Ask a New Question
Menu

I need to put a running head on my paper. It says how to align it flush left. It says the word running head should appear before the title on the title page only. The headline of your paper should be in all caps. After this page , use only the shotened version.

Then it says select header from the header and footer section of the insert tab. Choose option that aligns to left. Then type the title of your paper. Close the header and footer view. Your header will now carry throughout the document as you type. I don't understand do I type the words running head and then when I close the header view does that take those words away? What does it mean ALL caps? Every letter is capped in the header all the time? Help when do I add flush left? Mine is on the right when I start typing . I don't have an edit header. Just says header and below that footer how do I clear everything and start again? I'm using goggle doc I also have to have page numbers on the right

1 answer

It sounds like you're working on formatting the header of your paper in Google Docs according to specific guidelines. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding a Running Head in Google Docs

  1. Open Header Section:

    • Click on the top of your document where it says "Header". If it's not visible, go to the "Insert" menu and select "Header & page number" > "Header".

  2. Create the Running Head for the Title Page:

    • In the header, type the words “Running head:” followed by your title in all caps (e.g., “RUNNING HEAD: YOUR PAPER TITLE”). This should be only on your title page.
    • Make sure this text is aligned flush left. If it appears aligned to the right, you may need to select the text and click the left-align button in the toolbar (it looks like several horizontal lines aligned to the left).

  3. Formatting the Title:

    • The words "RUNNING HEAD" should only appear on the title page. On subsequent pages, you'll just include the shortened version of your title in all caps (e.g., “YOUR PAPER TITLE”).
    • If you're in the header, continue typing your title in all caps after "Running head:" on the title page only.

  4. Remove "Running head:" on Subsequent Pages:

    • To ensure that "Running head:" does not appear on subsequent pages, check the option "Different first page".
    • You can do this by right-clicking in the header and selecting "Header options", then checking the box for "Different first page".

  5. Add Page Numbers:

    • To insert page numbers in Google Docs, go to "Insert" > "Header & page number" > "Page number". In the dropdown menu, select the option that places the number in the upper right corner.
    • If another option is selected, it will appear on the left or in a different format.

  6. Close Header View:

    • Click anywhere outside the header area (like in the main body of your document) to exit the header editing mode.

Summary:

  • On the title page: Your header should say "Running head: YOUR TITLE IN ALL CAPS" and be aligned flush left.
  • On all other pages: Just use “YOUR TITLE IN ALL CAPS”, also flush left, but without the term "Running head:".
  • Page numbers should be in the upper right corner.

All Caps Explanation:

  • "All caps" means that every letter should be capitalized, so "Your Paper Title" becomes "YOUR PAPER TITLE".

Troubleshooting:

  • If your header does not align correctly or you need to start over, you can delete the contents of the header and re-insert the header by following the steps above. Make sure to choose "Different first page" to handle the title page and subsequent pages correctly.

By following these steps, you should be able to format your header as required. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!