Using Style Sheets

Watch and Learn

This is a video guide to formatting the title and first pages of a basic APA-style document and is, to the best of our knowledge, up to date as of August 2011. Enjoy!

If you do not see the video, please click on the link to view it in a new window or tab (you will leave this page):

APA Format Setup in Word 2010 UPDATED

Top Tips

  • Learn what style guide is commonly used in your discipline or field.
  • Learn to use the style guide as a reference tool for formatting citations for specific types of sources.
  • Learn to use the style guide to structure your own writing.
  • The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers gives detailed advice and examples, with useful sections on citing non-print sources such as films, paintings, sound recordings, and Internet sources. See also the MLA website for recommendations on details of referring to non-print sources.
  • See also the Chicago style section of the University of Auckland's interactive guide on formatting.
  • See the APA Frequently-Asked Questions page for further advice on APA requirements. 
  • The system worked out by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is often used in Computer Science and Engineering. Consult the handy IEEE Citation Style Guide.

Academic Style Guides

Enhance your Learning

AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style Updates:

Note: These links will open in a new page.

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Student Support Areas

Writing Centre


Improve Your Writing and Research

Improve Your Writing and Research

Assistance to be a better writer while you find and cite information accurately

Value for Me?

What's Your Style?
Style Guides and How to Use Them

A style manual is not just about formatting citations; it will also advise you on how to:

Collect information

Organize information

Structure, punctuate,capitalize, abbreviate, and otherwise format your written work

Visualize Topic

Technology Integration

APA paper format template
This template from Microsoft for MSWord 2003 or later "provides a framework to correctly format your writing in the APA format; includes example text and instructions."

Research paper template in MLA style
Downloadable template from Microsoft for MSWord: "change the editable fields and follow the MLA guidelines within the text."