This document provides a guide on setting up MLA format in Microsoft Word, emphasizing the importance of consistency for readability in academic papers. Key formatting details include setting margins to 1 inch, using Times New Roman font at 12 pts with double spacing, and properly formatting headers and the works cited page. Additional resources like Purdue Owl are referenced for guidance on citation and formatting standards.

1. Setting up the MLA
format within
Microsoft Word
Review Word: Chapter 3 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.
 Go to References tab and click the Style: down arrow, then select
MLA, if not already selected.

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
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. Modify the Normal Style
To maintain consistency save all of the
changes within the Normal style.
 Right click Normal, then left click
Modify.
 Change font, font size and select
double space.
 Click Format/Paragraph change
Spacing After to 0.
 Click OK/OK.

6. 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, choose Header down arrow, and then select
Blank.
In the header, right align text (Ctrl + R) , type in your last name,
and press the space bar one time.

7. 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.

8. 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,
followed by the Month.
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

9. Formatting the First Page

10. 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/

11. 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 (Ctrl + Enter). This
will force a page break.

12. 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.
Make sure to change the alignment back to Left align.

13. Works Cited Page
 Go to the References tab, click Bibliography down arrow, and click Insert Bibliography
command at the bottom of the list. (The list will automatically have a hanging indent.)
 Keep in mind the font should still be Times New Roman, 12pts, and double spaced. Always
double check to make sure the citations are formatted correctly.
 A Hanging Indent is where the first line hangs over the rest of the lines within the citation.

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/

15. Works Cited Page