MLA Formatting and Style LibGuide: MLA Templates and Formats

• The margins of your document should be set to 1 inch on all sides.
   
• At the top right of the page, 1/2 inch from the top edge, insert page numbers.
   
• The entire paper should be double-spaced.
   
• The paper does not need a cover page, unless one is specifically requested by your instructor.
   
• At the top left of your first page enter your name, your instructor's name, the name of the course and the course number, and the date each on separate lines.
   
• Tap the Enter key once, and type the title of your paper. Center the title on the page.
   
• Tap the Enter key once again, and Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin using the Tab key.

For help formatting in Microsoft Word, refer to the box below.

Margins

• Click the "Page Layout" tab, select "Margins" and select "Normal" for 1 inch all around
  
  

Page Numbers

• Click the "Insert" tab, and select "Page Numbers"
  
  
   
• Hover the mouse over "Top of Page" and then select "Plain Number 3" for a right-aligned page number
  
  
   
• When the page number appears with the blinking curser, type your last name in front of the number
  
  
   
• Double-click anywhere outside of the Header return to the body of the paper. If you need to edit the Header again, double-click near the top of the paper to open it back up again

Double Spacing

• On the "Home" tab, under "Paragraph," click the line spacing button and select 2.0