Headings and Headers

Many of us like to jump in and start an assignment, but many times, it is too easy to forget to include the heading and/or header. Some of you may even know what information to include, but don't have it in the right place on your paper, which in turn could result in lost points. Once you know how to write them correctly, your projects, essays, and papers will look more professional. Let's get started!

We will start with the easier one. A header belongs in the top left-hand corner of your paper. It should be double-spaced and contain in this order:

Your name

Teacher/Professor/Sage/Wizard

Course Title

Date

Title of Paper, Essay, Project, Lab, etc.

Once you have written your heading, center your title, and your paper will start under it (after you align it left again)! Notice that the heading and title are double-spaced. :)

Creating a header can be a little more confusing.

1. Double click on the top of your page.

This should open header or design settings.

2. Look for the "Page Number" option in the Design Tab.

3. Select the sub-tab "Top of Page".

4. Then, select the option that places the page number in the top right-hand corner of each page.

5. Lastly, click back in the header where your page number should be. You should be able to type your last name before the number.

Click on the "center text" button in the paragraph section of the Home tab in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

When you have created both a header and heading, it should look a little like this!

Now you are all set to start your paper! Way to go! :)