APA STYLE QUICK START GUIDE
If you are unfamiliar with using APA style conventions, there are several ways to get started.
If you are having trouble or are unclear as to the requirements of your assignment, your first step
should always be to speak with your instructor. After discussing the matter with your instructor,
a visit to The Learning Center might be in order to receive further one-on-one assistance.
Once you are ready to begin working on your assignment, you can also follow this quick guide’s
instructions to format your paper following APA guidelines.
APA Formatting Guide
Step 1 – Set up the paper’s format for an APA paper using the Microsoft template before you
start to write.
1. Open Microsoft Word (2013 or later only)
2. Click “File”
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3. Click “New”
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4. Type “APA” in the search box and hit Enter
5. Select “APA style report” from the available templates
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6. Follow the formatting instructions given in the template
Step 2 – Before you begin to write the essay, make a list of all the resources you have found
through research that you will use in the essay. This page is called the References page and it
will be on a separate page and the last page of the paper.
Step 3 – Write a rough draft of the essay and mark where you use information (ideas, quotations,
or paraphrasing) from a resource. This is called in-text citation.
Step 4 - Use Word’s Citations and Bibliography function to create and manage your in-text
citations and your References page.
1. In the document that you have formatted for APA style, click the References tab in the
ribbon.
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2. In the Citations and Bibliography section, locate the drop down box labeled “Style.” Select
the most recent version of APA available (currently Sixth Edition).
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3. Click “Manage Sources.”
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4. In the Source Manager box that appears, select New to enter a new source for citation.
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5. In the “Create Source” dialog box, select the appropriate source type from the “Type of
Source” drop down menu. Enter the publication information for your source into the fields
that appear. Fill in as much information about the source as you can, paying special
attention to the fields marked “Recommended.” Be careful to enter this information
correctly, this is how the citation will appear on your document. Click “OK” when you’re
finished.
6. Once you have entered your source information, your source will appear in the Source
Manager. The Source Manager displays sources in three ways, a “Master List” of all of the
citations you have created for this document, a “Current List” of the source you have
currently selected, and a “Preview” of the in-text citation and bibliographic citation of your
source, in your selected format. If you have many sources, the Source Manager is also
searchable and sortable.
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7. Once you have entered all your sources for this document, click the Close button at the
bottom of the manager to return to your document.
8. To insert an in-text citation into your paper, place your cursor in the location of the citation
in the paper and click the “Insert Citation” button under the “Reference” tab. Select the
appropriate citation from the sources that appear. Be sure to check with your instructor
about his or her expectations and rules for proper in-text citation.
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9. To create a Reference Page, place your cursor where your paper format says the Works
Cited Page should begin (on the last page of your document). Click the “Bibliography”
button and select “Reference.” Your sources will be arranged alphabetically in an APA
Reference page. Check the generated Reference page to make sure it meets your
instructor’s guidelines.
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For more information, consult this guide at https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Create-abibliography-3403c027-96c8-40d3-a386-bfd5c413ddbb.
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APA Reference Page Citations
The References page lists the long citations for all the sources you will cite in your paper and is
included at the end of your paper. The purpose of a References page is to give the reader all the
information needed to find the sources that you used. All citations are listed alphabetically, by
the first piece of information (usually the author).
I.
Electronic Sources
Items found using an online database and items found on the free web (such as those you found
using a search engine like Google) are cited differently. Be sure to choose the correct format.
Online Databases
Certain websites and online databases tools for generating citations in the style of your choosing.
Always check with your instructor for specific citation instructions. Your instructor’s rules
may differ from standard citation guidelines. Your instructor determines any specific rules for
citations in your class.
Journal, Scholarly or Peer-Reviewed Article from an Online Database
Online Journal Article with a DOI
When citing online articles, APA citations include the article’s unique DOI (Digital Object
Identifier) when available to specify the exact article used. The DOI replaces the article URL at
the end of the citation. If the DOI is not available, omit it from the citation and use the URL
instead.
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of article. Name of Journal, Volume
number(Issue number), Inclusive pages. doi:xx.xxxxxxxxxx
Morretti, M. (2012). Vegas is not the place. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics,
25(3), 405-417. doi:10.1007/s10766-011-9307-5
Online Journal Article without a DOI
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of article. Name of Journal, Volume
number(Issue number), Inclusive pages. Retrieved from article URL
Bartley, Q. (2013). Hoping, wishing, being: The impact of sensory input on the patient's selfperceptions. International Journal of Sensorimotor Disorders, 94(4), 667-688. Retrieved
from http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/149278
9730?accountid=37957
Valis, N. (2004). Positive rehabilitation habits. Nursing Issues, 16(19), 22-23. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=
true&db=a9h&AN=98246508&site=ehostlive
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Magazine Article from an Online Database
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month of Publication). Title of article. Name of
Magazine, Volume number(Issue number). Retrieved from article URL
Boylin, K. (2013, November). Financial literacy in times of hardship. Capital, 42(10). Retrieved
from http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph &AN=75821365&site=ehost-live
Newspaper Article from an Online Database
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Title of article. Name of
Newspaper. Retrieved from article URL
Yamanouchi, K. (2015, January 29). Amazon explores use of drones for delivery. The Raleigh
News and Observer. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?
url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/7539514307?accountid=27953
Specific Pro/Con Online Article Database Examples
CQ Researcher
Roger, R. (2013, February 13). Pandemics. CQ Researcher, 23, 1053-1076. Retrieved from
http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/
Issues and Controversies
Climate change. (2012, September 17). Issues & Controversies on File. Retrieved from
http://www.2facts.com
Opposing Viewpoints In Context
Heyworth, K. K. (2011). Vaccines do not cause autism. In D. Haugen & S. Musser (Eds.),
Opposing Viewpoints. Epidemics. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from Parents,
2010, May) Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com
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eBook from an Online Database
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication) Title of book. Retrieved from book URL.
Hillstrom, K. (2013). The zoot suit riots. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?
url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN503737&site=eho
st-live
Video from an Online Database
Title of film [Video file]. (Year of Release). Retrieved from film URL
Bullying and suicide: Think about it [Video file]. (2014). Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/
PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=1279&xtid=53277
Common Author Exceptions for Online Database Resources
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For references with up to 7 authors, include all names. Example:
Santifort-Jordan, C., & Sandler, T. (2014). An empirical study of suicide terrorism: A global
analysis. Southern Economic Journal, 80, 981-1001. doi:10.4284/0038-4038-2013.114
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For references with more than 7 authors, include the first six, followed by an ellipse (…), and
the last author’s name. Example:
Giovannucci, E., Harlan, D. M., Archer, M. C., Bergenstal, R. M., Gapstur, S. M., Habel, L. A., .
. . Yee, D. (2010). Diabetes and cancer: A consensus report.
Diabetes Care, 33(7), 1674-85. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?url=
http://search.proquest.com/docview/636636766?accountid=27953
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If there is no author, omit and list the article title first. Examples:
Earthquake aid. (2010, April). International Construction, 49(3). Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.library.csn.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx
?direct=true &db=voh&AN=49547409&site=ehost-live
Miller’s election hopes fading. (2010, December 23). Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.library. csn.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/
820713591?accountid=27953
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II.
Websites
This section contains citation information for things you find freely available on the web. You
often find them by using a search engine, such as Google.
Website
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Title of webpage. Retrieved
from URL
McNicol, T. (2009, April 28). Giant Pterosaurs couldn't fly, study suggests. Retrieved from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090428-giant-pterosaurs-fly.html
Video on the Web
Author, A. A. [Screen name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video file]. Retrieved from
video URL
Sutton, S. [Stephen’s story]. (2014, February 14). Full speech from SJP's ACM 2014, at the 02
arena 24th Jan [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ZEbxN8GHQUc
Common Author Exceptions for Websites
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If an organization is responsible for the webpage’s content, and there is not a specific person
listed as the author, then use the organization’s name as the author. Example:
American Diabetes Association. (2014, May 14). Diabetes superfoods. Retrieved from
http://www.diabetes.org/food- and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-foodchoices/diabetes-superfoods.html
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For news and magazine websites, if there is not a specific person listed as the author, omit
the author and use the title of the article in the author’s place. Example:
All 33 Chile miners freed in flawless rescue (2010, October 13). Retrieved from
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/ 39625809/ns/world_news-americas
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If there is no date of publication listed. In its place, write n.d. Example:
Smith, K. (n.d.). Decorate with sustainable furniture. Retrieved from
http://www.myhomeideas.com/healthy- home/healthy-solutions/decorate-withsustainable-furniture
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For YouTube videos, when the author’s name is not known, just provide the screen name
instead. Example:
NC Humanities. (2014, April 23). Professor Niall Ferguson – The descent of money [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZASUOS5Jk
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III.
Print Sources
Book
Author Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of book. Place of Publication:
Publisher.
Higham, C. L. (2013). The Civil War and the West: The frontier transformed. Santa Barbara,
CA: Praeger.
If you have two to seven authors, include all names.
Fainaru-Wada, M., & Fainaru, S. League of denial: The NFL, concussions, and the battle for
truth. (2013) New York: Crown.
A Work in Edited Book or Anthology in Print (Essay, Short Story, Poem, etc.)
This rule is most commonly used for books that have an editor and contain sections, such as
essays, short stories or poems, by different authors.
Last Name, First Initial of Author of Section. (Year of Publication). Title of section. In First
Initial Last Name of Editor (Ed.). Title of overall book (pp. pages of section). Place of
Publication: Name of Publisher.
Swiller, J. (2012). I think I hear you. In K. Harmon & J. Nelson (Eds.). Deaf American prose:
1980-2010 (pp. 155-164). Washington, DC: Gallaudet University.
Specific Edited Book Examples
Angell, M. (2012). Drug industry-sponsored research is biased. In R. Espejo (Ed.). The
pharmaceutical industry (pp. 42-51) Detroit: Greenhaven.
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Other sources
Complete APA style guides provide information for citing many other types of sources.
DVD
Last Name, First Initial of Producer. (Producer), Last Name, First Initial of Director. (Director).
(Year of Publication). Title of film [DVD]. Country of Origin: Studio or Distributor.
Sington, D. (Producer), Copp, D. (Director) (2006). Dimming the sun [DVD]. United States:
Nova/WGBH and BBC.
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APA In-Text Citations
Use in-text citations to give credit to the creator of any information that you quote, paraphrase in
your work. Proper in-text citations give readers the information needed to find the source in your
References list.
Basic Format (Author’s Last Name, year of publication)
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Example: In 1861, settlers flowed West (Highman, 2013).
OR If you write the author’s name in the sentence, you do not need to repeat in the parentheses at
the end.
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Example: Highman (2013) notes that in 1861 settlers flowed into California.
OR For direct quotations, or if your professor requires page numbers, include p. number in
parentheses.
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Example: They noted that “a flexible mind is a healthy mind” (Palladino & Wade, 2010,
p. 147).
Common Exceptions for In-Text Citations
If there are 2 authors, include both names.
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Example: (Highman & Smith, 2013)
If there are 3 to 5 authors, use all authors’ names the first time you cite them, and the first
author’s last name followed by et al. for any following citations of the same source.
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Example: (Highman, Smith, Heart, Jones, & Williams, 2013)
Example subsequent citation: (Highman et al., 2013)
If there are 6 or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by et al.
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Example: (Highman et al., 2013)
If there is no author, use the first piece of information you have from the citation on your
References page. For information from an organization’s website, use the organization’s name.
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Example: (American Diabetes Association, 2014)
For news and magazine articles with no author, use the first few words of the article’s title in
quotation marks.
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Example: (“All 33 Chile miners,” 2010)