How to Set Up and Use MLA Format in Microsoft Word

The Modern Language Association (MLA) is an organization that provides guidelines for professional and academic writers. Many universities, employers, and professional agencies now require writers to conform to the MLA style since it’s easy to use and consistent.

In this article, we’ll cover how you can use the MLA format in Microsoft Word.

The MLA Format Requirements

Here are the basic MLA guidelines:

How to Set Up the MLA Format in Word

Here’s how you can organize your Word document so that it conforms to the MLA guidelines. We’ll cover each requirement in turn, so start at the top and work your way down.

To set 1-inch margins:

To change the font:

To set double-spacing:

To set paragraph indentation:

Alternatively, you can press thetabkey before starting each new paragraph.

To set your header:

To set page numbers:

Now that your formatting is set up, it’s time to include the required information on the first page of your document.

This should be one to four lines with your full name and other key information such as your course name, course number, instructor’s name, and date (written in a day, month, year format).

After the date, click theEnterkey, type your document or research paper’s title and center the text by pressingAlignText Centerin theHometab.

If you include citations in your document, these also need to conform to the MLA handbook. The list should be:

To include a hanging indent, select your citation list, right-click your document and selectParagraph. In theIndentationsection, select the drop-down box underneathSpecial, selectHanging, and clickOK.

Time to Get Writing

Now that you’ve formatted your MLA paper correctly, it’s finally time to get writing. With this formatting guide, you’ll have no trouble passing the MLA requirements. Just make sure to double-check your document before you submit it!

Jake Harfield is an Australian freelance writer whose passion is finding out how different technologies work. He has written for several online publications, focusing on explaining what he has learned to help others with their tech problems. He’s an avid hiker and birder, and in his spare time you’ll find him in the Aussie bush listening to the birdsong.Read Jake’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

How to Set Up and Use MLA Format in Microsoft Word#

The MLA Format Requirements#

How to Set Up the MLA Format in Word#

Time to Get Writing#

How to Set Up and Use MLA Format in Microsoft Word

The MLA Format Requirements

How to Set Up the MLA Format in Word

Time to Get Writing