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MLA Formatting 1
How to Format your MLA-style Essay!
MLA specifications call for 12 point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced
throughout, 1 inch margins all around and page numbers in the top right corner.
Don’t panic. Here’s how to do it in the most common Word programs.
1. FONT AND SIZE
First, change your font. Be sure to change both the type and size. Most default
settings will be Calibri, 11 point. This is the easiest way to change it. Choose or
type Times New Roman. Choose 12 from the size drop down list.
2. SPACING
Next, double space your document using the paragraph tab, normally located
toward the middle of the toolbar. Find the tiny box with the downward arrow and
click on it.
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MLA Formatting 2
Select ‘Double’ in the Line spacing field.
This tab also lets you change the space between paragraphs.
Be sure the space between your paragraphs is 0 and 0.
Click ‘OK’ or ‘Set As Default’ if you are working on your own computer.
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MLA Formatting 3
3. MARGINS
Next, check that your margins are 1 inch (they usually are by default). How to
make sure: Click on ‘Page Layout’ – the fourth tab from the left at the top of the
toolbar. Click on ‘Margins’. The menu will drop down to several different options.
The very first is called ‘Normal’ and will say 1 inch for each side. If this box is
outlined, that’s your current setting.
4. PAGE NUMBERING
Next, insert your page numbers. Click on ‘Insert’ - the third tab from the left at
the top of the toolbar. Toward the right side of the bar you’ll find ‘Page Number’
in the Header & Footer box. DO NOT CLICK ON HEADER OR FOOTER.
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MLA Formatting 4
The menu will drop down to several different options. The very first will say ‘Top
of Page’. Hover the mouse on it to reveal more options that appear to the right.
The correct choice is the third one down which reads ‘Plain Number 3’.
Choosing this option will open a header window where your page number will
appear, highlighted in grey.
(Your cursor will be blinking in front of the number.)
Use the left arrow key once to make the grey disappear, which will allow you to
enter your LAST NAME. (Don’t forget to capitalize the first letter of your last
name). You are now free to type your name, and add one SPACE between your
last name and the page number.
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MLA Formatting 5
Click the red X button which says ‘Close Header and Footer’.
Now your page numbers are formatted and sequential for each page of your
document. Refer to your professor’s instructions for how to head your essay –
Name, date, course name, etc…
5. TITLE OF YOUR ESSAY
Center your title by putting the cursor in front of it and choosing centered
justification from the four boxes of lines above the paragraph tab. (Or hit Ctrl + E).
Be sure to capitalize the principle words, like a news article or movie title:
About my Freedom as an Adult, Free Lunches and Where to get Them.
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MLA Formatting 6
Here is an example first page of a properly formatted essay:
Don’t forget to indent the first line of each new paragraph by hitting the ‘Tab’ key.
Hooray! You’re finished! Your document is properly formatted in MLA style 