How to Create a Title Page (Cover) in Word Following ABNT Rules

The ABNT NBR 14724 guidelines outline essential components for the title page of academic works. While it may seem straightforward, careful attention must be paid to formatting to meet academic standards.

Key Components of the Title Page

• Author's Full Name
• Thesis Title & Subtitle
• Academic Purpose Note
• Institution Name & Advisor
• Location and Year

Distinction Between Outer Cover and Inner Title Page

Before diving into the actual formatting process, it is essential to understand the difference between the outer cover and the inner title page:

Element	Outer Cover	Inner Title Page	Formatting	Purpose
Author's Name	Centered, Uppercase	Centered, Uppercase	Same for both	Identifies the author
Title & Subtitle	Bold, Centered	Bold, Centered	Same for both	Main focus of the work
Academic Purpose Note	Not required	Required	Justified text	Describes the academic context
Institution Name & Advisor	Not required	Required	Justified text	Identifies the institution and advisor
Location and Year	Centered	Centered	Same for both	Gives context of submission

Setting Up Your Document in Microsoft Word

1. Open Microsoft Word

Begin by launching Microsoft Word. Start with a blank document to have full control over the formatting.

2. Adjust Page Margins

To ensure compliance with ABNT NBR 14724, you must set the margins as follows:

1. Go to the Layout tab.
2. Click on Margins.
3. Select Custom Margins.
4. Set the top margin to 3 cm, left margin to 3 cm, bottom margin to 2 cm, and right margin to 2 cm.
5. Click OK to apply the settings.

3. Choose the Document Font

ABNT guidelines specify using Arial or Times New Roman. To change the font:

1. Highlight all text (Ctrl + A).
2. Navigate to the Home tab.
3. In the Font dropdown, select either Arial or Times New Roman.
4. Set the font size to 12 pt.

4. Create the Title Page Header

Now, let’s add the author's full name at the top:

1. Press Enter a few times to position the cursor near the top.
2. Type your full name in uppercase letters.
3. Highlight the text, then click on the Center alignment button.
4. Ensure the font size is set to 12 pt.

5. Insert the Thesis Title & Subtitle

Next, we will add the title of your thesis:

1. Press Enter a few times to create space after your name.
2. Type your thesis title in bold and uppercase.
3. Highlight the title and click on the Center alignment button.

6. Add the Academic Purpose Note

This section is crucial as it explains the academic context of your work:

1. Press Enter to create space below the title.
2. Set a left indent of 8 cm by dragging the ruler or adjusting the paragraph settings.
3. Type the academic purpose note, ensuring it is justified.
4. Set the font size to 10 pt and ensure single line spacing.

7. Include the Institution Name & Advisor

Next, you need to provide the name of your institution and the advisor:

1. Press Enter to create space below the academic purpose note.
2. Type the name of your institution and the advisor’s name, ensuring it is justified.
3. Highlight the text and set the font size back to 12 pt.

8. Add Location and Year

Finally, conclude your title page with the location and year:

1. Press Enter to create space below the institution's name.
2. Type the location followed by the year of submission.
3. Highlight the text and click on the Center alignment button.

DomineTec Tech Tip: Always double-check each element for accuracy and adherence to the ABNT guidelines before finalizing your title page.

Finalizing Your Title Page

Once you have inserted all the elements, review the title page to ensure everything looks correct. Pay attention to font sizes, alignment, and spacing.

Common Formatting Issues and Solutions

While formatting your title page, you may encounter several common issues. Here are some solutions:

• Text not aligning properly: Ensure that you are using the center alignment for the title, author's name, and year.
• Incorrect margins: Revisit the margin settings under the Layout tab to confirm they are set correctly.
• Font size issues: Highlight the text and double-check the font size settings.

In addition to these tips, it may be helpful to consult the official ABNT guidelines or seek assistance from a mentor or advisor if you are unsure about any specific requirements.

Advanced Formatting Techniques

To create a title page that is not only compliant with ABNT standards but also visually appealing, consider the following advanced formatting techniques:

1. Using Styles for Consistent Formatting

Utilizing styles in Microsoft Word can help maintain consistency across your document:

1. Highlight the text you want to format.
2. On the Home tab, select the Styles group.
3. Choose Heading 1 for the title and Normal for the rest of the text.
4. Right-click on the chosen style to modify settings, such as font size and color, ensuring it aligns with ABNT standards.

2. Adding a Watermark

A subtle watermark can enhance the professionalism of your title page. Here’s how to add one:

1. Go to the Design tab.
2. Click on Watermark.
3. Select Custom Watermark.
4. Choose either a text or picture watermark, and adjust the transparency to ensure it doesn’t distract from the main content.

3. Creating a Table of Contents

If your document is lengthy, consider including a Table of Contents (TOC) on the first page after the title page:

1. Insert a page break after your title page by pressing Ctrl + Enter.
2. Go to the References tab.
3. Click on Table of Contents and choose a style that fits your document’s format.
4. Ensure that your headings are formatted with styles to automatically generate the TOC.

Using Microsoft Word’s Template Feature

An effective way to ensure your title page always adheres to ABNT standards is by creating a template. This approach can save you time in future projects:

1. After setting up your title page as described, click on File and select Save As.
2. Choose Word Template from the file type dropdown.
3. Name your template accordingly and save it in a location where you can easily access it.
4. In the future, open this template to create new documents that automatically include your preformatted title page.

By using templates, you can ensure that you consistently apply the correct formatting without starting from scratch each time.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Title Page Formatting

If you find yourself struggling with formatting issues that aren’t resolved by basic troubleshooting, here are some advanced techniques:

1. Inspecting Formatting Marks

Sometimes invisible formatting marks can cause alignment issues. To inspect them:

1. On the Home tab, click the paragraph symbol (¶) to show formatting marks.
2. Look for extra spaces or paragraph breaks that may be affecting your layout.
3. Remove unnecessary marks to correct your formatting.

2. Checking Section Breaks

If your title page is not behaving as expected, section breaks may be influencing its format:

1. Go to the Layout tab and click on Breaks.
2. Review existing section breaks and adjust them if they interfere with your document’s flow.
3. Delete any unnecessary section breaks that may affect your title page formatting.

3. Utilizing the Format Painter

The Format Painter tool can help you replicate formatting from one part of your document to another:

1. Highlight the text that has the correct formatting.
2. Click on the Format Painter icon located in the Home tab.
3. Then, highlight the text you want to format.

This method can help ensure that your title page maintains a consistent appearance throughout.

Additional Resources for ABNT Compliance

To further assist you in creating a compliant title page, here are some additional resources and tools:

1. Online ABNT Format Generators

Several online tools can help you format your title page according to ABNT standards. These generators often allow you to input your information and receive a formatted output. Search for “ABNT format generator” for various options.

2. University Writing Centers

Many universities in Brazil have writing centers that provide resources and guidance on academic writing and formatting. Check if your institution offers workshops or one-on-one consultations to refine your title page and other sections of your document.

3. Peer Review Groups

Joining or forming a peer review group can provide you with valuable feedback on your title page and overall document. Collaborating with others can help you identify errors and ensure compliance with ABNT standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the outer cover and the inner title page?

The outer cover is typically the front page of the thesis or report, which may include only the title and author's name, while the inner title page contains additional information like the academic purpose and advisor's name, formatted according to ABNT standards.

Can I use a different font other than Arial or Times New Roman?

No, ABNT standards specifically recommend using Arial or Times New Roman for academic documents to maintain consistency and professionalism.

What if I want to include additional information on the title page?

While you may be tempted to add extra details, it is crucial to adhere strictly to the ABNT guidelines to avoid any issues during evaluation.

How do I know if my title page meets ABNT standards?

To verify compliance, review the ABNT NBR 14724 guidelines and ensure that all required elements are present and formatted correctly. It may also be helpful to have a peer or advisor review your title page.

Is there a specific order for the elements on the title page?

Yes, the elements should be arranged in the following order: Author's name, Thesis title, Academic purpose note, Institution name and advisor, Location and year. Following this order is essential for compliance with ABNT standards.