what is a cover sheet for an essay sample

How to Make a Cover Page: Illustrative Formatting Examples

Table of contents

• 1.1 MLA Style Cover Page
• 1.2 APA Style Cover Page Format
• 1.3 Chicago Style Cover Page Format
• 1.4 ASA Style Cover Page
• 1.5 Harvard Cover Page Format
• 1.6 Bottom line

A perfect cover page is an essential part of an essay’s presentation. It can make a great first impression on your instructor and set the tone for your essay. First, to write a cover page, understand your assignment’s formatting requirements. This includes the required format for the cover page, which may vary depending on your instructor’s or institution’s guide.

Once you have this information, you can create a title page that looks professional. It should include the title of your essay , your name, the course title, and other pertinent details. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a cover page for an essay. This article will show the following:

• We’ll describe how a good cover page should look.
• In the article, we offer you examples of different formats of a cover page, including MLA, APA, and more.
• You’ll know the measurements you require to position some cover page aspects.

What Does a Paper Cover Page Look Like?

Creating a cover page for an essay in grade school was simple – add your name and date, and it’s done. However, structuring an essay and following grammar rules in university involves multiple steps that may be unfamiliar to you. But knowing how to format an essay can make the process easier. However, it can be overwhelming to determine the appropriate structure and ensure that your essay adheres to grammatical rules.

A well-designed cover page is crucial for an essay’s presentation; many students wonder how to make one. Therefore, we have compiled a guide on creating a title page for the most commonly used citation formats you may come across.

A cover page is a separate page at the beginning of your academic essay. It contains the title and author’s name and may also feature details like page number, course name, instructor name, and more. Remember that it’s essential to format your page consistently with the rest of your essay.

Use these tips when writing your cover page:

• Keep every margin at 1 inch;
• Select a font that’s easy to read. We’d recommend Times New Roman and Arial for this;
• Always keep the font size at 12;
• Use double-line spacing.

MLA Style Cover Page

The MLA cover page has a vague format for essay pages. Instead, formatting guidelines are based on your teacher’s preferences and standard MLA (Modern Language Association) text formatting. You can follow some best practices to create an MLA essay cover that looks professional. A typical sample MLA cover centers essay titles about one-third of the page’s length. You can also use italics or bold lettering to emphasize important words or phrases.

In our sample MLA format cover, including the necessary MLA heading in the top-left corner is crucial. Follow this guide for proper writing of the cover page template:

• Instructor’s name;
• Page number half an inch away from the top;
• Your name is an inch away from the top;
• The arrangement of the details is an inch away from the leftmost side of the sheet, while ensuring it’s double-spaced throughout;
• A half-inch indent in the first paragraph.

APA Style Cover Page Format

The APA citation format is widely used in the academic and business worlds but has some challenging aspects. For this reason, many busy students order cheap essays to avoid dealing with the nuances of APA essay cover. For your APA cover page, keep your essay’s title brief, under 12 words, and center it. Below the title, include your first, middle, initial, and last names without academic credentials like a PhD. On the following line, indicate your research location, usually your university. Below are the properties of the APA cover page format:

• The title of the paper, centered at the top of the page.
• Your name (student’s name), centered below the title.
• The institutional affiliation (college or university name), centered below your name.
• Course name and number.
• You professors’/instructor’s name.
• Optionally, you can include a running head aligned to the left margin (with the words “Running head:” followed by a shortened version of the title).
• Finally, include a page number in the top-right corner.

Chicago Style Cover Page Format

The Chicago page format, commonly called Chicago style paper, is a popular citation format used in the humanities department. The Chicago cover page format typically includes the following:

• The title of your essay centered on the page and in the title case (i.e., the first letter of each major word is capitalized);
• Your name is centered below the title;
• The course title is centered below your name;
• The instructor’s name is centered below the course title;
• The due date is centered below the instructor’s name.

The page may also include a shortened title at the top and a page number in the header of each subsequent page. It’s essential to follow the specific structuring requirements set by your instructor or institution when creating your Chicago-style cover page. The Chicago and Turabian styles are similar in the following ways:

• Both styles typically place the title of the paper one-third to halfway down the cover page, centered horizontally;
• The title is usually in title case; the major words are capitalized;
• The author’s name is listed below the title and centered horizontally;
• The name of the institution with which the author is affiliated is often placed below the author’s name on the page;
• Both styles generally don’t include a page number on the cover page.

Additionally, endeavor to use the same font on your cover page that you use in your paper. Follow proper capitalization rules for essay titles, using uppercase for keywords and lowercase for articles and prepositions unless they begin the title. This ensures consistency and professionalism throughout your research papers; if you have more questions, you can always check PapersOwl’s page for more information.

ASA Style Cover Page

The cover page format of ASA is based on APA and includes a running head. In ASA, keep your header below 60 characters. Another distinction is that ASA mandates the inclusion of a total word count on the cover sheet, encompassing footnotes and references.

Additionally, include your name and course. List them all vertically below your name and course, if you conducted research at several institutions. Apart from these differences, all other elements follow the APA essay format .

It’s worth noting that page numbers start on the title page and must be placed in the bottom-right corner.

Harvard Cover Page Format

The Harvard cover page is also known as the Harvard referencing style. It is primarily used in social science and humanities disciplines, including literature, history, and economics.

The Harvard cover page example typically includes the following information, arranged in this order:

• Title of the research paper;
• Author’s name (last name, followed by the first initial);
• Date of submission;
• Course name and number;
• Name of instructor.

In addition to the cover page, the Harvard referencing format requires in-text citations and a reference list at the end of the document. The in-text citations include the author’s last name and year of publication, while the reference list provides complete bibliographic information for each source cited in the document.

Bottom line

Although formatting your work according to the requirements of your college might be challenging, it is vital. Undergraduate students, who sometimes take classes in several different areas at once, should be especially concerned about this. However, keep these requirements from obstructing your ability to learn. Use these suggestions to create the ideal cover page, and if you need assistance, we are always here to help. And if your professors require some changes, their instructions hold more weight than the guidelines mentioned here.

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Tips for creating an engaging essay cover page to impress your readers.

When it comes to academic essays, the cover page is the first thing your reader or instructor will see. It’s essential to make a good first impression, so having a well-designed and professional cover page is crucial.

Creating an effective cover page requires attention to detail and adherence to formatting guidelines. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to create a standout cover page that will enhance the overall presentation of your essay.

Tips for Crafting a Compelling Cover Page

When creating a cover page for your essay, it is important to make it compelling and attention-grabbing. Here are some tips to help you craft a standout cover page:

1. Choose a clean and professional font that is easy to read.

2. Use a font size that is large enough to be easily visible, but not too big that it overwhelms the page.

3. Include the title of your essay in a prominent position at the center of the page.

4. Add your name, course title, instructor’s name, and date below the title in a smaller font size.

5. Consider using a subtle border or a colored background to make your cover page visually appealing.

6. Make sure the information on your cover page is aligned properly and evenly spaced.

7. Double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors before finalizing your cover page.

By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover page that sets the tone for your essay and makes a great first impression on your readers.

Key Elements to Include

• Title of the essay
• Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
• Date of submission
• Title of the course or class
• Instructor’s name
• Word count (if required)

These elements will help provide essential information about your essay and ensure that your cover page is complete and professional.

Choosing the Right Format

When creating a cover page for your essay, it is essential to choose the right format. The format you choose should align with the requirements of your academic institution or the specific guidelines provided by your instructor. Some common formats for cover pages include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard styles.

APA: If you are following APA style, your cover page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and the date. The title should be centered and written in title case.

MLA: In MLA format, the cover page is not required. Instead, the necessary information is included on the first page of the essay, including the student’s name, instructor’s name, course name, and date. The title of the essay is centered.

Chicago: Chicago style cover pages typically include the title of the paper, the author’s name, course information, and the date. The title is centered, and it may include a subtitle if necessary.

Harvard: Harvard style cover pages usually feature the title of the essay, the author’s name, the course name, and the date. The title is centered, and the author’s name is placed below the title.

Before creating your cover page, be sure to consult the specific guidelines for the format you are using to ensure that you include all the necessary information in the correct placement.

Design and Layout Suggestions

1. Keep it Simple: A clean and minimalistic design is often the most effective. Avoid cluttering the cover page with too many elements.

2. Use Consistent Fonts: Choose a readable font for the title and make sure all text is consistent throughout the page.

3. Incorporate Visuals: Consider using relevant images or graphics that enhance the theme of your essay, but don’t overload the page with visuals.

4. Align Elements Properly: Ensure that all elements on the cover page are aligned neatly and in a visually pleasing way.

5. Include Necessary Information: Make sure to include essential details such as the title of the essay, your name, course information, and date.

6. Use Colors Wisely: Choose a color scheme that is appropriate for the topic and maintain consistency in color use throughout the page.

7. Leave Ample White Space: White space can help make your cover page look more professional and organized. Don’t be afraid of empty spaces.

Importance of Clear and Concise Information

When designing your cover page, it is crucial to provide clear and concise information that effectively communicates the purpose of your essay. A well-designed cover page should include key details such as the title of your essay, your name, the course name, the instructor’s name, and the date of submission.

Clear and concise information helps the reader understand the content of your essay at a glance. It sets the tone for your work and creates a professional impression. Avoid cluttering the cover page with unnecessary details or distracting design elements that can confuse the reader.

By presenting information in a clear and concise manner, you demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to delivering a well-organized piece of writing. A visually appealing cover page with relevant and succinct information can make a positive first impression on your readers and showcase your professionalism.

Tying It All Together with a Strong Title

Once you have crafted your cover page layout and included all the necessary information, it’s time to tie it all together with a strong title. Your title should be clear, engaging, and relevant to the content of your essay. It should give readers a preview of what to expect and entice them to dive into your work.

Consider using a title that is catchy and captures the essence of your essay. Avoid generic titles that do not provide any insight into the topic or argument of your paper. A strong title can make a significant difference in grabbing the attention of your readers and setting the tone for your essay.

Make sure your title is prominently placed on your cover page and is formatted in a way that stands out. You can use a larger font size, bold text, or a different color to make your title pop. Remember, your title is the first thing readers will see, so make it count!

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• The Complete Guide to APA Format in 2020

APA Title Page / Cover Page

• Headings and Subheadings
• Discussion Section
• Websites and Online Sources
• Journals and Periodicals
• Other Print Sources
• Other Non-Print Sources
• In-text Citations
• Footnotes and Endnotes
• Using MyBib Responsibly
• Miscellaneous Questions

Details to include

The title page (also known as the cover page) is the front page of your paper. It should contain:

• The running head , a header at the top of the page.
• The first page number .
• The title of the paper
• The institution for which you writing.

Running head

The running head should be in the top-left corner of the page in uppercase. It should include a shortened title of your paper. On the front page only, it should also be prepended with "Running head:".

First page number

The first page number -- generally page 1 -- should be in the top-right corner of the page. Both the page number and the running head should be a half inch from the top of the page.

The title of the paper can contain upper and lowercase letters, and ideally should be no more than 12 words in length. It should be direct, and should not contain abbreviations or other unnecessary words. It should not span longer than 2 lines. The first letter of each word should be uppercase, except for articles (a, an, the), and conjunctions (and, but, for, or, yet).

Underneath the title should be your name (or the author's name if you're not the author). It should be displayed as the first name , middle initial , and last name . Do not add titles (such as Dr.) to the beginning, or qualifications (such as PhD) to the end of an author's name.

Your institution

Finally, underneath the author's name, state the full name of the institution or school you're writing the paper for.

The font for all text on the title page should be Times New Roman, size 12pt, with double line-spacing.

A correct title page will look like the below image:

After completing your title page you will move on to writing an abstract of your paper.

Essay Cover Page - MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and APA Format Cover Sheet

Picture this, you have completed your daily duties and now settling in to complete an essay. What is the worst that would happen? Well, the majority of high school, college, university, and graduate students undervalue the need to format an essay cover page properly. In return, most of them end up with either great essays with a poorly done cover page or a poorly done essay with a poorly formatted cover page.

I don’t know which of the above categories, but mine was worse. It is a great mistake to care less about the proper formatting of a title page for any essay. Sometimes the content in the entire class can be great, and the cover page becomes what separates a good grade from a poor grade. You do not have to leave anything to chance when working to maintain a good GPA, do you?

Why master how to make an essay Cover Sheet?

Your title page informs the reader or the professor what to anticipate in your essay. Sometimes, if they are in a hurry, a catchy topic can entice them to read your essay from introduction to conclusion.

The cover page has your name, title of the essay, institution, instructor, and date. A well-formatted title page is enough a getaway to a strict professor’s marks or grade fountain.

And when you are almost giving up on your cover page, we give you a reason to smile. In this article, we will teach you how to make a cover page for an essay, MLA cover page format, Chicago cover page format, APA cover page format, and Harvard cover page format, with examples.

Why should you learn How to Make a Cover Page for an essay?

Sometimes professors and instructors assume the basic things like formatting a college essay. In the end, students end up losing marks over flimsy mistakes. A common question students ask is “how do you make a cover page for an essay?” or “what is to be included on a title page?”

If you have had these questions or related ones, you are in the right place at the right time. We will take you through cover page essay essentials. But before then, why do we have an essay cover page. Or simply, what is an essay cover page?

An essay cover page is the opening page, sometimes called the title page, and offers a comprehensive description of the essay title, identifies the student, and sometimes bears the date and the instructors’ names.

You will notice that the cover pages for essays differ depending on the specific format you are using. For instance, when creating the MLA essay cover page format, you should only do so if the essay prompt requires you to. If not asked for one, there is never any need to include one. The same applies to Harvard, Chicago, and APA cover page formats.

MLA Essay Cover Page Format with Template/Example

Also known as the Modern Language Association, MLA is a unique essay writing and citation format. It is important to mention that most MLA essays do not require an essay cover page. Nevertheless, some instructors insist on you having a cover page for your MLA paper.

When requested to have an opening or cover page for MLA papers, these are some of the details to include:

• Author’s Name
• Instructor’s Name
• The Due Date

Here is a sample MLA cover page template

Note that the format for MLA research paper cover page is slightly different. It will contain:

• Name of university
• Title of the Research Paper
• The subtitle of the research paper
• Your Name (Author’s Name)
• Course Name and Number
• Instructor/Professor’s Name

Below is a sample MLA research paper cover sheet

Some professors or instructors will advise you to use the research paper MLA format title page for your essay.

How do you format an MLA Cover Page?

Formatting an MLA title page is easy!

• It should be double-spaced.
• The preferable font is Times New Roman size 12 or a legible font.
• All the letters must be in Title Case.
• It should have 1-inch margins throughout the paper.
• Ensure that the title page is double spaced.
• Remove any spaces between paragraphs from your Microsoft Word settings page.

See the details in the sample MLA format cover page provided above. Notice the difference between the two and always read the instructor’s essay prompt before deciding on which one to settle for.

APA Cover Page Format with Example/Template

Students have been asking this for a while, and we felt like addressing it would save many of you out there. “How do I make an APA cover sheet?” Well, just like MLA, an APA essay cover page is easy to make.

To begin with, the APA style title page should include:

• Running head (Left aligned in the header section).
• Page Number (Right aligned).
• Title and subtitle of the essay/paper (centered)
• Name of the author (centered).
• Institutional Affiliation (centered).
• Author’s Note (for long research papers, thesis, and dissertations).

An important note, in APA the title should not exceed 50 characters and should be in capital letters. Times New Roman font size 12 is always preferred as well.

For more details, see the example APA title page provided below.

Note that there are changes to APA 6. In APA 7, there is no "Running head" instead, you will only need a page number situated to the top left of the paper. Here is a sample APA 7 Cover page.

Chicago Cover Page Format with Example/Template

Even though less common in academic essay writing, understanding the Chicago essay title page is necessary. It can save you some trouble when writing a Chicago style paper, which is the case with most literature and humanities subjects such as history. Thus, after reading this, you should understand how to format a Chicago essay title cover page correctly.

Here are tips when making Chicago format opening page:

• Chicago title page has no page number or running head in the header section.
• Using Times New Roman or any legible font of size 12 is preferred.
• All the text on the cover page is centered.
• The cover page is double spaced with no spaces between paragraphs

You see, a Chicago style paper opening page is relatively simple to make. A caution, though, when making any type of cover page, your professor’s guidelines are your rule book. Therefore, everything you need to format an essay cover page is always in the prompt.

Chicago style papers are the easiest to handle. However, despite the ease of inserting a title page, it remains a challenge to most students. Sometimes, seeking professional help can be the only option. Our experts can help you craft your Chicago format essays and research papers, talk to us!

Here is a Chicago style format essay cover page.

Harvard Cover Page Format with Example/Template

Harvard formatting has a specific and well-organized cover page.

• The shortened version of the title of the paper comes in the header section (aligned to the right) and is preceded by the page number).
• The full title, written in all capital letters , appears halfway through the page.
• The author’s name (three lines from the title).
• Then four lines down you will have class name and code, name of the professor, City and State the university is located, and the due date.

Here is an example of the Harvard format Cover Sheet Page.

Bottom Line

A cover page for an essay is a critical aspect when undertaking your academic writing tasks. Even though it might seem boring and unnecessary, it can be the only aspect left to differentiate who passes a course and who fails.

When writing an APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago format paper, produce an essay cover page that fits each formatting and citation style. I don’t know about you, but I find it easier to do the cover page as the last part of the essay after writing and proofreading. Yet some in our team prefer setting the cover page for their essays first before they outline the essays . As a ritual, it is my last part to shake hands with the mighty Microsoft Word or Google Document applications.

Check out our article on indenting paragraphs and how to title an article when writing an essay. 

Sometimes, you can ask the instructor or professor how to make a cover page for your essay. We believe no teacher will reprimand you. These are essential basics to keep with you as they will help you understand how to make a cover page for an essay. If you need help writing an essay, our professional writers can always come in handy. Until then, have a happy academic writing session!

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

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How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay

Rachel r.n..

• May 1, 2024
• How to Guides

Creating a cover page is an important step when writing an essay, as it introduces your work and helps create a professional first impression. A cover page typically includes the title of your essay, your name, the course name/number, the instructor’s name, and the submission date. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make a cover page for your essay:

• Check your instructor’s requirements Before you start making your cover page, it’s crucial to review any specific guidelines or formatting requirements provided by your instructor. Some instructors may have precise expectations for the cover page, while others may allow more flexibility.
• Select a clean, readable font Choose a font that is easy to read and looks professional. Some recommended fonts for cover pages include:
• Times New Roman (a classic choice)
• Arial (a clean, modern font)
• Calibri (a popular sans-serif font)

Avoid using decorative or overly stylized fonts, as they can be distracting and difficult to read.

• Center your text Most cover pages have the text centered both horizontally and vertically. This creates a balanced and visually appealing layout.
• Include the necessary information Your cover page should include the following information, typically arranged in this order:
• Title of your essay (in a larger font size, bolded)
• Your full name
• Course name and number (e.g., English 101)
• Instructor’s name
• Submission date (e.g., May 1, 2024)

Here’s an example of how your cover page might look:

[Title of Your Essay]

John Doe English 101: Introduction to Literature Prof. Jane Smith May 1, 2024

• Add spacing and margins Use appropriate spacing between each line of text to improve readability. A common approach is to add a blank line between the title and your name, and between the other lines of information.

Additionally, leave sufficient margins (typically 1 inch) around the edges of the page to create a clean and professional look.

• Consider adding a header or footer (optional) Some instructors may require or prefer that you include a header or footer with your name and the page number on the cover page. If so, make sure to follow their specific guidelines.
• Double-check for accuracy Before submitting your essay, carefully review your cover page to ensure that all the information is accurate and correctly formatted. This includes checking for spelling errors, proper capitalization, and consistent formatting.

What You'll Learn

APA Format Cover Page:

• The title of your essay should be centered, bolded, and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
• On the next line, include your name (first name, middle initial, last name).
• On the next line, include your school or university’s name.
• On the next line, include the course number and name.
• On the next line, include your instructor’s name.
• On the next line, include the assignment due date.
• Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt) or Arial (11pt).
• Double-space the entire cover page.

Jane Q. Student Awesome University ENGL 101: Introduction to Literature Dr. John Smith May 1, 2024

Related Article: Updated APA 7 Format and Citation Guide

Chicago Format Cover Page:

• The title of your essay should be centered and in title case on the first line of the cover page.
• Approximately one-third of the way down the page, include your full name.
• Use 1-inch margins and a readable font like Times New Roman (12pt).

Jane Q. Student ENGL 101: Introduction to Literature Dr. John Smith May 1, 2024

Related Article: Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide

MLA Format Cover Page:

• On the next line, include your full name.
• On the next line, include the course name.

Jane Q. Student Dr. John Smith Introduction to Literature May 1, 2024

Related article: Guide to correct MLA 8 Citation and Referencing

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• How to setup your software
• Sample MLA Paper – normal paper
• Sample MLA Paper – has cover page
• Sample APA Paper
• Sample Chicago Paper
• Sample CSE Paper
• APA Format Guidelines
• MLA Format Cover Page

The Modern Language Association (MLA) does not require you to create a cover page when you complete your research paper, but some instructors may require it.

If your instructor requires your paper to have a cover page, here is how to make it (very easy). This cover page should include: your school name, your research paper title, your name, your class, your professor name and your paper due date.

How to Format Your MLA Cover Page:

• This page is double spaced and the letters are centered.
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12
• The first letter of each word should be capitalized with the exception of very short words such as: the, and, of, or, a, an, in, to, for. Note: the first letter of the first word should be capitalized, regardless of what kind of word it is.
• Type the name of your university or college.
• Skip to about one-third of the page and type your research paper title, include a subtitle if you have.
• Skip several lines down and type your name, your course name and number, your instructor name and your paper’s due date.

Sample MLA Format Cover Page:

Sample MLA Format Cover Page

Alternate First Page:

If your instructor requires a cover page, you would omit the main heading on your first page. Here is an example of the first page if a cover page is used. You still need your last name and page number on the first page and every other page.

Sample MLA Format First Page with Cover Page

Sample MLA Paper:

Visit here for a sample paper with the cover page. The cover page can vary slightly. This paper also has the outline page for your sample.

If you find this website useful, please share with a friend:

How do I get the header on the second page on down? I tried editing it but then it takes the header away from all the pages.

In word select the header then go to: Header & Footer>Page Number>Format Page Numbers>Page Numbering>Start at page>Set to 0

How do I get the header on the second page on down? I tried editing it but then it takes the header away from all the pages. I am using windows. Also, the page numbers are not working for me either. Please help me.

How should I start the page after my cover page?

https://mlaformat.org/mla-format-heading/

Thank you so much Stephen !!! Helped a lot in my written assignments 🙂

Great site ! Thank you so much. Just returned to school to complete my bachelors and needed a little refreshing. Has all the information I needed !

Thanks so much for all of the great information! I have not used MLA before and was a little panic stricken. I have found all of my answers here. This is now saved to my favorites so I can use it regularly. Thanks again!

Should the lines on the cover page be double spaced?

Thanks so much for the picture of the cover page it has helped a lot. But, I was wondering do I still need to put my Title at the top of every page after the header?

Hello Lydia. You do not.

After your cover page, your next page’s heading should look like the “Alternate First Page” above.

After the “Alternate First Page” => your next pages should have “The Inner Pages” heading: https://mlaformat.org/mla-format-heading/

Sample paper: https://mlaformat.org/mla-format-sample-paper-with-cover-page-and-outline/

hey Lydia you don’t need to but if you want to you can

Thank you so so much. I love the simplicity of the website, very easy to understand. I finally have a cover page for my paper!!

I love this website!! It helped so many times with all my essays. I’m working on a college one and this was very useful. Thank you soo much. And thanks for the examples im a visual person I needed that 🙂

Hi Kaylin, I am glad you find this site useful. Take care!

By the way (sorry i forgot!) for the coverpage, would the text font be 12 times new roman???

You can set everything 12, Times New Roman. Or you can set the Title a little larger than 12, that should work too.

In the example above, I have the title larger than 12.

Here is an example with everything set at 12.

Thank you so much for your help on this useful website! I found it very organized and I’m very glad that I came across this particular article. Thanks!!!!!!!:)

I have a question regarding the cover page and the following pages. If I have a cover page as the example provided, do I still need the heading on the next page? And should the pages after that contain my last name on the top left as the header does on the on the previous pages? or do I not need the header at all if I have the cover page and just my name?

Excellence question, Stella! I have updated this article with information on the first page if a cover page is used. Please see “Alternate First Page” above.

You can omit the main heading but you still need your last name and page number on the first page and all subsequent pages. Take care!

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Posted on 21st June 2018

What’s a Title or Cover Page? And How Do I Make One?

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A title or cover page is exactly what you’d imagine—it’s the very front page of your academic essay or paper, which includes important information about your work. The function of a title or cover page is that it allows the reader to identify your work at a glance, but it can also help your assignments to look neater and more professionally put-together. Additionally, it provides a handy buffer against any finger smudges and will protect your work from whatever might be lurking at the bottom of your school bag!

Title or cover pages are common in work that’s formatted using the APA style rules, although you may also need to include them when following other popular formatting styles such as MLA or Chicago. If you’re unsure as to whether you need to create a title page, check with your teacher, tutor, or college advisor.

Failing to include a title page if required could give a negative first impression to whoever is reading your work. It could even cause you to lose marks for presentation, so don’t be tempted to skip this simple formatting task that should only take a few minutes to complete.

How to Make an APA Title Page

If you’ve been instructed to use APA style formatting then it’s likely that your tutor is expecting to see a title page including the following information:

• Title of the paper
• Author name
• Author institution i.e. the name of your school, college or university
• Running head i.e. an abridged title that features at the top left of every page

For example:

• Title : Does The Internet Encourage Individualization?
• Author : Roxanne Wells
• Institution : The University of Derby
• Running Head : Internet And Individualization

The above information should be centered (with the exception of the running head) and double-spaced, in Times New Roman font, size 12. See an APA example below:

How to Make an MLA Title Page

Title or cover pages are less common when following the MLA style of formatting. Instead, your tutor might prefer you to include a header with the required information at the top left of the first page of your assignment. These usually look like this:

• Tutor/Professor name
• Course name and number
• Due date of the paper
• Author: Roxanne Wells
• Tutor/Professor Name: Professor Dale
• Course: Sociology 100
• Due Date: 1 May 2018

The above header should sit under a one-inch top margin, to the left of the page. It should be double-spaced and in a legible font (Times New Roman is a safe choice), size 12. The title of your essay should follow, centered, with the body of your work commencing underneath. In addition, every page should have a right-aligned header with the author’s last name and the page number.

If you do need to make up a cover page, however, you would set out the above information, plus the title/subtitle of your assignment and the name of your institution, centered and presented over a full page.

When it comes to creating a correctly formatted and professional-looking title page, we’ve got you covered!

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• MLA Format Cover Page

The Modern Language Association (MLA) does not require you to create a cover page when you complete your research paper, but some instructors may require it.

If your instructor requires your paper to have a cover page, here is how to make it (very easy). This cover page should include: your school name, your research paper title, your name, your class, your professor name and your paper due date.

How to Format Your MLA Cover Page:

• This page is double spaced and the letters are centered.
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12
• The first letter of each word should be capitalized with the exception of very short words such as: the, and, of, or, a, an, in, to, for. Note: the first letter of the first word should be capitalized, regardless of what kind of word it is.
• Type the name of your university, college or high school.
• Skip to about one-third of the page and type your research paper title, include a subtitle if you have.
• Skip several lines down and type your name, your course name and number, your instructor name and your paper due date.

Sample MLA Format Cover Page:

Sample MLA Format Cover Page

Alternate First Page (Important):

If your instructor requires a cover page, you would omit the main heading on your first page.

Here is an example of the first page if a cover page is used. You still need your last name and page number on the first page and every other page.

Sample MLA Format First Page with Cover Page

Sample MLA Paper:

Visit here for a sample paper with the cover page. The cover page can vary slightly. This paper also has the outline page for your sample.

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• Citation Styles

APA cover (title) page: format and templates

There are two types of title page required for APA style papers, a professional and a student version.

Student APA cover page

As long as students do not have any specific guidance from their instructors in regards to a cover page format, they should include the following elements on their cover page:

• Running head : only for APA 6th you write "Running head: TITLE" as a header. APA 7th does not require a running head.
• Title of the paper : three to four lines down from the top of the title page, centered and in bold for APA 7 (APA 6 does not have a title in bold).
• Name of author(s) : include a double-spaced blank line between the paper title and the author name(s).
• Affiliation for each author (the university attended, including department)
• Course number and name
• Name of instructor
• Due date of the assignment (date format used in your location)
• Page number (included on all pages), cover page is number 1.
• Times New Roman is the preferred font, 12-point .
• Double spacing
• 1 inch margins

We created a a student APA cover page template of both 6th & 7th edition, which you can download:

Professional APA cover page

A professional APA cover page should include the following elements:

• Name of each author : include a double-spaced blank line between the paper title and the author names.
• Affiliation for each author: give the name of the institution at which the research was carried out.
• Author note : see the specific instructions below.
• Running head (included on all pages): for APA 6th you write "Running head: TITLE" and for APA 7th only the title in caps is required (omitting the phrase running head).
• Page number (included on all pages): page 1 is the cover page.
• Times New Roman is the preferred font, 12 -point.

Since there are a few slight differences between the professional cover page in APA 6th and 7th edition, we created a template for each version, which you can download.

APA cover page: Author note format

An author note in a professional paper can be found at the bottom of the cover page. It is usually composed of four paragraphs.

• In the first paragraph : for APA 6, give the name of the author and their affiliation. For APA 7, give the authors' ORCID iDs. Omit this part if the authors don't have ORCID iDs.
• Second paragraph : Specify any changes of affiliation (for both APA 6 & 7). Use the following format: “[Author’s name] is now at [affiliation].” This paragraph may also clarify the death of an author.
• Third paragraph : give any confidentiality disclosures and/or acknowledgments.
• Fourth paragraph : give the contact information of the author(s).

Format : start this section in the bottom half of the title page, below the affiliations. Leave a minimum of one blank line between the affiliation and the author note title. Center the title “Author Note” in bold. The first line of each paragraph should be indented and all aligned to the left.

Further reading

For more details not covered in this guide, take a look at the following sources:

📝 Student and Professional APA cover page (7th ed.)

🌐 APA 6th cover page tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions about APA cover (title) page

The title page of a student paper serves as a representation of the author. It is a mere formality, as it makes your paper appear more academic. As a student, the title page helps your instructor identify on a glance who wrote the paper, what the topic is, and for what course. In sum, a student should add a title page when indicated.

The title page of a professional paper serves as a representation of the author. For professionals, the function of a title page is to introduce the reader to the main facts of the paper, such as the author, the topic, the year of publication, and contact information. In sum, a professional should add a title page to comply with academic standards.

No. According to APA style, the title's font of a title page should not include any type of Word Art or "fun" fonts of any kind. APA style indicates titles should be written in the same font as the rest of the text, it should centered and in bold (for APA 7).

Yes, APA style's title page should be formated as page 1 of the paper, followed by the abstract page as page 2.

If you learn better by watching than by reading, here are two YouTube tutorials that will help you create a title page: APA Style 7th Edition: Student Paper Formatting and APA Style 7th Edition: Professional Paper Formatting by Samuel Forlenza, PhD.

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / MLA Format / Creating an MLA title page

Creating an MLA title page

If you are writing a research paper in MLA style 9th edition for a class, then you may need to include an MLA format title page. An MLA title page is the cover of your paper, and they aren’t always required. So, how do you make a title page that adheres to the MLA formatting guidelines, and how do you know when you need one?

This page contains all the information you need to know to make the perfect MLA title page, so that you can prove that you are an expert researcher and get the best possible grade. This MLA sample paper will show you how the rest of your paper should be formatted.

Here’s a run-through of everything this page includes:

Title page vs. MLA heading on first page

Title page / cover page, first page: mla heading (no title page), troubleshooting.

The current edition of the Modern Language Association (MLA) handbook does not require a title page , but your teacher, professor, or other reader may require one. In this case, you will need to know the differences between a title page and an MLA heading, and which one to use depending on your reader’s preferences. Other citation styles look slightly different, like this   APA title page .

A title page, or a cover page, is a single page that comes before your MLA abstract (if required) and the content of your paper. It introduces your paper and quickly shows a reader the following information about your paper:

• author name (your name, since you wrote the paper)
• course information (if applicable)

It does not include any of the research paper itself.

First page with MLA heading 

MLA format recommends adding an MLA heading to the first page of your paper. This contains the same information as a title page, but the information is formatted differently and is on the same page on which your actual research paper begins.

Unless otherwise specified by your instructor or teacher, this should be how you format your first page.

Before you start typing your MLA research paper title page, you will need to gather some information.

What you will need

If you are creating an MLA heading on the first page of your essay instead of a title page, you will need most of the same information, but you will format it differently.

To create a title page, you need to include:

• The name of your high school, college, or university (if applicable)
• The title of your paper
• The subtitle of your paper (if you have one)
• Your first and last name
• Your teacher or professor’s name (if applicable)
• The class name or course number (if applicable)
• The date the paper is due (in “day month year” format)

Formatting guidelines

Follow these formatting guidelines when typing your MLA title page:

• Double-spaced
• Times New Roman font
• Size 12 font
• The first letter of each word should be capitalized, with the exception of very short words such as the, and, of, or, a, an, for, in , etc.  However, the first word should always be capitalized.
• Do not include a page number heading on your title page

Step-by-step instructions

Here are the steps you need to take to create the perfect MLA title page:

• At the top of the page, type the name of your high school, college, or university (if applicable).
• Skip down approximately one-third of the page and type the title of your research paper using title case.
• If you have a subtitle, type it on the line following the paper title.
• Skip down to the bottom third of the page and type your first and last name.
• On the following line, type the course name and number (if applicable).
• On the following line, type your instructor’s name (if applicable).
• On the following and final line, type the due date of your paper in “day month year” format.

Although it’s important to know how to create an MLA essay title page in case your instructor requires it, in most cases you will use an MLA heading on the first page of your paper instead.

Remember, you should only create a title page if your instructor requests it .

Otherwise, use these guidelines to create an MLA heading. If you create a title page, then you usually won’t need an MLA heading on your first page, but you should ask your instructor for their specific requirements.

To create an MLA heading on your first page, you will need to include some of the same information you would use for a title page, including:

• Left-justified text for MLA header
• Centered text for title
• Right-justified text for page number header
• In the top left corner of the first page of your essay, type your first and last name.
• On the following line, type the due date of your paper in “day month year” format.
• On the following line, switch from left-justified text to centered text and type the title (and the subtitle on the same line, if you have one) of your paper in title case. Do not italicize, underline, or place your essay title in quotation marks. Do not use quotation marks unless you are referring to other works in your title and need to enclose the referenced works in quotation marks.
• Your research paper should begin on the following double-spaced line.
• Create a right-justified text header one-half inch from the top of your paper that includes your last name and the page number.
• All pages of your paper should be numbered with your last name and the numerical page number. The page including your MLA header, title, and the beginning of your essay is page one (1).
• Your instructor may specify not to include a last name and page number header on your first page. Always follow your instructor’s guidelines.

Solution #1: What should I do if my paper is a group project?

If you have written a collaborative paper with multiple authors, list each author on your MLA title page or in your MLA heading in alphabetical order, with line breaks between each.

If your paper has multiple authors, omit the name from your page numbers in the upper-right corner of your MLA-format paper.

Example MLA heading for a group paper:

Example MLA title page for a group paper:

Solution #2: What should I do if my paper isn’t for a specific class?

If your paper is a thesis project for your degree, for example, or not for a specific class, you can omit that information from your MLA title page or MLA header.

Solution #3: Does my paper need a subtitle if I use a full MLA title page?

While an MLA title page allows for a subtitle beneath the title of your paper, it is NOT required to have a subtitle or make one up for your MLA title page.

If you didn’t intend to have a subtitle for your paper, there is no need to add a subtitle. Just leave that area of your MLA title page blank.

Solution #4: Will my MLA title page be part of my final page count?

A title page is not typically included in a paper’s final word count. Check with the teacher or professor assigning the paper to be sure, but it is highly unlikely a title page will count as a full page of your final paper.

Published October 25, 2020. Updated June 4, 2021

Written by Grace Turney , freelance writer and artist. Grace is a former librarian and has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Technology.

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The title page in MLA style gives basic information such as the name, the instructor’s name, the course name and number, the title of the paper, and the submission date. MLA style does not recommend using a title page unless specifically requested by your instructor; instead, it suggests creating a header.

The difference between a title page and a header in MLA style is that a title page appears as a page on its own before the main paper copy. A header, on the other hand, appears on the same page where paper copy begins.

Include the following elements on a title page. Follow the order as given below.

The university name

The title and subtitle of the paper

The course name and number

The instructor’s name

The submission/due date

If you are not required to create a title page, and only need a header, the following elements should be included in the header, in the order as listed:

While MLA does not generally recommend the use of a title page, some courses or professors may require it. The title page should include the university name, title of the paper, your name, the instructor’s name, the course name, and the submission or due date.

Formatting title page

MLA style does not have any specific guidelines for formatting a title page. However, you can use the below suggestions to format your title page if you are required to create one for your paper.

Page margins

All margins (top, bottom, left, and right) should be set at 1 inch.

The font should be clear and easy to read. A good option is Times New Roman font in size 12 pt.

Text on the title page should be double-spaced.

Elements of a title page

Include the following elements on the title page. Follow the order as given below.

Add a few blank lines before and after the title of the work. The title should be in title case and centered.

Beginning on the title page, the paper should also include a running head. The running head includes the your last name and the page number. This should be placed in the “header” area of the paper so that it is present on each page. Use the page number feature in your word processor so that the page number is generated automatically.

Example title page

Chegg University

Relationship Between Students and Their Teachers

Ishithaa Gopi

Psychology 127

Professor John Smith

21 September 2021

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The Perfect APA Cover Page

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Definition: APA Cover Page
• 3 What to Include?
• 5 All Components
• 6 In a Nutshell

Definition: APA Cover Page

Also known as the title page, an APA cover page is the very front page of an essay. It entails crucial information of the work presented by the author as advised by the examiner. The core duty of the APA cover page is to let the reader identify different parts of your work without having to read the paper.

Also, it also ensures that your work looks professional and well presented. To the learners, the APA cover page helps them know the work that needs to be presented.

Students are mostly asked to write essays or complete their projects in APA Format. However, quite a number of them do not have a clear understanding of what APA format entails and how to use it for their projects. This piece tends to explore the details of an APA cover page to help learners.

This section aims at answering some of the common questions asked by students and scholars looking to have a deeper understanding of the APA Cover Page. Let’s take a look at the five common questions asked about APA Cover page.

What is the APA format?

APA formatting is a style that is mainly used for academic and scholarly journals and books. Mainly, the APA style is used in citing sources that fall within the field of social sciences and other related areas. A perfectly formatted APA thesis entails following the rules of the APA formatting method for APA citation , APA title pages and finally, using these rules for your cover page.

What is the importance of an APA cover page?

To the examiner, the APA cover page helps them get an idea of the academic work in a glance since it contains all of the necessary information about the author’s work. It also allows the writers to present their research paper in an orderly manner that appears more professional and presentable. The cover page is one of the first things a reader will see (after the title page of course).

What’s the difference between the APA cover page and other cover page styles?

Compared to other styles like MLA and Harvard , APA has more details presented on the center of the cover page and a running head that bears a section of the main title of the paper written in capital letters. This is the main difference that immediately becomes obvious when trying to distinguish APA formatting from the other styles.

What are the common mistakes made in the APA cover page?

Though most students and other writers tend to research styles before writing, they make different mistakes whilst trying to craft a perfect APA cover page. Some of the most common mistakes are the placing of the page number, while others do not put page numbers at all, some APA cover pages also lack the running head, or lack clear information. Note that all of the APA title page details must be clearly formatted as well, as this is the very first view that readers will have of your paper.

Do I still have to indicate the title in the actual paper after indicating it in the APA cover page?

Yes. The APA cover page will  be one of the first pages of the essay, book, or any other academic writing work. The title should be on every page (due to the running header) as well as on the title page and cover page. The title should also appear once more on the first page of text, to remind the reader what they’re about to read.

What to Include?

If you are trying to write your piece in APA style, then you have to ensure that it entails a page number, a running head, the name of the author (your name), the title of the paper, and the institutional affiliation. These are the common components of a standard APA cover page, however, you can include more in case you are advised so by the examining body or even the editor if you are using one.

The above example of an APA Cover page depicts what a student or scholar would present in the final essay of a project. Note that what is indicated in the cover page might vary depending on what is requested by the examining body. Nevertheless, other than the details, that is what an APA cover page should look like.

All Components

Let’s take a close look at what the APA Cover page should contain.

The Running Head

Also known as the page header, a running head is a text that usually appears at the very top of the page and is always separated from the body text. It is identical in all pages when you are writing in APA Style. If it appears at the bottom of the page, it is called the page footer, but that is not recommended in APA style.

The Page Number

As mentioned above, the APA style helps the writers to make their work appears orderly. The page number helps them achieve this so that the readers can know how much of the work they have read. In APA, the page number should be made using 12 pt Times New Roman Font. The page number should appear on the top right corner of all pages.

The Title of the Page

Other than the running head, you need to clearly indicate the title of your work so that the readers know what you are writing about. The running head should only contain a section of the title of the entire piece. Make sure that the title is placed in the middle of the APA cover page.

Name of the Author (Your Name)

In APA Cover page, you must indicate your name as the name of the author. That way, the readers will know right away whose work they are reading. Normally, include your official name so that when the work is published, your name goes as the author of the piece. The name of the author usually appears beneath the title of the work.

Institutional Affiliation

If you are a student working on a project or essay, then the institutional affiliation is the name of your college. If you are working for an agency, then you will indicate the name of the organization in this section. It is crucial that you use an authentic institution so that you are recognized as a member, and that you worked on the project following their instructions.

Beneath the Institutional Affiliation, your work should have a date. The time is vital because it helps the examiners to know when the work was done. If it is a book you are writing, your readers will see when you have completed the work.

Importance of APA Cover page in Academic Writing

In academic writing , the APA cover page is essential in helping examiners identify your work easily. Being that it contains your name and the details of the work, they will have an easy time telling it from other files that they might have.

In a Nutshell

The APA style has many formats that can be used by learners and scholars to present their works. Therefore, before you get started, it is vital that to you do your homework well. Also, your institution will provide you with the latest APA cover page format that you need to use throughout your work.

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APA Sample Paper

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Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 th Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student  and  professional  papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in  student style and one in  professional  style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

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• Creating an MLA title page

MLA Title Page | When You Need One & How to Format It

Published on July 12, 2021 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 5, 2024.

In MLA style , a title page is usually not required for your paper. Instead, MLA recommends including a header on your first page listing your name, your instructor’s name, the course name and number, and the submission date, followed by the title of your paper.

However, you should include a separate title page instead in these cases:

• Your instructor requires it
• The paper is a group project (i.e. you need to list multiple authors)

The formats for a separate title page and a first-page header are shown below. You can also use our templates in Word or Google Docs.

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Table of contents

Mla title page format, creating an mla header, frequently asked questions about mla format.

To create an MLA format title page, list the following on separate lines, left-aligned at the top of the page:

• Your co-authors’ names, each on its own line, if it’s a group project
• Your instructor’s name
• The course name and number
• The submission date

Then leave a few blank lines and list the title of the paper, centered and in title case, halfway down the page. All text should be double-spaced and in the same font as the rest of the paper.

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Most MLA papers will instead list this information in a header , which appears on the same page as your opening paragraphs instead of on a separate page before them. In the header, left-aligned, list

Then on the next line, write the title of your paper, centered and in title case. On the line after that, start your first paragraph. The header and title should be double-spaced, like the rest of the paper.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

If you’re working on a group project and therefore need to list multiple authors for your paper , MLA recommends against including a normal header . Instead, create a separate title page .

On the title page, list each author on a separate line, followed by the other usual information from the header: Instructor, course name and number, and submission date. Then write the title halfway down the page, centered, and start the text of the paper itself on the next page.

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

MLA Style  is the second most used citation style (after APA ). It is mainly used by students and researchers in humanities fields such as literature, languages, and philosophy.

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Caulfield, J. (2024, March 05). MLA Title Page | When You Need One & How to Format It. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/mla-title-page/

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