AP-Style Title Capitalization
Applies AP headline rules with marketing-practical heuristics.
How This Tool Works
This tool converts text into AP-style title capitalization, commonly used for headlines, subject lines, and display copy. AP style blends word length and grammar, so automation helps with consistency — but it’s still important to review the output for meaning and edge cases.
Important
Always review the final title. AP capitalization depends on context (verbs, infinitives, phrasal verbs, brand names),
and no tool can reliably interpret intent in every case.
The Golden Rule: The 4-Letter Cutoff
- Capitalize any word with 4 or more letters, even if it’s a preposition or conjunction (e.g., With, From, Into, Because).
- Lowercase words with 3 letters or fewer unless they’re a category that should be capitalized (like verbs, covered below).
Words to Always Capitalize
- First and last words of the title, regardless of length.
- Principal words: nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and subordinate conjunctions.
- Short verbs (even 2–3 letters), such as Is, Am, Be, Do, Go.
- The infinitive “To” when used as part of an infinitive verb (AP’s unique rule).
- Phrasal verb particles in constructions like Turn Off and Give Up.
Words to Lowercase
Unless they are the first or last word of the title:
- Articles: a, an, the
- Short prepositions (3 letters or fewer): at, by, for, in, of, off, on, out, to, up, via
- Short conjunctions (3 letters or fewer): and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet
Special Cases
- Hyphenated words: capitalize both parts (e.g., Anti-Inflation, Self-Assurance).
- Quotes within titles: capitalize the first word inside the quote (e.g., She Said “The Time Is Now”).
- Acronyms / ALL CAPS terms: preserve them as-is (e.g., NASA, B2B, U.S.).
Examples in Action
Tender Is the Night Verb “Is” is capitalized
Gone With the Wind 4+ letters “With” is capitalized
Sympathy for the Devil 3 letters “for” is lowercased
What It Means To Be a Hero Infinitive “To” is capitalized
Turn Off the Lights Phrasal verb “Off” is capitalized
Final tip: after converting, scan the result for brand styling, unusual punctuation, and meaning. If something looks off, trust your eye — not the button.