- Set the page margins. From the main menu, select “File,” then click “Page Setup” from the drop-down menu. …
- Set the font. The MLA requires that all manuscripts be written in the Times New Roman font at a 12-point pitch. …
- Set double spacing. …
- Set your header.
Whether you are a student writing a paper or an academic completing a research project, properly formatting your work is essential. MLA format has been a widely accepted form of formatting for academic papers and research projects since the 1950s. It provides uniformity in formatting, helping to make sure that information is easy to find and understand. In this blog post, we will look at how to use MLA format in Microsoft Word. We will look at the basics of MLA styling, how to adjust a document to MLA format, and how to format in-text citations and works cited pages. Additionally, we will discuss some common issues that you may encounter when working with MLA formatting in Microsoft Word. By the end, you will feel confident in your ability to use MLA format in Word properly and accurately.
How to set up MLA Format Paper with Works Cited Page in Microsoft Word (latest)
What is MLA format?
A writing style manual from the Modern Language Association is called MLA format. It has specific guidelines that specify the font, margins, and spacing you should use when setting up a paper. These specifications are different from those of other style manuals, such as AP and APA MLA formatting can be used for any type of paper, but it is most frequently used for research papers in the humanities.
How to use MLA format in Word
Heres how to use MLA format in Word:
1. Change the font
Open your document and select the “Home” tab. Although Times New Roman, size 12, is the required font for MLA, the program defaults to Calibri, size 11. By selecting the drop-down arrow next to “Calibri” in the “Font” group, you can alter the font. Select “Times New Roman” from the drop-down list. Then select “12” by clicking the drop-down arrow next to “11.” “.
2. Verify the margin settings
One inch top, bottom, left, and right margins are typical for MLA papers. The program sets these margins as the default for all documents, but you might want to check them to make sure they’re accurate. To do this, choose the “Layout” tab from the top ribbon. Go to the “Page Setup” group and click “Margins. Choose the “Normal” option from the drop-down list if it isn’t already highlighted.
3. Adjust spacing
An MLA formatted paper has double-spacing across all pages. By selecting the “Home” tab and selecting the “Paragraph” group, you can change the spacing options. Look for the icon that resembles text lines with up and down arrows next to them. Click this “Line and Paragraph Spacing” icon and select “2. 0. Once more, select “Remove Space After Paragraph” by clicking the icon. “.
4. Add a recurring header
Double-click near the top of the blank page. You can access the page header by performing this action, which also launches the “Design” tab. Click “Page Number” in the “Header & Footer” group of this tab. Click “Top of Page” with your mouse, then click “Plain Number 3” Before the “1” that appears on the right side of the header, type your last name.
Select the entire header’s text, then select the “Home” tab and “Font” group To ensure that the header matches the rest of the document, change the font to “Times New Roman” and the font size to “12”. To exit the header, double-click on the paper’s body. Please take note that this header, which displays your last name and the corresponding page number, automatically populates on every new page of the document.
5. Add a title page
Although a title page is not required in MLA formatting, your teacher may ask for one. To decide whether to include a title page, take a look at the assignment instructions or speak with your teacher. The first page of your paper, with the standard header at the top, if your paper needs one. Go to the “Paragraph” group by selecting the “Home” tab after selecting the “Body” of the document. To center all text on the title page, choose the “Center” icon.
On the first line of the page, type the name of your school. Up until the cursor is about one-third down the page, press “Enter” on your keyboard. Type the title of your paper. Type the paper’s subtitle if it has one below the title. As soon as the cursor is in the bottom third of the page, press “Enter” on your keyboard. Type the following information on separate lines:
6. Add a heading
A title page usually eliminates the need for a heading. Put your cursor on the top line of the paper’s body if it lacks a title page. Open the “Home” tab and select the “Left” icon from the “Paragraph” group to align the text to the left side of the page. Type the following information on separate lines:
7. Add a title
Press “Enter” after the due date for the papers because the title appears beneath the heading. By choosing the “Home” tab, moving to the “Paragraph” group, and clicking the “Center” icon, you can center the blinking cursor. After you type the paper’s title, use a colon to introduce the subtitle.
8. Indent your paragraphs
After your title and subtitle, hit “Enter” to move to the following line. Click the “Left” icon in the “Paragraph” group to align the text to the left side of the paper. Press the “Tab” key to start writing your first paragraph. Press “Enter” after the previous paragraph and “Tab” to begin a new paragraph. “.
9. Create a “Works Cited” page
The final page should contain the sources you cited in your essay. The title “Works Cited” should be typed in the text’s center at the top of the last page. After the title, hit “Enter,” and then align the text to the left. On separate lines, include citations for each of the sources you used in your essay.
These citations can be manually typed or copied from databases. Then, after selecting each citation, click the arrow next to the “Paragraph” group. In the dialog box, go to the “Indentations” section. Click the drop-down menu under “Special” and select “Hanging. ” Click “OK. “.
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FAQ
How do you do MLA format on Word 2019?
- Open a new blank Microsoft Word document.
- Click File from the ribbon.
- In the Search field, enter MLA format and select the MLA Style Paper template.
- You can type the information you need for your article into the generic MLA-formatted essay paper that will appear.
What is MLA format for an essay on Word?
- All text is font “Times New Roman” & Size 12.
- Page margins on the top, bottom, right, and left are all one inch.
- At the top-right corner of each page, a header with your last name and the page number should be placed.
- The entire research paper is double-spaced.
