Watch how to use PERRLA in Microsoft Word (desktop)

Focus on the writing.
We'll handle all the formatting.

Using PERRLA with Microsoft Word makes writing APA, MLA, and Turabian papers a breeze!

Learn the basics of using PERRLA with the video above. ☝️
PERRLA builds a perfect paper for you

PERRLA creates and sets up your paper automatically for you so you’re ready to start writing. You’ll never have to set up the paper’s margins, running head, headers, page numbers, or text formatting again!

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Effortless, perfect references for every type

You can create every single APA, MLA & Turabian Reference type with PERRLA’s human-built, human-tested proprietary Reference Engine. PERRLA saves your references to re-use them in future papers – save time on references twice.

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Cite your evidence with formatting confidence

Place your cursor where you want a citation and PERRLA handles the rest. We follow all the (obscure) rules, so you can cite your research and move on with your paper. PERRLA also creates tables, figures, abstracts, tables of content, appendices & heading levels too.

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Turn in a Word Doc (just like normal)

You always end up with a normal Word document with PERRLA – ready to turn in, submit for review, or print (the old school way).

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We're more than just references & citations

There's more that goes into perfect papers – we cover it all
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Effortless references & citations

PERRLA creates, formats, and keeps your references up to date as you write. Our human-built reference engine supports every source type in the APA, MLA & Turabian styles. Perfectly formatted citations and references are just a click away!

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Perfect layout & margins

We're more than just references: PERRLA builds a fully styled paper for you – just create it and start writing.

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Works everywhere you do

Use PERRLA in Microsoft Word (desktop and web), in PERRLA Online, in Google Docs, & with our Google Chrome extension – take PERRLA wherever you write.

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Turn in polished Word docs

Wherever you write, PERRLA generates a perfectly formatted Word document that’s ready to turn in. Create Research Papers, Discussion Posts, Reference Lists, and Annotated Bibliographies with confidence.

PERRLA handles all the formatting

From start to finish – you get perfect papers every time
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Want some help getting started?

Join us every week for PERRLA 101: Getting Started
Every week we host a webinar help you learn how to use PERRLA. You can join us:
   Wednesday (7 pm Central Time)
   – Thursday (7 pm Central Time)
   – Saturday (4 pm Central)
   
Sunday (4 pm Central),
Join us on Zoom using this link, or with the Meeting ID: 918 8789 2946
You can watch one of our recent webinars any time you want as well.
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Join PERRLA 101 on Zoom

Your writing questions, answered fast.

PERRLA makes for smooth, stress-free writing. Find answers to our most-asked questions below.

Why use the Word dd-in instead of PERRLA Online?

If Microsoft Word is already where you do your writing, the Word add-in keeps you there – no need to write in one place and format in another. Everything happens inside the Word document you'd be working in anyway. If you don't have Word or prefer a browser-based experience, PERRLA Online is a complete alternative.

Where does PERRLA live inside Word?

PERRLA gets its very own ribbon tab in the Word menu. Once PERRLA is installed, you'll see a "PERRLA" tab next to Home, Insert, Layout, References, and so on. Every PERRLA feature – creating papers, references, citations, the Reference Library – lives inside that one tab.

Does PERRLA conflict with Word's built-in References tab?

No. Word's built-in citation tool and PERRLA's add-in run independently. We recommend using PERRLA's tools for any paper you start with PERRLA, since Word's built-in references are outdated and aren't APA/MLA/Turabian-accurate.

How do I install PERRLA in Word?

You install PERRLA through the Word Add-in Store. You can find the quick install steps on our Word Desktop & Word for Web setup pages. The process takes just a few minutes – or our Support Team is happy to walk you through it if you get stuck. Need setup help or installation walkthroughs? Visit the PERRLA Help Center.

Will I lose my PERRLA references if I open the file on a different computer?

No – your references are stored in your PERRLA account. Your PERRLA references are available anywhere you log in with your PERRLA account. However, anyone using PERRLA can view & use all of the references that have been added to a paper.

Does PERRLA in Word work for group projects?

Yes! For group writing, the cleanest setup is for each contributor to have their own PERRLA subscription so anyone on the team can add or update references as they edit. If your team has a different workflow in mind, our Support Team can help you find an approach that works.

Don't take our word for it

We've helped 1.5+ million students since 1998
"When you've not been a student... PERRLA helps you do perfect APA papers!"

Yolanda, student & instructor

"I wholeheartedly recommend PERRLA... it has been the best money I've spent in my program!"

Andrew, student

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"PERRLA has been a god-send...it has been wonderful!"

Trenay B., Ph.D. student

"I love PERRLA because I used it for my Bachelors, Masters, & Doctorate!"

Nursing Instructor

"I would not have made it through graduate school without PERRLA!"

Jenn, grad student

"PERRLA was a game-changer for me when I was finishing Nurse Practitioner school!"

Emma, nursing student

"I've done a lot of research on websites to help with citations, and I've not found one better than PERRLA."

Patrick, student

"PERRLA was great at storing all of the research accumulated through the years..."

James W.

"PERRLA has changed my life - yea! It's been life-changing!"

Shayna, student

"It helps me formatting my essays & up to date with the latest APA 7th Edition."

Nikita, student

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"My professor encouraged it & it's a game-changer! You save so much time with PERRLA..."

Elizabeth L., student & author

"I love PERRLA because I'm a little chaotic...and bottom line, work smart & not hard!"

Kathleen, Nursing faculty

Read more testimonials

Questions? Let's chat – real humans here

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PERRLA for your institution

Ready for your students to turn in better papers? Check out our Partners page to learn how PERRLA can help your institution's students succeed.
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Talk to support

Email us for a fast, clear response. Check out our Help Center for articles, tutorials, and videos on using PERRLA.
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