An MLA format template saves you from rebuilding the same layout every time you write a paper. Once you set the margins, font, spacing, heading and running header correctly, you can copy the file for each new assignment and start writing at once.
This guide shows how to build an MLA format template in Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It includes a copy-ready text skeleton, a settings table for MLA 9th edition and a checklist. No download is needed, because you can create the file in a few minutes with the steps below.
Quick answer: An MLA format template is a saved document with 1-inch margins, a readable 12-point font, double spacing, a four-line heading, a centered title, a header with your last name and page number, a half-inch paragraph indent and a Works Cited page. Set these once, save the file as a template and copy it for each paper.
Key Takeaways
- An MLA format template stores your layout settings so that you only change the text.
- Core settings: 1-inch margins, 12-point font, double spacing, half-inch indents, running header.
- The first page has a four-line heading and a centered title; Works Cited starts on a new page.
- Build the template in Word or Google Docs, then save a copy for every new paper.
- Always compare the finished paper with your instructor’s instructions, since some add rules.
What an MLA Format Template Includes
A template is only useful if it matches the rules. The table lists the elements that an MLA 9 template must contain.
| Element | Setting |
|---|---|
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides |
| Font | Readable, 12-point, such as Times New Roman |
| Line spacing | Double, with no extra space before or after paragraphs |
| First-line indent | 0.5 inch |
| Running header | Last name and page number, right-aligned, 0.5 inch from the top |
| Heading | Name, instructor, course and date on four lines, flush left |
| Title | Centered, title case, no bold, underline or quotation marks |
| Works Cited | New page, centered title, alphabetical, hanging indent |
MLA Format Template: Copy-Ready Skeleton
Copy the skeleton below into a new document and replace the bracketed text. The layout settings from the next sections turn it into a working template.
[Your Last Name] 1
[Your Full Name]
[Instructor Name]
[Course Code]
[Day Month Year][Title of Your Essay in Title Case]
[Opening paragraph with an indent. End the introduction with your thesis statement.]
[Body paragraph one with a citation (Author page).]
[Body paragraph two.]
[Concluding paragraph.]
Works Cited
[Last, First. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.]
The line “[Your Last Name] 1” represents the running header, which belongs in the header area, not in the body. The rest of the skeleton belongs in the body of the page.
How to Build an MLA Format Template in Microsoft Word
Follow these steps in order.
- Set margins. Open Layout, Margins, Normal. This sets 1-inch margins.
- Set the font. On the Home tab, choose Times New Roman and 12 pt.
- Set spacing. Open the Paragraph dialog, set Line spacing to Double and set Before and After spacing to 0 pt.
- Add the running header. Double-click the top margin, type your last name followed by a space, then choose Insert, Page Number, Current Position, Plain Number. Right-align the header.
- Type the heading. Enter your name, instructor, course and date on four lines, flush left.
- Add the title. Press Enter, center the line and type the title in title case.
- Set the indent. Open the Paragraph dialog and set a first-line indent of 0.5 inch for body paragraphs.
- Create the Works Cited page. Insert a page break, center the words Works Cited and set a hanging indent of 0.5 inch for entries.
- Save as a template. Choose File, Save As and pick Word Template (.dotx), or keep a copy named MLA-Template.docx.
How to Build an MLA Format Template in Google Docs
Google Docs offers the same controls with slightly different menus.
- Set margins. Choose File, Page setup, and set each margin to 1 inch.
- Set the font. Select all text and choose Times New Roman at 12 pt.
- Set spacing. Choose Format, Line and paragraph spacing, then Double, and remove extra space before and after paragraphs.
- Add the running header. Choose Insert, Headers and footers, Header, type your last name, then use Insert, Page numbers and set the top-right option.
- Type the heading and title. Add the four heading lines flush left, then the centered title.
- Set indents. For body paragraphs, use Format, Align and indent, Indentation options, and set Special indent to First line, 0.5 inch.
- Create Works Cited. Insert a page break (Ctrl + Enter), center the title and set a hanging indent of 0.5 inch for entries.
- Save a template copy. Choose File, Make a copy each time you start a new paper, or save the file in the template gallery if your account offers it.
MLA Format Template for Pages and Other Apps
Apple Pages and LibreOffice Writer follow the same rules.
| App | Where to find the settings |
|---|---|
| Pages | Document, Document Setup for margins; Format sidebar for spacing and indents; Insert, Page Number for the header |
| LibreOffice Writer | Format, Page Style for margins and header; Format, Paragraph for spacing and indent |
Whichever app you use, verify the result by printing a preview and comparing it with the table above.
Template for the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page follows its own pattern. Start on a new page, center the title Works Cited and then list sources alphabetically.
| Source | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Book | Last, First. Title. Publisher, Year. |
| Article | Last, First. “Title of Article.” Journal, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. #–#. |
| Web page | Last, First. “Title.” Site Name, Day Mon. Year, URL. |
| Chapter | Last, First. “Chapter Title.” Book Title, edited by First Last, Publisher, Year, pp. #–#. |
Use a hanging indent of 0.5 inch, double spacing and no extra space between entries.
Using the Template for Different Assignments
Different assignments need small adjustments. Use the table to decide what to change.
| Assignment | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Short essay | Use the template as it is |
| Research paper | Add headings only if your instructor allows them |
| Group paper | List every author’s name in the heading |
| Paper with a title page | Add a separate cover page if your instructor requires one |
| Paper with images or tables | Add captions and number figures as MLA directs |
| Paper with an outline | Place it before the paper if your instructor requires it |
For a full walkthrough of the first-page lines, read our MLA format heading guide. For a finished sample, see our MLA format essay example.
Planning Before You Use the Template
A template handles format, but it cannot plan your argument. Before you write, build a short outline so that every paragraph supports your thesis. Our essay outline and argumentative essay outline guides give you plans that fit inside this template.
Meanwhile, if you are still choosing your claim, read how to write a thesis statement first.
Common Problems With an MLA Format Template
- Template fonts that do not match. Check the font after you paste text from another source.
- Extra space between paragraphs. Set before and after spacing to zero.
- Header missing on page one. MLA includes the header on every page, including the first.
- Heading inside the header. Type the four lines in the body.
- Old date from a previous paper. Update the date each time you copy the template.
- Wrong hanging indent. Set it in the paragraph dialog, not with the space bar.
- Using a template from the internet blindly. Some online templates still follow older editions.
MLA Format Template Checklist
| Check | Question |
|---|---|
| Margins | Are all margins 1 inch? |
| Font | Is the font readable and set to 12 pt? |
| Spacing | Is everything double-spaced? |
| Header | Do all pages show last name and page number? |
| Heading | Are name, instructor, course and date on four lines? |
| Title | Is it centered and plain? |
| Indent | Does each paragraph have a half-inch indent? |
| Works Cited | Is it on a new page with a hanging indent? |
| Date | Did I update it for this paper? |
Frequently Asked Questions About the MLA Format Template
What is an MLA format template?
It is a saved document with MLA layout settings already applied, including margins, font, spacing, heading, header and Works Cited format. You copy it for each new paper.
How do I make an MLA template in Word?
Set 1-inch margins, a 12-point readable font and double spacing, add a header with your last name and page number, type the four-line heading and title, and save the file as a template.
Is there an MLA template in Google Docs?
Google Docs offers some templates, but you can also build your own in minutes. Set the same margins, font, spacing, header and indents, then make a copy for each paper.
What font should an MLA template use?
Use a readable 12-point font such as Times New Roman. Your instructor may prefer another font, so follow their guidance.
Does an MLA template include a title page?
Not by default. MLA does not require a title page for student papers. Add one only if your instructor asks.
How do I set a hanging indent for Works Cited?
In Word, open the Paragraph dialog and set Special to Hanging, 0.5 inch. In Google Docs, use Format, Align and indent, Indentation options, then Special indent, Hanging.
Can I use an online MLA template?
You can, but verify it against the rules above. Some templates follow older editions or add elements that MLA 9 does not require.
How often should I update my template?
Review it whenever MLA releases a new edition or your instructor gives special instructions. Update the date and course details for each paper.
Save Time With Your MLA Format Template
An MLA format template turns formatting into a one-time job. Set margins, font, spacing, header, heading, title and Works Cited once, save the file and copy it for every paper. Then spend your time on the argument, evidence and revision that earn the grade.
For more format help, browse the Outline Templates category, visit our citation formatting guides or return to the Papers Open homepage for free tools and examples.
Information only. This guide is general educational information. It is not professional advice, and Papers Open is not affiliated with any school, college or university. Follow your instructor's requirements. See our disclaimer and academic integrity policy.