MLA Step-by-Step Formatting Guide

Note: These instructions are for use with Microsoft Word 2010. If you are using a different version, some of the steps may vary.

Formatting: Follow these steps to properly format your essay in MLA style.

1. Open a blank Word document. Save this document to your folder on the school’s server, your
memory stick, or the cloud (NOT the computer’s hard drive). Name it something memorable like
“Song analysis Nov 2013.”

2. Check your indents and spacing. Open the “Paragraph” menu under the
“Home” tab by clicking the small box in the bottom right corner. Your settings
should match the picture to the right. Make sure the “Don’t add space…” box
is checked.

3. Check your margins under “Page Layout” tab. Check that all four are set to
1”.

4. Insert a header. Go to the “Insert” tab. Choose “Header” in the “Header and
Footer” box. Click on “Blank” header. In the box that opens, tab twice over to
the far right side. Type your last name, then a space, then click on the “Page
Number” box and choose “Current Position” then “Simple.” (A number should
appear where you left your cursor.) Close this menu.

5. Type a heading. In the top, left-hand corner, type this information, in this
exact order (type over any bracketed information with your personal
information):
[Your full name]
Ms. Rogers
English 10
26 November 2013
6. Type a title on the next line after your heading. (Don’t leave any blank lines.) Your title should be creative, yet
appropriate to a formal essay. Center your title (keeping your cursor on the same line as the title, click on the button
with the four centered lines on the “Home” tab at the top of the page).

7. Your introductory paragraph should begin on the first line under the title. Don’t skip extra lines and be sure to indent
with one tab. Be sure to indent each paragraph and don’t skip lines.

8. Insert a page for your works cited list. At the bottom of your page, insert a page break. (Click on “Page Break” under
the “Insert” tab.)

9. At the very top of the new page, center this title: Works Cited.

10. Before you type your first entry, put your cursor on the very next line all the way to the left (left-justified). Open the
“Paragraph” menu again and change the “Special” box under “Indentation” to “Hanging.”

11. Type your first entry.

a. Note for annotated bibliographies (which are not typical

but possible in MLA style): Skip a line under each entry
and type your annotation (explanation of why you are
using this source according to your assignment’s
instructions) in complete sentences. The full
explanation should be indented the same as the second
line of the entry.

12. Start writing your draft! Save often as you write.

Need samples? Check out:

 MLA style with sample paper: http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/RES5e_ch04_o.html

 Annotated bibliography: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/