MLA Alphabetical Order Generator: How to Alphabetize Your Works Cited Page in Google Docs

Creating an MLA-style Works Cited page can be time-consuming, especially when you need to alphabetize each citation by the author’s last name. If you're using Google Docs , there’s a fast and accurate way to do it, without formatting headaches.

Why Alphabetical Order Matters in MLA Format

In MLA format, entries on the Works Cited page must be listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name . This ensures clarity, consistency, and easy navigation for readers and reviewers. Manually sorting references can lead to mistakes—but the good news is, you don’t have to do it all by hand.

How to Alphabetize an MLA Works Cited Page in Google Docs

Follow these simple steps to alphabetize your citations correctly in Google Docs:

1. Open Your Google Doc

Start by opening the document that contains your Works Cited list. Make sure each citation begins on a new line and is formatted correctly.

2. Highlight Your Entire Works Cited Section

Click and drag to select all the citations on your Works Cited page. Do not include your title “Works Cited” in the selection.

3. Go to the Google Docs Menu

Navigate to the top menu bar, click on “Extensions” , and choose “Add-ons” > “Get add-ons” if you don’t already have a sorting tool.

If you prefer not to install anything, skip to step 6 to use Docswrite instead.

4. Install a Text Sorting Add-on (Optional)

Search for a text sorting add-on like “Sorted Paragraphs” . Install it and return to your document.

5. Sort Alphabetically

With your citations still selected, go to Extensions > Sorted Paragraphs > Sort A to Z . Your citations will now be listed in alphabetical order.

Tips for a Perfect MLA Works Cited Page

1. Use double-spacing throughout.
   
2. Apply hanging indents (Format > Align & Indent > Indentation Options).
   
3. Make sure entries follow MLA 9 guidelines for punctuation and order.
   
4. Always double-check that the author’s last name comes first.
   

FAQs: MLA Alphabetical Order Generator

Q1: What if my citation starts with a title instead of an author?

Citations without an author should be alphabetized by the first significant word in the title , ignoring articles like “A,” “An,” or “The.”

Q2: Does sorting my citations affect the formatting?

If you use Docswrite, your formatting will remain intact. If you're using a Google Docs add-on, you may need to reapply hanging indents.