Question: How do I format an MLA paper in Word Online?

Margins

The default should be set to one-inch buttons all around, but it is always a good idea to double-check. 

1. Go to the Layout tab
2. Click on Margins
3. Then make sure that Normal margin is selected and set to 1 inch top, bottom, left, and right

Header and Page Numbering

Most academic work, unless your professor indicates anything different, requires you to add a header with the page number on the top right of every page.  Word Online can configure the page numbers for you.

1. Go to the Insert tab
2. Click on Page Numbers
3. Select the top right box.
4. Enter your last name with the first letter capitalized, and press the space bar once.  There needs to be a space between your last name and the page number.
5. Highlight and select the last name along with the page number hash-tag.
   A pop-up menu will appear.
6. In the pop-up menu, select the font name and size that matches your document style (in most MLA papers, the font should be Times New Roman and the size 12).
7. Press the Esc key, or click out to go back to the body of your document.

Font and Line Spacing

Font name and size should be Times New Roman 12 for most academic work, unless your professor indicates anything different.

1. Click on the Home tab
2. Click on the arrow next to the font name to bring down the menu, and select Times New Roman.
3. Click on the arrow next to the font size to bring down the menu, and select 12.
4. Click on the More Paragraph options button (shown as three dots)
5. Click on Paragraph Options
6. Under Spacing, make sure that Before and After are set to 0 pt
7. For Line spacing, use the drop-down to select Double.
8. Click Ok.

Heading

Enter the required elements for the heading.

Check with your professor for assignment requirements.

In most cases, you will enter the following on only the first page of your essay:

1. Your full name
2. Instructors name
3. Class name, number, and section
4. date of when the assignment is due in day month and year style

Title of your Essay

1. From the Home tab, click on the Paragraph Alignment button
2. Click on the Center alignment button
3. Enter a title for your essay
   • create a clear and concise title for your essay
   • make sure that the title is indicative of your essay and your ideas
   • follow your professor's instructions for creating the title
   • title only belongs on the first page of your essay
4. Press the enter key on your keyboard
5. Click on the Paragraph Alignment button
6. Select left align button
7. Press tab key (on your keyboard) to indent your first paragraph, and start typing your essay.
   Remember to indent each paragraph within your essay, unless identified otherwise by your professor.

Works Cited and Hanging Indents

After you complete your essay, the last part is where you list all of your sources into a Works Cited page. 

The Works Cited section needs to start on a separate page in the same document.  After you type the last paragraph, place a page break.

1. Go tot he Insert tab
2. Click on Page Break

List all your sources in alphabetical order, and use hanging indents.

1. Enter and center: Works Cited

2. Click on the Home tab.

3. Click on the Paragraph options menu

4. Under Indentation, go to the Special menu and select Hanging.

5. Click Ok.

6. Press enter, then align the text to the left and start typing your citations, or copy-paste from citation tools.