Have you ever been assigned a paper and told to format it using MLA style, only to realize you have no clue how to do that in Google Docs? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In a nutshell, MLA formatting involves setting your document to have one-inch margins, double-spaced lines, a header with your last name and page number, and a specific layout for your citations. Stick with me, and you’ll master the art of MLA formatting in Google Docs in no time!
Step by Step Tutorial: Editing MLA Format in Google Docs
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for. MLA format is a style guide used for academic writing. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your document meets the standard requirements for MLA formatting, which is often used in humanities fields like literature and history.
Step 1: Set the margins to one inch on all sides.
Click on "File," then "Page Setup," and then enter "1" into all the margin fields.
Margins are like the frame around your picture of words. They keep everything looking tidy and ensure the words have room to breathe. One inch is the standard size for MLA, so be sure to get this step right!
Step 2: Make the lines double-spaced.
Click on the "Format" tab, select "Line spacing," and then choose "Double."
Double-spacing makes your document easier to read and leaves space for comments or corrections. Plus, it’s a staple of MLA format and shows that you’re paying attention to the details.
Step 3: Create a header with your last name and page number.
Click on "Insert," choose "Header & page number," then "Header," and add your last name followed by a space. Click on "Insert" again, choose "Header & page number," and then "Page number."
This step might seem a bit tricky, but it’s important. Your header appears on every page, reminding the reader (often your teacher) who worked hard on this paper. Plus, the page number helps keep your pages in order if they get mixed up.
Step 4: Use Times New Roman 12 pt font.
Highlight your text, click on the font style dropdown menu, and select "Times New Roman." Then, click on the font size dropdown menu and select "12."
Times New Roman in 12 pt font is like the jeans and t-shirt of MLA formatting—it’s the expected standard. It’s clean, professional, and easy to read, which is exactly what you want for your academic work.
Step 5: Format your citations correctly.
Use the "Tools" tab, select "Citations," and then add your sources following the prompts for MLA format.
Citations are a big deal in MLA format. They’re how you give credit to the authors whose work you’ve referenced, and they need to be spot on. Google Docs has a handy tool to help you format these correctly, so take advantage of it!
After completing these steps, your document will be properly formatted according to MLA standards. This means your paper will look professional, be easy to read, and meet the expectations of your teacher or professor.
Tips: Enhancing Your MLA Format in Google Docs
- Always double-check your work. Even with these tips, it’s easy to miss something small that could make a big difference.
- Use the "Hanging indent" feature for your Works Cited page to meet MLA requirements for citation formatting.
- Remember to italicize the titles of books, movies, and other standalone works.
- Look out for automatic updates or changes Google Docs might make. Sometimes, it likes to think it knows best (spoiler: it doesn’t always).
- Keep your Google Docs app updated to ensure you have access to the latest features and formatting options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find the Times New Roman font?
Double-check to make sure you’re looking in the right place, under the font style dropdown menu. If it’s still not there, you may need to add it to your list of fonts.
Can I use a different font if I like it better?
MLA format requires the use of Times New Roman 12 pt font, so it’s best not to switch it up. Consistency is key in formatting!
How do I create a hanging indent for my Works Cited page?
Highlight the text you want to indent, click on "Format," select "Align & indent," then "Indentation options," and choose "Hanging."
What should I do if my header isn’t appearing on every page?
Make sure you’re adding the header through the "Insert" tab and selecting the option for it to appear on every page. Also, check your formatting settings to see if there’s an issue there.
Why is it important to format my paper in MLA style?
Formatting your paper in MLA style ensures that it meets academic standards and makes it easier for others to read and understand your work. It also prevents plagiarism by properly citing sources.
Summary
- Set one-inch margins.
- Double-space the lines.
- Add a header with last name and page number.
- Use Times New Roman 12 pt font.
- Correctly format your citations.
Conclusion
There you have it! Editing MLA format in Google Docs might seem like a daunting task at first, but once you break it down into these simple steps, it’s a breeze. Remember, the key to mastering any new skill is practice, so don’t be afraid to dive in and start formatting your papers with confidence. The more you do it, the more natural it will become, until one day, you won’t even need to think about it—it’ll just be second nature. And don’t forget, while these guidelines are specific to MLA format, many of the principles apply to other formatting styles too, so you’re not just learning one thing, you’re building a foundation for all your future academic writing. So go ahead, open up Google Docs, and start formatting like a pro!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.