This document provides a quick guide for creating reference pages and citations in APA format using Microsoft Word 2007. It outlines a 5 step process: 1) research and write the document, compiling all source information; 2) create a database of sources in Word; 3) insert parenthetical citations in the text; 4) generate the bibliography; 5) proofread and edit the document and bibliography. The guide explains how to enter source information, insert citations, and format the bibliography automatically using Word's citation and bibliography tools. Contact information is provided for additional questions.

1. Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines
Using Office 2007 to Create Reference
Pages in APA Format:
Quick Guide

2. APA Quick Guide: Office 2007
• Office 2007 users only (commonly, and
erroneously, known as “Office Vista”)
• Remember: Windows Vista Word 2007
(2007 edition)
• Word 2007 has a tool to create:
• database of citations
• full bibliography

3. Step One: Research and Write
Research and gather all reference materials (books,
articles, etc.) to be used on the essay/work.
• Classify the materials (books, journal articles, etc.).
• Highlight or underline excerpts, quotes or ideas to be
used.
• Compile all editorial information of the resources.
• Write the essay (all references must be properly
cited).

4. Step One: Editorial Information
Year of publication Author’s name
Text copyright © 2006, 1997 by Rebecca Elliot
Illustration copyright © 2006, 1997 by Barron’s
Educational Series, Inc.
Publisher
information
Hauppauge, New York 11788
City of Publication

5. Step Two: Create your Database
Open a new Word 2007 document
1. Go to “References” (toolbar).
2. Go to the “Citations and Bibliography” box.
3. Click on “Insert Citation” “Add New Source”.
4. Select the appropriate option in “Type of
Source”(book, magazine).
5. Enter all necessary information in the blank spaces.

6. Step Two: Create your Database

7. Step Two: Create your Database
6. Click “OK”—Word will automatically save the
entry.
7. Repeat the process for each resource.
8. All entries will be stored in “Reference” under
“Insert Citation”.

8. Step Three: Parenthetical Citations
• When citing within the essay, go to “Insert
Citation” and click on the name of the correct
source.
• Word will automatically insert the correct APA
style information for parenthetical citations.
Example:
Grammarians explain that "affect is a verb and
effect is a noun” (Fogarty, 2008).

9. Step Four: Bibliography
• Proofread the essay.
• Insert a page break at the end of the document.
• Click on the new page.
• Go to “Reference” “Citations and
Bibliography” and click on “Bibliography”.
• Choose a format (various styles available).
• Word will automatically upload the bibliography in
APA style (except for the indentation on the
second line of the entry).

10. Step Four: Bibliography
Indentation
Indent the second line of the APA bibliographical entry:
• Select all the text in your bibliography (except the
title).
• Go to the tool box and locate the “Paragraph”
section.
• Click on the small arrow at the corner of the
“Paragraph” box.
• Under “Indentation” go to Special and select
“Hanging”; then click on “Okay”.

11. Step Five: Wrap up
(Revise and Edit)
• Read the entire essay carefully (at least twice).
• Make sure all sources are cited correctly (pay
special attention to parenthetical citations).
• In the bibliography, indent the second line of
each entry.
• Print your essay.

12. Questions? Comments?
Barat Norte 223 (BN 223)
787-728-1515 ext. 2294
E-mail:lad@sagrado.edu
Web: http://www.sagrado.edu/lad