How to Create a Running Head in Word: A Journey Through the Digital Wilderness

Creating a running head in Microsoft Word might seem like a straightforward task, but when you delve into the intricacies of document formatting, you realize that it’s a journey through a digital wilderness. The running head, a small but significant element of professional documents, serves as a guidepost for readers, ensuring that they can easily navigate through the pages. But how do you create one? And why does it sometimes feel like you’re wrestling with a digital beast?

Understanding the Running Head

Before we dive into the technicalities, let’s first understand what a running head is. In academic and professional writing, a running head is a shortened version of the document’s title that appears at the top of each page. It’s typically aligned to the left or right margin and is often accompanied by a page number. The purpose of a running head is to provide a quick reference for readers, especially in printed documents where pages might be shuffled or separated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Running Head in Word

1. Open Your Document: Start by opening the document in Microsoft Word where you want to add the running head.

2. Access the Header Section: Double-click at the top of the page to access the header section. Alternatively, you can go to the “Insert” tab and select “Header.”

3. Insert the Running Head: Once in the header section, type the text you want to appear as your running head. This is usually a shortened version of your document’s title.

4. Format the Running Head: Use the formatting tools to adjust the font, size, and alignment of your running head. Typically, running heads are in a smaller font size than the main text and are aligned to the left or right margin.

5. Add Page Numbers: If your document requires page numbers, you can insert them in the header section as well. Go to the “Insert” tab, select “Page Number,” and choose the desired format.

6. Different First Page: If your document requires a different header on the first page (common in academic papers), check the “Different First Page” option in the “Header & Footer Tools” design tab.

7. Close the Header Section: Once you’re satisfied with your running head, double-click outside the header section or click “Close Header and Footer” to return to the main document.

Advanced Tips for Running Heads

• Consistency is Key: Ensure that your running head is consistent throughout the document. Any changes in formatting or content can be distracting for readers.

• Use Section Breaks for Different Headers: If your document has multiple sections with different running heads, use section breaks to create separate headers for each section.

• Automate with Fields: For longer documents, consider using fields to automate the running head. For example, you can use the “StyleRef” field to automatically pull the title from your document’s styles.

• Check Style Guidelines: Different style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) have specific requirements for running heads. Make sure to follow the guidelines relevant to your document.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Overcrowding the Header: Avoid adding too much information in the header. The running head should be concise and not overwhelm the reader.

• Inconsistent Formatting: Ensure that the running head’s font, size, and alignment are consistent across all pages. Inconsistencies can make your document look unprofessional.

• Ignoring First Page Requirements: Many academic papers require a different header on the first page. Make sure to check the “Different First Page” option if needed.

• Forgetting to Update: If you make changes to your document’s title, don’t forget to update the running head accordingly.

The Philosophical Angle: Why Running Heads Matter

Beyond the technical aspects, running heads serve a deeper purpose in the realm of document creation. They are a testament to the importance of structure and organization in communication. In a world where information is abundant, the running head acts as a beacon, guiding readers through the sea of words. It’s a small but powerful tool that enhances readability and ensures that your message is conveyed effectively.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I have different running heads for odd and even pages? A: Yes, you can. In the “Header & Footer Tools” design tab, check the “Different Odd & Even Pages” option. This allows you to create unique running heads for odd and even pages.

Q: How do I remove a running head from a specific page? A: To remove a running head from a specific page, you can use section breaks. Insert a section break before and after the page where you want to remove the running head, then unlink the headers in those sections.

Q: Can I use images in my running head? A: While it’s technically possible to insert images into the header, it’s generally not recommended for running heads. Running heads should be simple and unobtrusive, so text is usually the best choice.

Q: What’s the difference between a running head and a footer? A: A running head appears at the top of each page, while a footer appears at the bottom. Both can contain similar information, but running heads are typically used for titles, while footers often contain page numbers or additional notes.

Q: How do I align the running head to the right margin? A: To align the running head to the right margin, select the text in the header and use the alignment tools in the “Home” tab. Click the “Align Right” button to move the running head to the right side of the page.