After the title page comes the main work – the body of the paper. This section holds the ideas, the evidence, and the structure of the argument. A clean layout helps readers focus on the content. APA keeps the rules simple, so the writing can take center stage.
The first body page always begins on page 2. A page number appears in the header at the top-right. The steps below show how to set up the first lines and the ongoing paragraph format.
What This Article Covers
- Page numbering on body pages
- The required title line on page 1 of the body
- Paragraph spacing, indents, and alignment
- A short reminder about headings
Step-by-Step
-
Page number
The body begins on page 2. The header continues from the title page, with the page number top-right. No extra edits are needed if the document uses automatic page numbering. -
Title line on the first body page
On line 1 of page 2, repeat the full paper title – bold and centered – using the same Title Case as on the title page. This acts as the default introduction heading in APA. After this line, press Enter once. -
Paragraph format
Begin the opening paragraph on the next line. Use double spacing, a first-line indent of 0.5″, and left alignment. Keep this format for all paragraphs in the body. -
Spacing checks
Ensure no extra space appears before or after paragraphs. The spacing should be even from start to finish. -
Headings (optional but helpful)
Longer papers benefit from headings that mark major sections. APA offers five levels, from bold centered (Level 1) to indented run-in styles (Levels 4–5). Use headings only when they improve clarity.
FYI: Quoted text that reaches 40 words or more becomes a block quote – with special formatting. See the Block Quotes article for details.
Quick Checklist
▢ Page number appears top-right in the header (page 2 and onward)
▢ Paper title repeated on line 1, bold and centered
▢ Double spacing throughout
▢ First-line indent of 0.5″
▢ Left alignment; no full justification
▢ No extra space before or after paragraphs
▢ Headings used only when they help organize ideas
With PERRLA
PERRLA sets up the body pages automatically. The page number continues, the title repeats in the correct style, and paragraph settings remain consistent as the paper grows.
We also support all of the APA text & heading styles – like block quotes. Learn how to use block quotes in PERRLA or watch a demo below:
Download PERRLA's APA 7 Checklist
It's a lot to remember all the rules, and if you aren't letting PERRLA do the formatting for you, use our brief checklist for your next APA 7 paper. Click here to get your copy now!
Next Article: APA 7 References Page
Related Articles
- APA 7 Title Page (Student Papers)
- APA 7 Headings (Levels 1–5)
- Writing with Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
Note for instructors: This article follows APA 7 student paper conventions; course-specific structure and heading rules may vary.