How to Get MLA Format on Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're writing an academic paper or just getting started on a school project, correctly formatting your work in MLA style is essential. Microsoft Word makes this task easier by providing built-in tools for MLA formatting. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to format your document in MLA style using Word.

Step 1: Set Up the Document Margins

1. Open Microsoft Word: Launch the application and open a new blank document.
2. Go to Layout Tab: At the top of the screen, click on the "Layout" tab.
3. Set Margins: Under the "Margins" dropdown, select "Normal," which sets your document margins to 1 inch on all sides as per MLA guidelines.

Step 2: Choose the Right Font and Size

1. Go to Home Tab: Click on the "Home" tab at the top of the screen.
2. Select Font : The standard MLA font is Times New Roman, size 12. From the font options, choose "Times New Roman."
3. Set Font Size: Next to the font dropdown, set the size to 12. This is the standard for MLA format.

Step 3: Set Line Spacing to Double

1. Highlight Your Text: If you’ve already written some text, highlight everything. If not, proceed with the next steps.
2. Go to Paragraph Group: In the "Home" tab, locate the "Paragraph" group and click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner.
3. Adjust Line Spacing: In the "Line Spacing" dropdown, select "Double" to ensure your entire document is double-spaced.
4. Remove Extra Space: Ensure the option "Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style" is checked.

Step 4: Create a Header with Your Last Name and Page Numbers

1. Insert Header: Go to the "Insert" tab, then click on "Header" and select "Blank."
2. Add Page Numbers: Once the header is open, click on "Page Number," choose "Top of Page," and select the option that places the number on the right.
3. Add Your Last Name: Click to the left of the page number and type your last name, followed by a space.
4. Close the Header: Double-click outside the header area to return to the main body of your document.

Step 5: Add a Title Block

1. Create a Title Block: At the top of your document, type your name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the date. Press "Enter" after each entry.
2. Center Your Title: After the date, press "Enter" once more, then type your paper title and center it by clicking the "Center" alignment button in the "Home" tab.

Step 6: Indent Your Paragraphs

1. First-Line Indent: Place your cursor at the beginning of the first paragraph of your text. Press the "Tab" key once to create a 0.5-inch indent.
2. Repeat for All Paragraphs: Continue this for each new paragraph to ensure correct MLA formatting.

Step 7: Add a Works Cited Page

1. Create a New Page: Once you've finished your paper, create a new page by pressing "Ctrl + Enter" (or "Cmd + Enter" on Mac).
2. Title the Page: At the top, type "Works Cited" and center the text.
3. List Your Sources: Enter your citations in alphabetical order by the author’s last name, using a hanging indent (found in the Paragraph settings).

FAQ: MLA Formatting in Word

Q1: What is MLA format, and why is it important? A: MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a style guide for academic writing. It provides a consistent structure for formatting papers, citing sources, and organizing content, which is crucial in academic settings.

Q2: Can I use a different font other than Times New Roman? A: MLA recommends Times New Roman size 12, but other readable serif fonts like Georgia are sometimes accepted. Always check with your instructor.

Q3: How do I add a hanging indent to my Works Cited page? A: Highlight your citation entries, go to the "Paragraph" settings, and under "Indentation," choose "Hanging" from the dropdown menu.

Q4: Do I need to include a title page in MLA format? A: MLA generally does not require a title page. Your name, instructor's name, course, and date are placed in the top left corner of the first page. However, always confirm the specific requirements with your instructor.

Q5: How do I format a block quote in MLA? A: Block quotes in MLA are used for quotes that are four lines or longer. Highlight the text, go to the "Home" tab, and use the increase indent button to create a 1-inch margin on the left.