How To Make a Cover Page in Google Docs (With Tips)

Throughout their education, students are often required to write essays and research papers. In addition to containing informative content, educational papers might also need to include a cover page. Google Docs provides a straightforward program you can use to personalize a professional cover page.

In this article, we discuss what a cover page is and how to make a cover page in Google Docs, and we offer tips for creating a well-designed cover page.

Read more: How To Write a Research Paper Step-by-Step

What is a cover page?

A cover page, or title page, is the first page of an essay or research document. It provides identifying information about the document and the author and helps the assignment look more professional. A cover page also protects the document from stains and smudges.

Writing a cover page using APA style

The information included on a cover page varies depending on the project's formatting style. When using APA (American Psychological Association) style, your cover page should include the following information:

• Title of paper

• Author's name

• Author's institution, such as your school, university or company

This information should be centered on the cover page in 12-point Times New Roman font. APA style appears most often in the social sciences, such as sociology, psychology and anthropology, as well as education.

Example:

Effects of Weekly Counseling on High School Juniors on Academic Performance
Samantha Miller
University of Iowa

Writing a cover page using MLA style

Cover pages are less common when using MLA (Modern Language Association) style, but your instructor or supervisor may request one. Include the following information:

• Author's name

• Professor's or supervisor's name

• Course name and number

• Name of institution

• Due date

• Title of paper

Center your information on the cover page and choose an easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, in size 12.

Example:

Samantha Miller
Dr. Joseph Tramble
Graduate Psychology PSY610
University of Iowa
May 3, 2023

The Effects of Weekly Counseling on High School Juniors on Academic Performance

MLA style requires the use of headers throughout your paper on the upper left corner, with a one-inch margin from the top of the page. Headers should include your name, your instructor's name, the course name and number and the date, each on a separate line. Additionally, MLA style includes headers on the upper right corner of each page after the cover page with your last name and the page number. For example, a heading on the third page might be "Johnson-3."

You may also add graphics or other art to your cover page, as approved by your instructor or supervisor. If you're not sure if you should add a cover page to your work, you should ask your professor. You may lose points or appear unprofessional without one.

Read more: How To Create an APA Title Page

How to make a cover page on Google Docs

Here are the steps for making a cover page using Google Docs:

1. Open Google Docs

You can access Google Docs through your Gmail account or by visiting docs.google.com.

2. Open a new document

Under "Start a New Document," select "Blank Document."

3. Edit the page layout

If you need to change the page specifications, like the margins or page layout, select "File" at the top of the page, then select "Page Setup."

4. Add a border

To add a border in Google Docs, use the table function. Consider decreasing the margin size if you're adding a border. Add a table cell by selecting "Insert." Hover over "Table" and select a single-cell table. When the table appears in the document, drag the bottom border to the bottom of the page. You can edit the style of the border in the table editing menu.

5. Add text

Choose your text style, including font, size and any heading styles. Type your cover page information based on the formatting style you're using.

6. Format your text

Select the text and choose center alignment from the editing menu. With the text selected, choose the line spacing button on the editing menu. Select "Double" from the drop-down menu.

7. Add an image

If you want to add an image, click "Insert" on the top menu. Hover the cursor over "Image" and select the location of the image, such as Google Drive or the photos file on your computer.

8. Put text on your image

To add text on top of the image, use the drawing tool. Select "Insert" from the editing menu and hover over "Drawing." Select "New." In the drawing tool, you can add your image using the image insert box. With the image placed in the drawing tool, select the text box button. Inside the text box, you can type and format your content using the alignment, text color, background color, size and font buttons. When your image is complete, click "Save and Close." The image should appear on your Google document.

9. Save your document

Your Google document remains updated in your Google Drive. If you want to save the file to your computer, select "File" and hover over "Download." Select the file type you want to save and your preferred location to store it.

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Read more: How To Design a Portfolio Cover Page

Tips for a well-designed cover page

Here are some tips for designing a cover page for your project:

• Create directly in Google Docs. Some features of other word processing software may not transfer properly to Google Docs, like images and some formatting. To avoid discrepancies, upload images and type directly in Google Docs.

• Incorporate white space. Use double spacing between lines and to separate images from lines of copy. This helps your cover page look organized and allows readers to locate information easily.

• Make your title stand out. Consider highlighting your title by making it bold and a few sixes larger than other text.

• Choose a professional font. Your font should have clean lines and be easy to read. Use the same font for all the text.

• Use a template. Google Docs has several cover page templates. You can access them by opening Google Docs, selecting "New," then selecting "Template Gallery." Scroll down to the education section and choose a template. You can edit the colors and fonts and upload your own images.

• Review your cover page. Proofread your cover page for spelling and grammar errors. You should also verify that you're using the appropriate format according to your assignment directions and that you have all the necessary information.

Please note that the company mentioned in this article is not affiliated with Indeed.