This document provides instructions for setting up a paper in MLA format using Microsoft Word. It discusses setting margins to 1 inch, using 12 point Times New Roman font with double spacing. Headers should include the author's last name and page number. The first page includes name, instructor, course, and date in the top left corner. Paragraphs are indented using the tab key. A works cited page begins on a new page with the title Works Cited or Work Cited centered, and citations are in hanging indent format.

1. Setting up the MLA
format within
Microsoft Word
Review Chapter 14 from your Textbook for more Info on the MLA Format.

2. Why use MLA Format
 In some of your classes, you will be required to write a
research paper or an essay. MLA format is the preferred
format. When all students use the same format, it keeps all
submissions easy to read, and consistent! The key is to keep a
consistent formatting for all students.
 The other advantage of using MLA, it allows the reader to
follow your ideas, as well as find a topic of interest.

3. Margins
 Margins within Word is the space around
the edges of the paper.
 For the MLA format, you want to set your
margins to be 1 inch all around.
 To do so, click the Page Layout Tab, and
choose Margins, and select Normal.

4. Font and Font Size
Lets change
the font size
and font face
of the document, as well as line spacing.
Hold down your
[Ctrl] key and press A(Windows)
[CMD] + A(Mac)
Click the Home tab, and change the Font to Times New Roman,
and 12 pts. Change Line Spacing to Double.

5. Headers
At the top of every page will have your last name followed by
the page number, and will be aligned on the right side of the
page.
Click the Insert tab, and choose Header & Footer.
Click in the top right section of your header, type in your last
name, and press a space at the end.

6. Headers
 Click the Page
Numbers button,
and choose Current
Position, Plain
Number
 Double click
anywhere in the
body of the
document to close
the Header area.

7. Formatting the First Page
In the upper left-hand corner
of the first page, list your
name, your instructor's name,
the course, and the date.
Again, be sure to double-
spaced text. For the date,
typically we right the day first,
1
Type in the title of the page,
and center align the
title.(Home tab, and Center)
2
When you press enter after
typing in the title, you will now
need to change the alignment
back to Left. (Align Text Left)
3

8. Formatting the First Page

9. Formatting the First Page
 Every paragraphs first line needs to be indented ½ inch.
Do not press the space bar to indent! Use the Tab key on
your keyboard. By default it will indent ½ inch.
 Other notes:
 Review the MLA Sample Paper on the Purdue Owl Resource Page.
 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/13/

10. Works Cited Page
 The Works Cited page must start on its own page, and at the
end of your paper. You can do so by adding a Page Break within
Word.
 First, make sure you have clicked at the end of the last piece of
text within your paper.
 Click the Insert tab, and choose Page Break. This will force a
page break.

11. Works Cited Page
Type in Works Cited on the new page, and center align the
text. Press your enter key to go to the next line, if you have
not done so already.
If you only have one citation, type in Work Cited, and center the text.
Make sure to change the alignment back to Left align.
Now you will need to set up a Hanging Indent.

12. Works Cited Page
A Hanging Indent is where the first line hangs over the rest of
the lines within the citation.

13.  On the Home tab, select the button for Paragraph Settings.
 In the Indentation section, change Special to Hanging.
 Keep in mind it should still be Times New Roman, 12pts, and double spaced. Always
double check to make sure the citations are formatted correctly.

14. Works Cited Page
 When it comes to citing sources, make sure to follow
the guidelines set up via Purdue Owls Website.
Depending on your source, there are a variety of ways
to cite.
 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/12/
 Review Chapter 14 from the Textbook. It goes over how
to create citations, and bibliography within Word.

15. Works Cited Page