How To Get Mla Format On Google Docs

Hey there, ever found yourself in a pickle, trying to make your Google Docs look all scholarly and stuff? Like, you're writing a paper on the mating habits of the common housefly, and you want it to look as smart as your subject matter. Well, my friend, you're in luck! Today, we're going to tackle the beast that is MLA format, and make your doc look like it was written by a tiny, word-wizard genius.

First things first, what's MLA format?

Alright, imagine you're at a fancy dinner party, and you're trying to impress the stuffy professor type with your wit and charm. MLA format is like your best suit or that little black dress - it's the formal attire that makes you look the part. It's a set of rules that helps your paper look neat, organized, and ready for the big leagues.

Now, let's get down to business.

You're in Google Docs, right? Let's start with the basics - the font. MLA format loves Times New Roman like a kid loves cake. So, click on that ' Font' dropdown, and pick Times New Roman. Size 12, please. And don't forget to double-space your text - it's like giving your words some breathing room.

Next up, we've got the margins. MLA format likes things neat and tidy, so set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. You can do this by clicking on 'Margins and spacing' in the toolbar, or by going to 'File' > 'Page setup' > 'Margins and spacing'.

Headers and footers - the dynamic duo.

Now, here's where things get a little funky. MLA format wants you to put your last name and the page number in the header of every page. But don't worry, Google Docs makes it easy. Click on 'Insert' > 'Header' > 'Edit header'. Then, type your last name in the left corner, and click on the page number dropdown to add a page number. Easy peasy!

But wait, there's more! MLA format also wants you to put your full name, the course name, and the date in the header of the first page only. So, once you've got your last name and page number in the header, click on the little arrow next to 'Page setup' in the header toolbar, and select 'Different first page'. Then, add your full name, course name, and the date. Boom! You're a formatting ninja.

How to do MLA format in Google Docs - Plus

Citations - the secret weapon.

Alright, now we're cooking with gas. MLA format loves citations. They're like little gold stars for your paper - they show that you've done your homework and played nice with other scholars. But don't worry, Google Docs has a secret weapon - the 'Cite' button.

Let's say you're writing about the common housefly, and you've found a super interesting fact on a website. Click on the 'Cite' button in the toolbar, select 'Website', and fill in the blanks. Google Docs will do the rest, and add a little number at the end of your sentence. Magic!

But wait, what happens when you want to talk about that fact in your paper again? Easy! Just click on that little number, and Google Docs will add another citation, all by itself. It's like having a tiny, helpful elf in your computer.

Formatting in-text citations - the MLA way.

Now, MLA format has a special way of formatting in-text citations. It's like a secret handshake. When you're talking about that super interesting fact from your website, you want to put the author's last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of your sentence. Like this: (Smith 42).

How To Make Mla Format Google Docs - Design Talk

But what if you don't have a page number? No worries! Just put the author's last name in parentheses, like this: (Smith). And if you're citing a source with no author, just put the title in quotation marks, like this: ("The Life Cycle of the Common Housefly" 42). Easy peasy!

Formatting the Works Cited page - the grand finale.

Alright, you've made it to the end! The Works Cited page is like the big finish - it's where you list all the sources you used in your paper. Click on 'Insert' > 'Table' > 'Table with header'. Then, delete the header row, and add these headers: 'Author', 'Title', 'Title of Container', 'Other Contributors', 'Version', 'Number', 'Publisher', 'Publication Date', and 'Location'.

Now, fill in the blanks with the info from your sources. Here's a little secret - Google Docs has a 'Cite' button for the Works Cited page too! Click on 'Cite' > 'Works Cited', and fill in the blanks. Google Docs will do the rest, and format your citations just the way MLA format likes them. Isn't that neat?

And there you have it, folks! You've just formatted your Google Doc in MLA style. You're a formatting rockstar, and your paper looks as smart as you are. So, go forth, and write about the mating habits of the common housefly with confidence. The world is waiting for your wisdom!