On the Tab Bar at the Top of the Word Document, Click Page Layout

MLA Formatting

The Modern Language Association (MLA) is the organization that sets the rules for college writing in English courses. It determines the line spacing, the margins, the font size, the indention, and the documentation for essays and research papers. All assignments will conform to the rules of MLA. In short, MLA says what your papers will look like. Using the steps below, you should be able to create an MLA formatted page.These directions for formatting your papers are specific to Word 2010 and newer versions.

Setting the margins

On the tab bar at the top of the Word Document, click “Page Layout.”

Select “Margins”

Click “Normal” for 1” (one inch)

If you don’t see the “Normal” setting, click “Custom Margins” at the bottom of the drop down menu and set all margins to 1”.

Recommendation: Set the bottom margin to 0.75 to get an exact 1” margin at the bottom of the page.

Setting the Header

On the tab bar, select “Insert”

Click “Page Number” and from the pull down menu, select “Top of Page” and click “Plain 3”

This will number your paper automatically.

Once you have a page number, add your Surname (Last name) and hit the space bar.

Once your last name and page number appear, double click below the dotted blue line, and proceed to your heading. Remember to highlight your last name and page number and change the font to Times New Roman before clicking under the dotted line.

Setting the First Page Heading

On the top left corner of your paper, type your first and last name. (Do not forget to capitalize your first and last name.)

On the next line, your instructor’s name

On the next line, type the course number and section (English 1302.00?)

And lastly, add the date (2September 2013). The date must be completely spelled out (no abbreviations).

Setting the Font type and Size

Highlight your heading, and then in the box labeled “Font,” click the small arrow in the lower right hand corner.

Select “Times New Roman” and set your size to “12.”

This will automatically set your font for your entire paper without you having to do it every time.

Spacing

Lastly, once you have set your margins, header, and have completed your heading, make sure to highlight your heading once again, then set your line spacing to “Double.” On your “Home” tab, go to your “paragraph box” and click on the corner arrow on the lower right hand corner. This should open a dialogue box and under “Spacing,” select “Double” then click on the “After” mark and select “0.” Click the check box so no extra spaces will be added between paragraphs.

Once you have followed all directions, your paper is ready for a title and for you to start writing. These directions are standard for all essays. If there are any questions please feel free to ask or follow the link below for further explanation.