To format a paper in MLA style using Google Docs, follow these key steps:
How to Set Up MLA Format in Google Docs
1. Create a New Document
- Open Google Docs and start a new blank document or use the MLA template by going to File > New > From template and selecting the "Report MLA" template under the Education section
2. Set the Margins
- Go to File > Page setup and set all margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm)
3. Choose the Font and Size
- Set the font to Times New Roman and the font size to 12 pt throughout the document
4. Set Line Spacing
- Highlight your text or select all (Ctrl+A), then click the line spacing button in the toolbar and choose Double spacing. Also, remove any extra space after paragraphs if necessary
5. Add the MLA Header
- Insert a header by double-clicking the top of the page.
- Align the header to the right.
- Type your last name followed by a space, then insert page numbers by going to Insert > Page numbers and selecting the option that places the number in the top right corner. The header will appear on every page
6. Create the First Page Heading
- At the top left of the first page, type your full name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the date, each on its own line.
- Press Enter once and center your paper’s title (do not bold, underline, or italicize it). Capitalize major words in the title
7. Indent Paragraphs
- Use the Tab key to indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch (0.5")
8. Works Cited Page
- At the end of your paper, start a new page titled Works Cited (centered).
- List your sources alphabetically with hanging indents (the first line flush left, subsequent lines indented 0.5")
Summary Checklist for MLA in Google Docs
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- Times New Roman, 12 pt font
- Double-spaced text with no extra spaces between paragraphs
- Header with last name and page number, right aligned
- First page heading with your name, instructor, course, and date on the left
- Title centered on the first page, no special formatting
- Paragraphs indented by 0.5 inch
- Works Cited page with hanging indents and alphabetized entries
Using Google Docs' MLA template can simplify this process, but knowing how to format manually ensures your paper meets MLA standards perfectly
. This approach ensures your paper is formatted correctly according to MLA guidelines in Google Docs.
