How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is a widely used citation style in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. Google Docs is a popular online word processing tool that allows users to create and edit documents with ease. In this article, we will guide you through the process of formatting your MLA papers in Google Docs.
Step 1: Create a New Document
To start, create a new document in Google Docs. You can do this by clicking on the "New" button in the top left corner of the screen or by navigating to File > New > Google Docs Document.
Step 2: Set the Document Properties
Before you start formatting your document, set the document properties. This includes setting the font, font size, and line spacing. To do this, click on the Tools menu and select Document Properties.
- Font: Choose a font that is suitable for your paper, such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia.
- Font Size: Set the font size to 12 points.
- Line Spacing: Set the line spacing to 1.5.
Step 3: Create a Header
A header is a section at the top of the page that includes the author’s name, title, and page number. To create a header, click on the Tools menu and select Header.
- Header Size: Set the header size to 1.5.
- Header Alignment: Set the header alignment to Center.
- Header Format: Choose the header format to Left or Right.
Step 4: Create a Footer
A footer is a section at the bottom of the page that includes the author’s name, date, and page number. To create a footer, click on the Tools menu and select Footer.
- Footer Size: Set the footer size to 1.5.
- Footer Alignment: Set the footer alignment to Center.
- Footer Format: Choose the footer format to Left or Right.
Step 5: Format the Text
To format the text, click on the Tools menu and select Format.
- Font: Choose a font that is suitable for your paper, such as Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia.
- Font Size: Set the font size to 12 points.
- Line Spacing: Set the line spacing to 1.5.
- Paragraph Spacing: Set the paragraph spacing to 1.5.
Step 6: Add a Title Page
A title page is a page that includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the page number. To create a title page, click on the Tools menu and select Title Page.
- Title: Choose the title of your paper.
- Author: Enter your name.
- Page Number: Enter the page number.
Step 7: Add a Works Cited Page
A works cited page is a page that includes a list of sources used in the paper. To create a works cited page, click on the Tools menu and select Works Cited.
- Sources: Choose the sources used in your paper, such as books, articles, and websites.
- Format: Choose the format for the sources, such as MLA or Chicago.
Step 8: Add a Bibliography
A bibliography is a page that includes a list of sources used in the paper. To create a bibliography, click on the Tools menu and select Bibliography.
- Sources: Choose the sources used in your paper, such as books, articles, and websites.
- Format: Choose the format for the sources, such as MLA or Chicago.
Step 9: Save and Share
To save and share your document, click on the File menu and select Save As.
- File Name: Choose a file name that includes your last name and the title of your paper.
- File Type: Choose a file type that is suitable for your paper, such as docx or pdf.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Headings: Use headings to break up the text and make it easier to read.
- Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points to list sources and make it easier to read.
- Use Indentation: Use indentation to make the text easier to read.
- Use a Consistent Format: Use a consistent format throughout the document to make it easier to read.
Common MLA Format Mistakes
- Incorrect Font: Using a font that is not suitable for the paper, such as Arial or Comic Sans.
- Incorrect Font Size: Using a font size that is not suitable for the paper, such as 12 points or 24 points.
- Incorrect Line Spacing: Using a line spacing that is not suitable for the paper, such as 1.5 or 2.0.
- Incorrect Paragraph Spacing: Using a paragraph spacing that is not suitable for the paper, such as 1.5 or 2.0.
Conclusion
Formatting your MLA paper in Google Docs is a straightforward process that requires some basic steps. By following these steps and tips, you can create a well-formatted MLA paper that is easy to read and understand. Remember to use headings, bullet points, indentation, and a consistent format to make your paper easy to read. With practice, you will become more comfortable using Google Docs to format your MLA papers.
Additional Resources
- MLA Handbook: The MLA Handbook is a comprehensive guide to MLA formatting and citation style.
- MLA Style Center: The MLA Style Center is a website that provides resources and guidance on MLA formatting and citation style.
- Google Docs Help Center: The Google Docs Help Center is a website that provides resources and guidance on using Google Docs.
References
- MLA Handbook: The MLA Handbook is a comprehensive guide to MLA formatting and citation style.
- MLA Style Center: The MLA Style Center is a website that provides resources and guidance on MLA formatting and citation style.
- Google Docs Help Center: The Google Docs Help Center is a website that provides resources and guidance on using Google Docs.