If there’s a section of your paper where you’ll have to do all of the heavy lifting alone (especially if you’re not using PERRLA), it’s the body of your paper. The body is where your ideas come to life. It’s where you present your thesis, support it with evidence, and guide your reader through your reasoning. Because this section carries so much weight, a clean and consistent layout is essential. Proper formatting doesn’t just meet APA requirements; it also helps your reader stay focused on your argument instead of getting distracted by inconsistencies or visual clutter.
Formatting requirements
In an APA 7 student research paper (not to be confused with a professional research paper), the first body page always begins on page 2. While that might sound simple, there are several small but important formatting details to keep in mind. Paying attention to these elements early can save you time and frustration later.
Here’s a closer look at each requirement and why it matters:
Page number
The body begins on page 2, immediately following the title page. The header you set up on page 1 carries over automatically, which means your page number should already appear in the top-right corner. If you’re using a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs with automatic page numbering enabled, you won’t need to make any additional adjustments. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check that numbering continues correctly – small errors here can affect the overall professionalism of your paper.
Title line on the first body page
On the first line of page 2, you’ll repeat the full title of your paper. This title should be bolded, centered, and written in Title Case, just like it appears on the title page. Think of this as a built-in introduction heading – APA format doesn’t use a separate “Introduction” label. After typing the title, press Enter once to begin your first paragraph. This simple step creates a clear visual transition from the title to your content and signals to your reader that the discussion is beginning.
Paragraph format
Your opening paragraph starts immediately after the title line. Like all paragraphs in an APA paper, it should be double-spaced, left-aligned, and include a first-line indent of 0.5 inches. This indentation helps visually separate paragraphs and improves readability. Every paragraph in your paper should follow this same structure – consistency is key. Whether you’re introducing a new idea, presenting evidence, or transitioning between points, maintaining uniform formatting helps your reader follow your argument without interruption.
Spacing checks
One of the most common formatting mistakes is inconsistent spacing. In APA style, there should be no extra space before or after paragraphs – everything should be evenly double-spaced from beginning to end. This includes spacing between headings and paragraphs as well. It may seem like a minor detail, but uneven spacing can make your paper look unpolished. Before submitting your work, take a moment to scan through your document and ensure the spacing is consistent throughout.
Headings (optional but helpful)
If your paper is longer or covers multiple sections, headings can be incredibly useful. APA style includes five levels of headings, each with its own formatting rules. Level 1 headings are bold and centered, making them ideal for major sections of your paper. As you move to Levels 2 through 5, headings become more specific and shift in alignment and style, including left-aligned and indented run-in formats.
While headings are optional, they can significantly improve the clarity and organization of your writing. They act as signposts for your reader, breaking up large sections of text and making it easier to locate key ideas. The key is to use them purposefully – only include headings when they genuinely enhance readability and structure.
By the way…
If you’re using PERRLA to create your research paper, you can skip the stress of managing all these formatting details manually. PERRLA automatically applies APA formatting as you write, ensuring that everything – from page numbers to paragraph spacing – is handled correctly from the start. That means fewer distractions and more time to focus on what really matters: developing strong ideas and presenting them clearly.
Instead of worrying about margins, indentation, or heading styles, you can concentrate on building your argument and refining your writing. If that sounds appealing, you can try PERRLA completely free for 7 days (no credit card required).
Keep an eye out for the next installment of our APA 101 series, where we’ll cover another essential part of your research paper: the reference section. Getting that piece right is just as important as formatting the body—and we’ll walk you through it step by step.