How to Add a Running Head in Google Docs

A running head is a short title or header that appears at the top of each page of your document. This feature is particularly useful for academic papers, professional reports, and other formal documents. Google Docs makes it easy to add and customize a running head, ensuring that your documents look polished and professional. Follow these simple steps to add a running head in Google Docs.

Steps to Add a Running Head in Google Docs

1. Open Your Google Docs Document

1. First, open the Google Docs document where you want to add the running head.
2. If you don’t have a document yet, you can create a new one by visiting Google Docs and selecting "Blank Document."

2. Access the Header Section

1. To add a running head, you need to edit the header. To do this:
   1. Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
   2. Hover over "Headers & footers" , and then click on "Header."
   3. Alternatively, you can double-click at the top of any page in your document to open the header section.

3. Type Your Running Head

1. Once in the header, type the text that you want to appear as your running head. For example, in academic papers following APA style, this could be a shortened version of your title.
2. Ensure that the running head text is concise and relevant to the document's content.

4. Customize the Running Head (Optional)

1. You can customize the font, size, and alignment of your running head text by selecting it and using the toolbar options at the top of your document.
2. For example, you might want to change the font to something professional or adjust the text to be left-aligned if it fits the format of your document.

5. Different First Page (For APA or Formal Styles)

1. If you need the running head to appear differently on the first page (as required by APA format), check the box labeled "Different first page" in the header settings.
2. This allows you to have one version of the running head on the first page and a slightly different one (e.g., just the title) on the following pages.

6. Add Page Numbers (If Required)

1. Many formal documents, especially academic papers, require both a running head and page numbers.
   1. To add page numbers, go back to the "Insert" tab.
   2. Click on "Page numbers" and select the style you prefer (top-right corner is common for running heads).
2. The page numbers will automatically appear along with your running head.

7. Finalize and Save

1. After adding and customizing your running head, make sure to review your document to ensure everything looks correct.
2. Once satisfied, click on "File" and choose "Download" to export your document in the format you need, or simply leave it saved in your Google Drive.

FAQs about Running Heads in Google Docs

1. Can I have different running heads on different pages?
Yes, you can create different running heads by enabling the "Different first page" option in the header settings. For more unique changes, you may need to use section breaks.

2. How do I remove the running head?
To remove the running head, simply double-click on the header, delete the text, and click outside the header to return to the document.

3. Can I customize the font and size of the running head?
Yes, you can customize the font, size, and style of the running head using the toolbar. Just select the text in the header and use the formatting options.

4. Is a running head the same as a header?
While often used interchangeably, a running head typically refers to a brief title or identification line, while a header might include other information like page numbers or author names.