How to Add MLA Header in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding an MLA header in Google Docs is essential for students and professionals who want to present their work in a standardized format. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an MLA header to ensure your document adheres to academic standards. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open Your Document

Begin by opening your Google Docs document where you wish to add the MLA header. If you haven’t created one yet, simply click on the "+" icon to start a new document.

Step 2: Access the Header

To insert a header, go to the top menu and click on Insert. From the dropdown, select Header & page number, then choose Header. This will create a header section at the top of your document.

Step 3: Set the Header Format

In MLA format, the header should be aligned to the right. Click anywhere in the header section and then click on the Align button in the toolbar (represented by horizontal lines). Choose Right align to position your text correctly.

Step 4: Insert Your Information

In the MLA header, you’ll need to include specific information:

1. Your last name
2. The page number

To add this, type your last name followed by a space. Then, click on Insert again, select Page number, and choose the option for Page number that shows the number only. This will automatically insert the page number in the header, next to your last name.

Step 5: Adjust Header Settings

Ensure that the header appears on every page. To do this, simply click on the header again and ensure that the Different first page option is unchecked if you want the same header throughout the document.

Step 6: Exit the Header

Once you’ve added your information, click anywhere outside the header section to return to the main document area. Your MLA header will now appear on every page of your document.

Step 7: Verify Formatting

Finally, double-check that your header is formatted correctly. In MLA style, the header should appear in the upper right corner and consist of your last name and page number, formatted in the same font and size as the rest of your document.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of an MLA header?

The MLA header is used to identify the author and the page number of the document, ensuring proper citation and reference in academic writing.

2. Can I change the font style of the MLA header?

Yes, you can change the font style in Google Docs. However, ensure that the font matches the rest of your document for consistency.

3. Do I need to include the header on the first page?

In MLA format, the header is included on all pages of your document, including the first page.

4. How do I remove the header from the first page?

If you want to exclude the header from the first page, check the Different first page option in the header settings after clicking on the header section.

5. What should I do if my page number does not update automatically?

If your page number isn’t updating automatically, try refreshing your Google Docs page or re-inserting the page number through the Insert menu.