How to Do MLA Format in Google Docs

Creating documents in the Modern Language Association (MLA) format is essential for students and scholars in the humanities. The MLA style provides a framework for formatting papers and citing sources. Google Docs is a convenient tool for writing and formatting your papers. In this article, we will explore **how to do MLA format in Google Docs** to help you create a well-structured document that adheres to academic standards.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Format

Before diving into **how to do MLA format in Google Docs**, it’s important to understand the key components of the MLA style. The MLA format typically includes the following elements:

  • 1-inch margins on all sides
  • A readable font like Times New Roman in 12-point size
  • Double-spacing throughout the document
  • A header that includes your last name and page number in the upper right corner
  • A title centered on the first page
  • Works Cited page at the end for your references

Setting Up Your Document

To begin, open Google Docs and create a new document. Now, let’s set it up to meet the requirements of MLA format. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Adjusting Page Margins

To set your margins to 1 inch, click on “File” in the upper menu, then select “Page setup.” In the dialog box that appears, ensure that all margins (top, bottom, left, right) are set to 1 inch. Click “OK” to apply changes.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Font and Size

Next, choose a readable font. Click on the font dropdown in the toolbar and select “Times New Roman.” Then, set the font size to 12. You can do this by clicking on the font size dropdown and selecting “12.”

Step 3: Setting Line Spacing

MLA format requires double-spacing throughout your document. To set this up, go to the toolbar and click on the line spacing icon (usually represented by an arrow pointing up and down). Select “Double” from the options available. Additionally, make sure that there is no extra space before or after paragraphs by choosing “Line spacing options” and setting both “Before” and “After” to 0.

Step 4: Adding a Header

To create a header with your last name and page number, go to “Insert” in the top menu and select “Header & page number,” then choose “Header.” In the header, type your last name followed by a space. To insert the page number, click on “Insert” again, select “Page number,” and choose the top right option. This will automatically add the page number.

Step 5: Creating a Title

On the first page, after the header, you will need to include a title. Center your title by clicking the center alignment button in the toolbar. Type your title in standard capitalization. Do not italicize or underline the title, and do not use quotation marks.

Step 6: Formatting Your Works Cited Page

At the end of your document, you’ll need to include a Works Cited page. To create this, insert a page break by clicking on “Insert” and selecting “Break,” then “Page break.” On the new page, type “Works Cited” and center this title.

References should be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, and each entry should have a hanging indent. To create a hanging indent in Google Docs, highlight your works cited entries, then go to “Format,” select “Align & indent,” and click on “Indentation options.” Under “Special indent,” choose “Hanging” and set it to 0.5 inches.

Using Google Docs MLA Format Template

If you prefer a quicker solution for **how to do MLA format in Google Docs**, consider using a template. Google Docs offers several MLA format templates that you can easily customize. To find a template, click on “Template gallery” on the Google Docs homepage, and look for the MLA format option. Once you select it, you can fill in your information while the formatting is automatically applied.

Final Tips for MLA Formatting in Google Docs

As you finalize your document, make sure to:

  • Proofread for any grammatical or spelling errors.
  • Verify the accuracy of your citations on the Works Cited page.
  • Follow any specific instructions from your instructor regarding formatting or content.

Using Google Docs to format your paper in MLA style is straightforward, and with the steps outlined above, you can easily create an academic document that meets all necessary guidelines. Remember, adhering to MLA format not only strengthens the professionalism of your work but also helps you gain credibility in your academic pursuits. So go ahead and apply these techniques, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering **how to do MLA format in Google Docs**.