Easy Tech TutsHow to Set Up MLA Format Paper in Google Docs Easily 2026
By Impran M N
MLA formatting has strict, specific rules, and getting them right in Google Docs takes more than eyeballing it. This guide covers configuring margins, font, and spacing to MLA standards, building your identification block and running header, and setting up a Works Cited page with proper hanging indents, so your paper meets academic requirements from the first page.
01Set 1-inch margins
Open Page Setup and lock all four document margins to exactly 1.0 inch around your text canvas.
02Set font and size
Switch your font family to Times New Roman at 12pt, the standard accepted size for MLA papers.
03Apply double spacing
Use the line spacing dashboard to set the entire document to double spacing, and set paragraph before/after spacing to zero.
04Build your identification block
Type your Student Name, Professor's Name, Course Title, and Date in the top-left corner, then center your essay title below it.
05Add the running header
Double-click the top margin to insert your last name alongside an automated page number in the top-right corner.
06Set paragraph indents
Use the horizontal ruler to configure a half-inch first-line indent for each body paragraph.
07Format your Works Cited page
Start a new page for sources and apply a 0.5-inch hanging indent to each citation entry.
Frequently asked questions
What margin size does MLA format require?
MLA format requires exactly 1.0 inch margins on all four sides of the page.
Does MLA require a title page?
No, MLA format typically uses a top-left identification block on the first page instead of a separate title page.
How do I add my last name and page number in the header?
Double-click the top margin to open the header area, then type your last name followed by an automated page number token.
What is a hanging indent and why does my Works Cited page need one?
A hanging indent keeps the first line of each citation flush left while wrapping lines are indented, which is the required format for MLA source listings.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
