page to open the header area.
- Alternatively, go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon, then click on Header and select Edit Header.
Step 3: Insert the Running Head
Once you’re in the header section, you can insert your running head. Here’s how:
- Type your running head text. Remember, it should be a shortened version of your document’s title, typically no more than 50 characters.
- Align the text to the left.
Step 4: Add Page Numbers
Most running heads include page numbers, usually aligned to the right. Here’s how to add them:
- While still in the header section, go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
- Click on Page Number and choose Top of Page.
- Select Plain Number 3 (or any other style that aligns the number to the right).
Step 5: Format the Running Head
To ensure your running head looks professional, you might want to format it:
- Font: Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12.
- Capitalization: Ensure the running head is in all capital letters, as per APA guidelines.
- Spacing: Make sure there’s no extra space between the running head and the page number.
Step 6: Close the Header Section
Once you’ve added and formatted your running head, double-click outside the header area or click on Close Header and Footer to exit the header section.
Advanced Tips for Running Heads
Different First Page
Sometimes, you might want a different running head on the first page, or no running head at all. Here’s how to do it:
- Double-click the header area to open it.
- In the Header & Footer Tools tab, check the box for Different First Page.
- Customize the first page header as needed.
Section Breaks and Different Headers
If your document has multiple sections, you might want different running heads for each section. Here’s how:
- Insert a Section Break by going to the Layout tab, clicking on Breaks, and selecting Next Page.
- Double-click the header area in the new section.
- Uncheck Link to Previous in the Header & Footer Tools tab.
- Customize the running head for that section.
Using Fields for Dynamic Content
If your running head needs to include dynamic content, such as the document title or chapter name, you can use fields:
- In the header section, press Ctrl + F9 to insert a field.
- Type
{ STYLEREF "Title" }
to insert the document title. - Press F9 to update the field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Length: Ensure your running head is no more than 50 characters, including spaces.
- Inconsistent Formatting: Keep the font, size, and capitalization consistent throughout the document.
- Misaligned Page Numbers: Double-check that the page numbers are aligned to the right and properly spaced from the running head.
FAQs
Q1: Can I have a different running head on the first page?
A: Yes, you can. Simply check the Different First Page option in the Header & Footer Tools tab and customize the first page header as needed.
Q2: How do I remove the running head from specific pages?
A: To remove the running head from specific pages, you’ll need to use section breaks. Insert a section break before and after the pages where you want to remove the running head, then unlink the headers in those sections.
Q3: Can I use different running heads in different sections of my document?
A: Absolutely. By inserting section breaks and unlinking the headers, you can have different running heads in different sections of your document.
Q4: What if my running head is too long?
A: If your running head exceeds 50 characters, consider shortening it. The running head should be a concise version of your document’s title.
Q5: Can I automate the running head to update with the document title?
A: Yes, you can use fields to automatically update the running head with the document title. Insert a field in the header section and use the { STYLEREF "Title" }
code.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking running head in Microsoft Word, ensuring your document is well-organized and easy to navigate. Happy formatting!