How to Format Essay Headers in MLA and APA
Start strong, your header sets the tone for everything that follows!
A well-formatted essay header might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in presenting your work with clarity and professionalism. Whether you're writing for a school assignment, a college application, or a professional piece, getting your header right shows that you take your writing seriously.
Importance of Essay Headers
An essay header isn’t just a formality, it’s a key element that helps keep your work organized and professional. At a glance, it lets instructors, reviewers, or peers know exactly who wrote the piece, when it was submitted, and what course or context it’s for.
Headers also help maintain consistency across submissions, especially in academic settings where dozens (or hundreds) of papers are being reviewed. When formatted properly, a header adds structure to your document, making it easier to follow and refer to. It's a small touch that signals attention to detail—and that goes a long way.
Formatting Headers in Different Citation Styles
Different citation styles have their own formatting rules for headers, from what content to include, to where and how it should be placed. This section breaks down the header formatting for MLA and APA styles so you can stay consistent and professional with your essay presentation.
MLA (Modern Language Association) Format
MLA format is widely used in the humanities, especially for literature and language-related essays. It’s known for its clean, consistent structure—making header formatting easy to follow.
Header Placement
In MLA format, the header appears in the top right corner of each page and includes your last name followed by the page number.
To format it in:
Microsoft Word: Go to Insert > Page Number > Top of Page > Plain Number 3. Then, type your last name before the number.
Google Docs: Go to Insert > Page numbers, choose the top-right option, then click in the header space and type your last name.
Example:
Garcia 1
First Page Heading
On the first page, MLA requires a separate heading aligned to the top left corner. This is not the same as the header that appears on every page. It should include the following, each on its own line:
Example:
Alicia Garcia
Professor Thompson
English 101
12 March 2025
This section only appears on the first page and helps identify the author, course, and submission date.
Title Formatting
MLA does not require a separate title page. Instead, the essay’s title should be centered on the first page, right after the heading.
Do not bold, italicize, underline, or use quotation marks.
Use title case (capitalize the first and important words).
Correct Title:
The Role of Symbolism in Modern Poetry
Incorrect Titles:
THE ROLE OF SYMBOLISM IN MODERN POETRY
“The role of symbolism in modern poetry”
the role of symbolism in modern poetry
APA (American Psychological Association) Format
APA format is commonly used in the social sciences, psychology, education, and other research-heavy disciplines. It includes specific rules for title pages, running heads, and headers.
Running Head
In APA 7th edition, student papers no longer require a running head unless specifically requested by an instructor. However, professional papers still use one.
If required, the running head is a shortened version of your paper’s title, in all capital letters, aligned to the top left.
Example for professional paper:
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Page Number
APA style requires page numbers on every page, including the title page. These should appear in the top right corner.
How to insert:
Word: Insert > Page Number > Top of Page > Plain Number 3
Google Docs: Insert > Page numbers > top-right option
Title Page
APA essays must begin with a dedicated title page. The content should be centered and double-spaced, and include:
Essay title
Author’s full name
Institutional affiliation
Course name and code
Instructor’s name
Due date (Month Day, Year format)
Example:
The Impact of Technology on Learning
Alicia Garcia
University of Learning
PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
Professor Thompson
March 12, 2025
General Tips for Crafting Effective Headers
Even though citation styles like MLA and APA have their own rules, some best practices apply across the board. A strong header should be clear, consistent, and functional, helping readers identify, organize, and understand your work with ease.
Be Simple, but Informative
Your header should do one thing really well: provide key info without distraction. That means avoiding fancy fonts, extra symbols, or stuffing in details that don’t belong.
Clear Header Example:
Garcia 1
Cluttered Header Example:
Alicia Garcia – English 101 – Spring 2025 – Page 1
Stick to the essentials. Clean and readable always wins over creative but chaotic.
Maintain Consistency
Formatting should be uniform from start to finish. That means:
Same font and font size throughout
Consistent spacing
Matching alignment and style on every page
Tips to stay consistent:
In Microsoft Word, use the Styles tab and set a custom style for headers.
In Google Docs, apply your formatting once, then update the style (e.g., Normal text) and apply it across the doc.
Even minor inconsistencies (like bolding one header but not the rest) can throw off your entire presentation.
Be Unique
Your essay title should reflect the specific focus of your content, not just the general topic. A good title grabs attention and sets the tone, without being vague or overused.
Weak Title Example:
Essay on Social Media
Strong Title Example:
The Double-Edged Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
A strong title gives readers a clear preview of what’s inside, make it count!
Ensure Organization and Helpfulness
Headers aren’t just there for formality, they guide your reader. Well-formatted headers improve navigation and help instructors or reviewers know where they are in the document.
Helpful Header Example:
Garcia 4 — clearly identifies the author and page
Unhelpful Header Example:
Page Four — missing context
Clear headers make grading easier, peer reviews smoother, and your work more polished overall.
How Jenni Can Help You Format Better Essay Headers
A clean, consistent header shows your reader you care about structure and professionalism. Whether you're using MLA or APA, getting this small detail right can level up your entire essay.
Need a little help with formatting or structuring your draft? Jenni AI makes it easier to stay organized and on point, so your writing speaks loud without the clutter.