How to Format a Document in MLA Style on Google Docs

Setting Up Your Document

Basic Page Layout

• Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides via File > Page setup
• Font: Use Times New Roman, 12-point (Format > Text > Font)
• Paper Size: Letter (8.5" x 11")
• Line Spacing: Double-space the entire document using the Line spacing icon
• Alignment: Left-aligned (except for title)

Header and Page Numbers

1. Double-click the top margin area
2. Click Insert > Headers & footers > Header
3. Type your last name followed by a space
4. Add page numbers through Insert > Page numbers
5. Right-align the header using the Align icon

First Page Formatting

Heading Information

Include the following left-aligned information:

Student Name
Professor's Name
Course Name
Date (Day Month Year)

Title

• Center-aligned
• Same font and size as body text
• No bold, italics, or underlining
• One double-spaced line below heading
• Standard capitalization

Document Body

Paragraph Formatting

• Indent first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches using Tab key
• Maintain double-spacing throughout
• No extra spaces between paragraphs

Block Quotes

For quotes longer than four lines:

• Start on new line
• Indent entire quote 0.5 inches
• Maintain double-spacing
• No quotation marks
• Include page number after period

Works Cited Page

1. Start on a new page (Insert > Page break)
2. Center the title "Works Cited"
3. Double-space all entries
4. Use hanging indentation (0.5 inch)
   • Highlight citations
   • Go to Format > Align & indent > Indentation options
   • Select Hanging under Special indent
5. List sources alphabetically by author's last name or title

Additional Tips

In-Text Citations

Format parenthetical citations as follows:

• Author's last name and page number
• No comma between name and number
• Period after parentheses Example: (Smith 45)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using bold or italic for title
• Including extra spaces between paragraphs
• Forgetting running header
• Using wrong font or size
• Incorrect margin settings

For further guidance, consult these resources:

• Purdue OWL MLA Guide
• MLA Style Center
• MLA Handbook

Remember to check your specific assignment requirements, as instructors may have additional formatting preferences beyond standard MLA guidelines.