How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs: Tips and Tricks

Are you struggling with formatting your MLA paper on Google Docs? This comprehensive guide has got you covered. From step-by-step instructions to advanced citation techniques and time-saving hacks, discover all you need to know about MLA formatting on Google Docs.

How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs

MLA format is an essential style used by many students, researchers, and academics in different fields of study. It is vital to know how to format an MLA paper correctly, and with the rise of remote learning and online collaboration, Google Docs has become an essential platform for creating and sharing documents. In this article, we will explore how to do MLA format on Google Docs.

Step-by-Step Guide to MLA Format on Google Docs

Setting up Google Docs for MLA Formatting

Before starting to set up MLA formatting on Google Docs, it is crucial to adjust the default settings to ensure the correct format is applied throughout your document. Here’s how to do it:

Open Google Docs and go to “File” > “Page setup.”
Click on the “Margins” tab.
Set the margins to “1 inch” for top, bottom, left, and right.
Click on the “Layout” tab.
Set the page orientation to “Portrait.”
Set the “Page Color” to “White.”
Click “OK.”

How to Create a New Document and Set the Correct Margins, Line Spacing, and Font

To create a new document with the correct format, follow the steps below:

Open Google Docs and click “Blank.”
Click on “File” > “Page setup.”
Set the margins to “1 inch” for top, bottom, left, and right.
Set the line spacing to “Double.”
Set the font to “Times New Roman.”

Formatting Your Header with Your Name, Instructor Name, Class Code, and Date

The header of an MLA-formatted paper must contain the author’s last name, followed by the page number, flush right. Here’s how to insert a header on Google Docs:

Double-click on the top of the page to open the header area.
Align the text to the right margin.
Insert your last name and add a space, then click on “Insert” > “Page number” > “Plain number.”
Press the spacebar to add a space between the page number and the body of the paper.

Formatting Your Title Page with the Correct Title and Personal Information

The title page should include the title of your paper, your name, the instructor’s name, and the course code. Here is how to format a title page on Google Docs:

Insert your title at the top center of the page.
Add your personal information (name, instructor name, class code, and date) one inch below the title.

In-Text Citation and Works Cited Page in MLA Format

MLA format requires in-text citations for all borrowed information. A works cited section should be included at the end of the document. Here’s how to format in-text citations and works cited on Google Docs:

Place the in-text citation immediately after the quote or reference to the source.
Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses. Example: (Smith 7)
Add a “Works Cited” page at the end of your document and list all works cited alphabetically by the author’s last name.
The first line of each entry should be flush left; subsequent lines should be indented half an inch from the left margin.

Efficient Ways to Format Your MLA Paper on Google Docs

Utilizing the “Styles” Option to Quickly Format Headings

The Styles function of Google Docs is a useful tool for quickly formatting headings. Here’s how to use it:

Select the text you want to format.
Click the “Styles” menu in the toolbar.
Select the appropriate heading style.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Commonly Used Formatting Features

Keyboard shortcuts can save time and effort when formatting your MLA paper on Google Docs. Here are some commonly used shortcuts:

To make text italicized, press “Ctrl” + “I” (Windows) or “Command” + “I” (Mac).
To make text bold, press “Ctrl” + “B” (Windows) or “Command” + “B” (Mac).
To underline text, press “Ctrl” + “U” (Windows) or “Command” + “U” (Mac).

Copy-Pasting and Organizing Sources in the Google Docs “Explore” Feature

The “Explore” feature on Google Docs is an excellent tool for gathering and organizing sources. Here’s how to use it:

Select “Tools” > “Explore.”
Enter your search query.
Select the source you want to use and drag it into your document.
Click “Cite as footnote” to add a footnote referencing the source.

Adding and Customizing Footnotes

Footnotes can add necessary details to your MLA-formatted paper. Here’s how to add and customize footnotes on Google Docs:

Place the cursor where you want to add a footnote.
Click “Insert” > “Footnote.”
Type your footnote text in the box provided.
Customize the footnote by clicking on “Format” > “Paragraph styles” > “Footnote text.”

MLA Formatting Shortcuts for Google Docs Users

Using Add-Ons and Extensions to Simplify Formatting

Google Docs has several add-ons and extensions that can help simplify the formatting process. Here are a few to try:

MLA Formatter: This add-on automatically formats your paper in MLA style.
BibMe: This extension generates accurate citations and bibliographies quickly.

“Research Tools” Feature on Google Docs for Finding and Managing Sources

The “Research tools” feature in Google Docs is an excellent resource for finding and managing sources. Here’s how to use it:

Select “Tools” > “Research.”
Enter your search query.
Select a source and cite it using the “Cite as footnote” or “Insert link” options.

Using Templates for Quickly Setting up a Correctly-Formatted MLA Paper

Google Docs has several MLA templates available that can save you time and ensure proper formatting. Here’s how to use them:

Select “File” > “New” > “From template.”
Type “MLA” in the search bar.
Select the template you want to use.

Mastering MLA Formatting on Google Docs: A Beginner’s Guide

Going Beyond Basic Formatting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of MLA formatting on Google Docs, consider expanding your skills with these techniques:

Creating tables of contents, charts, and graphs.
Using page breaks to allow for unique formatting on different pages.

Advanced Citation and Source Management Techniques

Efficiently managing sources is essential for accuracy and academic integrity. Here are some tips:

Use a reference manager like Zotero or Mendeley to store and organize sources
Use the “Explore” feature in Google Docs to find and manage sources.

Tips for Formatting Longer and More Complex Papers

Longer and more complex papers may require additional formatting and organization. Here are some tips to help:

Use headings and subheadings to break up text and improve readability.
Consider creating an outline or summary to keep your thoughts organized.

Creating Perfectly Formatted MLA Papers Using Google Docs

How Google Docs Can Help You Produce Better-Formatted Papers

Google Docs offers many features that can help you produce perfectly-formatted MLA papers, including:

The “Styles” function, which can help you keep headings and subheadings consistent.
Keyboard shortcuts, which can save you time and effort.
The “Explore” feature, which can help you find and organize sources.

Using Revision History and Collaboration Features to Ensure Your Work Is Perfectly-Formatted

Google Docs’ collaboration and revision history features can help you produce perfectly-formatted MLA papers. Here’s how:

Collaborate with others to get feedback on formatting.
Use the revision history feature to track changes and undo formatting errors.

Top Hacks for MLA Formatting on Google Docs to Save You Time

Mastering MLA formatting on Google Docs can save you time and effort. Here are some top hacks to help:

Use shortcuts and add-ons to expedite formatting.
Organize your research in Google Docs’s “Explore” feature or a reference manager.
Use templates to save time.

Conclusion

Formatting an MLA paper can seem daunting, but these step-by-step tips and hacks, combined with the features of Google Docs, can help simplify the process. Knowing how to format an MLA paper correctly is essential for academic and professional success. Try these tips and tricks and produce perfectly-formatted MLA papers using Google Docs.