How to Alphabetize MLA Citations in Google Docs (Step-by-Step)

Alphabetizing your MLA Works Cited page isn’t just a best practice—it’s required. Whether you're writing an essay, a research paper, or preparing a bibliography, the MLA format guidelines specify that your citations must be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

If you're using Google Docs, the good news is that sorting your citations is quick and easy with the built-in tools. Let’s get started!

How to Alphabetize MLA Citations in Google Docs

1. Format Your Works Cited Page in MLA Style

Before sorting, ensure your citations follow proper MLA formatting:

1. Double-space all entries.
   
2. Use a hanging indent for each citation.
   
3. List entries in paragraph format (no bullets or numbering).
   

To apply a hanging indent in Google Docs:

1. Highlight your citations.
   
2. Click Format > Align & Indent > Indentation options .
   
3. Under “Special Indent,” choose Hanging , then click Apply .
   

2. Highlight All Citations

Click and drag your cursor to select all the citations in your Works Cited section. Make sure you’re only highlighting the citations—not the title "Works Cited" itself.

3. Sort the Citations Alphabetically

With your citations highlighted:

1. Go to the Extensions menu.
   
2. Click on Add-ons > Get add-ons .
   
3. Search for “Sorted Paragraphs” (a free Google Docs add-on).
   
4. Install it and follow the prompts.
   

Once installed:

1. Highlight your citations again.
   
2. Click Extensions > Sorted Paragraphs > Sort A to Z .
   

Your citations will now be alphabetized by the author’s last name—exactly what MLA requires.

4. Double-Check for Accuracy

After sorting, make sure:

1. The order is correct (by author’s last name, or title if no author).
   
2. Each entry retains the hanging indent format.
   
3. No extra spaces or formatting glitches were introduced.
   

FAQ: MLA Citation Alphabetizing in Google Docs

Q1: What if a citation doesn’t have an author?

List it by the first significant word in the title, ignoring articles like “A,” “An,” or “The.”

Q2: Can I alphabetize manually without an add-on?

Yes, but it’s more error-prone and time-consuming. Highlight the citations and move them one by one. Use the ruler tool to maintain hanging indents.

Q3: Is “Sorted Paragraphs” safe to use in Google Docs?

Yes, it’s a trusted and widely used add-on for organizing text alphabetically.

Q4: Do I need to sort in reverse order (Z–A) for any reason?

No, MLA format specifically requires alphabetical (A–Z) order.