How to Pre-Set APA Format Reference Open Office

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used citation styles globally. As an author or researcher, it's essential to learn how to properly cite sources and format references according to this standard. In this article, we will focus on setting up your reference list in OpenOffice using APA formatting.

Step 1: Selecting a Reference Type

To start creating an APA-formatted reference in OpenOffice, you need to select the type of source you want to cite. Choose from options such as book, journal, proceedings, and more by selecting 'Insert' > 'Reference Management' > 'Create New Reference.' A new window will appear with various fields for different types of sources.

Step 2: Customizing Your Structure

Once you've selected the reference type, a structure line appears below it. This is where you can customize your citation format to fit APA guidelines. Simply place your cursor in an empty space on this line and select any field from the menu above by right-clicking or using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Shift+F). Each added field will become a new button in the structure line, allowing for precise control over your citations.

Basic Rules for In-Text Citations

Before diving into specific reference types, it's essential to understand basic rules for APA-style in-text citations. These include:

* Authors' names and publication dates should be included within parentheses at the end of a sentence or phrase.

* Separate multiple authors with commas; use 'et al.' after the first author's name when citing more than three.

Reference List: Basic Rules

When creating your reference list, remember to follow these basic rules:

* Arrange references alphabetically by author's last name (or title if no author is listed).

* Use hanging indents for each new line within a citation.

* Include only the most recent edition of a source unless it is outdated or relevant.

Reference List: Author/Authors

When citing authors in your reference list, use the following format:

Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of book. Publisher Location: Publisher Name.

Example:

Smith, J. K. (2020). The Art of Writing. New York: Wiley Publishers.

Other Print Sources and Electronic Sources

For other print sources like articles in periodicals, books, proceedings, and electronic sources, follow the guidelines provided by APA for each specific type. OpenOffice's built-in reference management feature allows you to easily format these citations according to your needs.

By following this guide on how to pre-set APA format references in OpenOffice, researchers can ensure accurate citation formatting throughout their work. Remember to select a source type, customize your structure line with relevant fields, and adhere to basic rules for both in-text citations and reference lists. With practice, you'll become proficient in using APA style guidelines within OpenOffice's intuitive interface.

How to pre set apa format reference open office