MLA Header

Formatting an academic paper in MLA? Remember that the MLA header and heading appear at the top of the first page, which the instructor will immediately observe. But what if you failed to format them righteously? Of course, the reader will be disappointed initially, which may result in losing grades. Therefore, to ensure proper organization and identification of your work, learn how to format an MLA style header and heading with us. Also, follow the steps to add them to your paper using top word processors (MS Word, Google Docs).

MLA Header Format

When knowing what is MLA format, the header appears at the top of every page, also known as the running head. This runningheaderMLA provides essential information, including the author’s last name and page number. Here are guidelines for how to format a header in MLA.

• Paper size should be 8.5″ x 11″ (or A4) (as required). In your word processor, go to page layout to access paper sizes.
• Choose a font size that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, with 12 pt.
• The header should be flush right at the top for every page.
• Include your last name and page number, with a space between them.
• Some instructors require a title page in MLA format; if that’s the case, ask whether you need to include a header or start on the next page.
• For an MLA header with multiple authors, only the last name of one author is displayed along with the page number.

MLA Heading Format

The MLA heading format includes four key elements that offer the key information about the paper. These includes

1. Your full name
2. Instructor’s name
3. Course name and number
4. Date (in Day Month Year format, no commas)

These elements appear at the top of the first page in the MLA format heading, right under the header. They should be aligned to the flush left, double-spaced, and in Times New Roman font 12 pt. Since the MLA paper doesn’t require a title page, the paper title and content also start under the heading and are designed in the same font size and font type as the MLA headings.

 MLA Header and Heading Example

The heading and MLA header example below shows how the first page setup looks. However, avoid adding unnecessary symbols, such as punctuation and periods at the end of each line, as they could be a major formatting risk. Each heading entry, running head, and title would be in plain text without any styling.

How To Do MLA Header in Word Processors

In word processors such as Google Docs and MS Word, you can create an MLA header in a few simple steps. Different toolbar settings make them a little different, so we’ve created a step-by-step guide for each one.

How to Add MLA Header in Google Docs

The most widely used word processing tool, Google Docs, offers automated steps to add an MLA paper header. It consists of the author’s last name and page number. However, ensure that all the document pages follow the same font size and style for the header.

1) Open the Google Docs file, go to Insert, scroll down, hover the cursor on the header and footer, and click the header.

2) Select right align from the toolbar, write your last name, and enter space.

3) Again, go to insert, then page number, choose top of the page, and right-align it.

4) Select the content, and set the font to Times New Roman and 12-point font size.

How to Add MLA Header in Word

MS Word is another worldwide processing tool that helps you arrange the header layout in MLA style. Whatever version of Word you are using, the steps below will simplify creating a header format.

1. Click Insert>Header and then choose the first blank header.

2. Again, go to Insert, then page number, and at the top of the page, choose plan

3. Go to the home tab, click right-align, write the last name, and press single space.

4. Highlight the text and set the font to Times New Roman with 12-point size.

Alternate Way to Format MLA Style Header in Word

An alternative way to format the MLA header in Word is to open a ready-made template in MLA style. To get it, open a new file in MS Word, visit Home, and find the More Template section on the right side. Open it up, search for “MLA,” and select the MLA-formatted template.

Do Incorrect MLA Headers Affect Your Grades? Let us help

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