MLA Style — General format
At a glance
MLA is common for humanities course papers and emphasizes simple, instructor-friendly submission conventions (first-page info block, running header with last name + page number, double spacing, and a Works Cited page) rather than a production-style journal layout.
This page focuses on Word (.docx) layout you can apply and check: margins, spacing, first-page block, header/page number, paragraph indentation, headings, and Works Cited page layout (not the detailed citation rules).
How to format / how to check formatting
- 1Click “Format using this template” to open the tool with this MLA template pre-selected.
- 2Upload your .docx: optionally run “Check formatting” first to get a score and issues, then format.
- 3Download the result and verify key rules using the self-check notes and the cleaned original guideline below.
Source: Purdue OWL — MLA General Format
Key notes & self-check
Quick parameters (MLA General Format — layout)
Quick params| Item | Typical MLA expectation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper size | US Letter (8.5" × 11") | |
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides | |
| Line spacing | Double-spaced throughout | Includes Works Cited |
| Body font | Legible font (example often 12 pt Times New Roman) | Follow instructor requirements if different |
| Paragraph indent | 0.5 inch first-line indent | Use paragraph settings |
| Cover page | Usually no separate cover page | Unless instructor requires |
| First page block | Four lines top-left (name, instructor, course, date) | Double-spaced |
| Running header | Last name + page number, top right | Some instructors may vary |
| Works Cited layout | New page: "Works Cited" heading + entries | Entry formatting rules are separate |
Common MLA layout mistakes (high-impact + easy to verify)
Top mistakesTool-detectable / style-related
- Using single spacing or adding extra blank lines (MLA is typically double-spaced throughout).
- Missing the running header (last name + page number) or placing it incorrectly.
- Paragraph indentation done with spaces/tabs instead of a 0.5" first-line indent setting.
- Creating a separate cover page by default (MLA general format usually does not).
Manual but important
- First-page information block missing or in the wrong order.
- Title formatting wrong (should be centered; usually no bold/italics/quotes unless required for work titles).
- Works Cited page not starting on a new page.
Submission self-check (actions, not parameters)
Checklist- First page: verify the four-line info block exists (name, instructor, course, date) and is double-spaced.
- Header: check the running header shows last name + page number in the upper right.
- Spacing sanity check: pick 3 paragraphs and confirm the document is double-spaced with no extra blank lines.
- Indent sanity check: verify first-line indent is a real paragraph indent (0.5"), not typed spaces.
- Works Cited: confirm it starts on a new page and is titled "Works Cited".
What this page covers (and what it does not)
ScopeCovers: MLA manuscript layout (margins, spacing, first page, header/page number, basic headings, Works Cited page layout).
Does not cover: parenthetical citation rules or the detailed formatting of Works Cited entries (those require the MLA Handbook / MLA citation guidance).