How to write in MLA format in Google Docs

Whether you're a student trying to submit your next A+ paper or an aspiring researcher looking to share your ideas with the world, you can use MLA format to establish credibility behind your content while organizing even the most complex concepts. Fortunately, Google Docs has everything you need to get the grade when it comes to mastering MLA format. Ready to enjoy your formatting?

Tip: This guide follows standard MLA formatting rules according toPurdue OWL Guidelines Widely used. It is highly recommended that you clarify formatting requirements with your instructor, publisher, department, etc.

A Quick Look at MLA Format

The easiest way to interpret MLA format, short for Modern Language Association Format, is to think of it as a style guide for research and academic papers. Much like how social media templates or corporate branding can bring uniformity to content, the goal of MLA format is to optimize written works for maximum readability and optimal referencing. Listed below are the key aspects of MLA format that you'll need to keep in mind:

• One inch margins on all sides
• Times New Roman (12 point)
• Double-spaced body text
• Central title text
• Name aligned to the left, teacher's name, and due date at the top of the first page.
• Indent the first word of each paragraph by half an inch.
• Indent block quotes by one inch.
• Align the last name and page number to the upper right corner of each page.
  The separate works page is cited using hanging indentation.

Tip: This guide covers MLA formatting guidelines for tools accessible through the Google Docs website, not the Google Docs app. Accessing Google Docs on the web offers more diverse and straightforward formatting options that can save you significant time.

1. One-Inch Margins

Before you start writing in Google Docs, you'll need to make sure you've swapped one-inch margins for the bottom, top, left, and right sides of your paper. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Locate "a file" From the menu options list in Taskbar.
   
2. Click Page Setup in the dropdown menu.
   
3. Make sure the top, bottom, left, and right margins are set to "1" And apply it to "The entire document."
   
4. After you have finished adding these specifications, select "OK".
   

2. Times New Roman

Technically, MLA format only requires the use of a font. "readable" This debunks the myth that Times New Roman is the only font allowed in MLA format. However, Times New Roman remains a popular choice for writers because it is a serif typeface.

Studies show that using solid-clad fonts, also known as fonts with small lines or strokes attached to the ends of each letter, can enhance long sections of text for better readability. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Click Fonts list Featured below. The default font is named “Aryan” It's a sans-serif font, so you'll need to change it before you can start writing your MLA document.
   
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the font list and select Times New Roman
   
3. use Icons - / + located to the right of the line tool to set the point size. 12.
   

Tip: Get to know How to automatically insert a bibliography in Google Docs.

MLA format requires all body text to be double-spaced. If the thought of tediously jamming the space bar enough times to send your thumbs into spasms and make you dread your next term paper, rest assured that you can automatically double-space your text in just a few clicks using Google Docs, as we'll see in the instructions below.

1. Locate "coordination" In the taskbar.
   
2. From the drop-down list of items, select Line and paragraph spacing , then choose "double".
   

4. Additional MLA formatting requirements

Once you've added the headings and title, writing your next essay will take a while. Documents written in MLA format should include your last name printed before each page number in the top right corner of each page. Google Docs can provide you with the page number and initials. Follow the instructions below to add your last name and page numbers, as well as any other requirements.

1. Locate "Insert" from the taskbar.
   
2. Click Page numbers Select the upper left corner option.
   
3. Type your last name on the first page in front of the page number. You'll only have to do this once, as Google Docs will automatically name each subsequent page for you.
   
4. Locate the alignment options (left, center, right, justify) highlighted below and make sure the text is left-aligned before creating the main heading, which should read as follows from top to bottom: Your full name, your instructor's name, class name, and current date.
   Tip: Note that some instructors will ask you to write the due date for the assignment rather than the date it was assigned in your head.
5. Use a toggle switch Text alignment To add a central title to your paper. 
6. For each new paragraph, including the first paragraph, use the Tab key to automatically add the required half-inch indent.

5. Works Cited

Before you conclude your document, a crucial element of MLA format is a separate works cited page that displays the sources you've referenced throughout your essay. In addition to listing your sources in alphabetical order, The Purdue OWL Guide to MLA Works Cated: Basic Format describes the page: How to format each citation based on the origin, source, and media type. Follow these general rules:

1. use Alignment tool To center the Works Cited header.
   
2. Add hanging indents by indenting each subsequent line of text after the first line of each entry.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there a way to automatically add hanging indents in Google Docs?

The answer: Yes. Highlight the body text on the Works Cited page, and then select “Format -> Alignment & Indent -> Special Indent: Comment -> Apply.” You can also use Ruler tool Included forChange margins in Google Docs.

Q2. Does Google Docs include any other built-in tools for students?
The answer: Yes. You can follow our comprehensive guide to discover How to Edit Google Docs and Other Tips , with everything from how to monitor word count to how to find and replace text. You can learn how to add graphics, watermarks, and custom backgrounds to your documents.

Q3. How can I be more productive when writing in MLA format in Google Docs?
answer. Perhaps the best way to speed up your workflow is to study the Google Docs keyboard shortcut cheat sheet. While practicing keyboard commands may seem daunting at first, you'll spend more time typing and less time using your cursor to navigate in and out of menus once you've committed a few of these shortcuts to memory.

Q4. Does Google Docs offer a built-in template for MLA format?
The answer: Yes. If you are confused, you can save some time by going to Google Docs Home -> Template Gallery -> Education -> MLA [Add-on] While using Google's MLA template may save you a few steps, note that it's easy to overlook many formatting cues without a handy checklist to navigate while creating your document. Additionally, Google Docs' MLA template ignores a number of common requirements that most professors outline. When using any template, something as simple as adjusting the font can balance key spacing parameters.