Page Layout: Apply It 1

  • Set tab stops.
  • Create columns.
  • Insert text into header and footer.

Formatting an Essay

When creating a document for a class assignment consider the ways headers and footers can be utilized.

Cover Page

Longer essays usually include a cover page with the title, subtitle, author and other key information. With headers and footers you can choose to have a different first page to remove the header and footer from this first page.

A screenshot of a document editing interface showing the options for headers and footers. The highlighted option is a check box labeled "Different First Page," allowing users to set a unique header and footer for the first page of the document. Other visible options include "Different Odd & Even Pages," and "Show Document Text." The name "Garcia" is displayed in the header area of the document.
Headers can be applied differently to different pages.

Footers

Footers can provide additional context that might be relevant throughout the document. Common footers include student last name, page number, and the title of the essay.

Footers are also useful for meeting legal and academic compliance. Some citation styles, such as APA or MLA, have specific requirements for including page numbers or other information in the footer. Additionally, including an honor code statement or a note about academic integrity in the footer can serve as a reminder of the ethical guidelines you are adhering to.For more detailed guidelines on formatting and using footers, you may refer to resources such as the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) or your institution’s writing center.