To format a paper in MLA style on Google Docs, you can either use a pre-made MLA template or manually set up the formatting yourself. Here are the key steps for both methods:

Using an MLA Template in Google Docs

1. Open Google Docs.
2. Go to File > New > From template.
3. Scroll to the Education section and select the Report (MLA) template.
4. Replace the placeholder text with your own content, keeping the formatting intact

Manual MLA Formatting in Google Docs

1. Set Margins

• Go to File > Page setup and set all margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm)

2. Choose Font and Size

• Use Times New Roman , font size 12 pt throughout the document

3. Line Spacing

• Set line spacing to double-spaced for the entire document.
• Remove extra space after paragraphs if needed

4. Header with Last Name and Page Number

• Insert a header by double-clicking the top of the page.
• Right-align the header, type your last name , then insert page numbers via Insert > Page numbers, choosing the option to display on the top right including the first page

5. First Page Heading

• On the first page, left-align and type your name, your instructor’s name, the course name, and the date, each on a separate line

6. Title

• Center the title on the first page, using standard capitalization (capitalize major words, not articles or short prepositions). Do not bold, underline, or italicize the title

7. Paragraph Indentation

• Indent the first line of each paragraph by pressing the Tab key once (about 0.5 inches)

8. Works Cited Page

• At the end of your document, create a new page titled Works Cited , centered.
• List your sources alphabetically with hanging indents (the first line flush left, subsequent lines indented)

Following these steps will ensure your Google Docs document meets MLA formatting guidelines for academic papers

. Using the template is the easiest way, but manual formatting lets you customize as needed.