How to Do MLA Format in Google Docs: A Definitive Guide

So, you need to wrangle your Google Doc into pristine MLA format, eh? Fear not, aspiring scholar! Mastering MLA in Google Docs is far from rocket science. It’s more like learning a well-rehearsed dance, and this guide is your choreography. We’ll walk you through the essential steps, empowering you to produce flawless, citation-ready documents.

The Core Principles of MLA Formatting in Google Docs

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s the bedrock of MLA formatting in Google Docs, step by meticulous step:

1. Set Your Font: MLA demands Times New Roman, 12-point font. Highlight the entire document (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A) and make the switch. No exceptions!

2. Double-Space Everything: Select your entire document and navigate to Format > Line spacing > Double. This includes your heading, body text, and Works Cited page.

3. Margins Matter: Google Docs usually defaults to 1-inch margins. Verify this by going to File > Page setup. Ensure all margins (top, bottom, left, right) are set to 1 inch.

4. Craft Your Header: The header includes your last name and page number. Navigate to Insert > Header & page number > Header. Type your last name followed by a space. Then, go to Insert > Header & page number > Page number and choose the option that places the page number in the upper right corner. Important: Make sure your header is in Times New Roman, 12-point font as well.

5. The All-Important Heading: In the upper left corner of the first page, type your name, your instructor’s name, the course name, and the date (in Day Month Year format – e.g., 15 January 2024). Each element should be on a separate line, double-spaced, and left-aligned.

6. Title Time: Center your title below the heading. Use title case (capitalize the first letter of each significant word). Avoid bolding, underlining, or using a larger font size.

7. Indentation Imperative: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches. You can achieve this by pressing the Tab key at the beginning of each paragraph.

8. Works Cited Page Perfection: Begin a new page for your Works Cited list (Insert > Break > Page break). Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of the page. Entries should be in alphabetical order by the author’s last name (or by the title if there’s no author). Use a hanging indent: the first line of each entry is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches. To create a hanging indent, select your Works Cited entries, then go to Format > Align & indent > Indentation options. Under “Special indent,” choose “Hanging” and set the value to 0.5 inches.

9. In-Text Citations: MLA uses parenthetical citations to credit sources within your text. These typically include the author’s last name and the page number (e.g., (Smith 42)). If you’re citing a source without page numbers (like a website), use the author’s last name (e.g., (Smith)). If there’s no author, use a shortened version of the title.

10. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Even the most meticulously formatted paper can be marred by typos. Take the time to thoroughly proofread your work for any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MLA Formatting in Google Docs

Let’s tackle some common MLA formatting quandaries:

1. How do I create a hanging indent in Google Docs for my Works Cited page?

As mentioned earlier, the magic lies in Format > Align & indent > Indentation options. Select the Works Cited entries, choose “Hanging” under “Special indent,” and set the value to 0.5 inches. Google Docs will then handle the rest.

2. How do I insert a page break in Google Docs to start my Works Cited page on a new page?

Simply go to Insert > Break > Page break. This will force the text following the break to begin on a new page, ensuring your Works Cited section gets its dedicated space.

3. What do I do if my source doesn’t have an author?

In your in-text citation, use a shortened version of the title enclosed in quotation marks (e.g., (“The Effects of Climate Change”)). In your Works Cited entry, alphabetize the entry by the first significant word of the title.

4. How do I cite a website in MLA format in Google Docs?

For the in-text citation, use the author’s last name (if available) or a shortened version of the website title. In the Works Cited entry, include the author (if available), the title of the page, the name of the website, the publication date (if available), and the URL. Access date is no longer required by MLA.

5. How do I cite a book in MLA format in Google Docs?

In the in-text citation, use the author’s last name and the page number. The Works Cited entry should include the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication year.

6. How do I handle long quotations (more than four lines) in MLA format?

For quotations exceeding four lines, use a block quotation. Indent the entire quotation 0.5 inches from the left margin (use the tab key or the indentation options). Omit quotation marks. The parenthetical citation goes after the period at the end of the quotation.

7. Can I use different fonts for headings within my essay in MLA format?

No. MLA mandates Times New Roman, 12-point font throughout the entire document, including headings. Internal headings, however, aren’t explicitly required in MLA unless specifically requested by your instructor.

8. Does MLA require a title page?

Generally, no. MLA doesn’t require a separate title page unless your instructor specifically requests one. The heading information placed in the upper left corner of the first page is sufficient.

9. How do I format URLs in my Works Cited entries in Google Docs?

Include the full URL. MLA used to require that you remove the “http://” or “https://” part of the URL. Now it is okay to simply paste the URL.

10. How do I format the date in MLA format in Google Docs?

Use the Day Month Year format (e.g., 15 January 2024). This applies to both the heading and the Works Cited entries.

11. How do I create footnotes or endnotes in MLA format using Google Docs?

MLA generally favors parenthetical citations over footnotes or endnotes. However, if your instructor requires them, you can use Insert > Footnote. The footnote number will appear in the text, and the corresponding note will appear at the bottom of the page. In MLA 9th edition, footnotes can be single-spaced.

12. Can I use Google Docs’ built-in citation tool for MLA format?

Google Docs does have a built-in citation tool (Tools > Citations). While it can be helpful, it’s crucial to double-check its output against the MLA Handbook or a reliable MLA style guide. These tools are prone to errors, and you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your citations.

Conclusion: MLA Mastery Awaits!

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to producing impeccably formatted MLA papers in Google Docs. Remember, consistency and attention to detail are key. Don’t be afraid to consult the official MLA Handbook or Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) for further clarification and examples. Now go forth and conquer those citations!