How To Get MLA Header On Microsoft Word

When it comes to formatting academic papers in MLA style, having the correct header is essential. Did you know that Microsoft Word offers a simple way to create an MLA header? By using the built-in tools and features, you can ensure that your document follows the proper formatting guidelines. Let's explore how you can easily get an MLA header on Microsoft Word.

To get started, open a blank document in Microsoft Word. From the top menu, select the "Insert" tab. Look for the "Header" option and click on it. A drop-down menu will appear, and you'll need to choose "Edit Header." This will open up the Header & Footer Tools tab, where you can customize your MLA header.

Understanding MLA Header in Microsoft Word

The MLA (Modern Language Association) header is an essential component of academic writing that follows the guidelines set by the MLA style. It provides important information about the document, including the author's name, instructor's name, course information, and date. Properly formatting the MLA header is crucial to ensure consistency and professionalism in your academic papers. This article will guide you through the process of getting the MLA header in Microsoft Word, making it easier for you to create your papers according to the MLA style.

Step 1: Setting Margins and Font

Before you start inserting the MLA header, it is important to adjust the margins and font according to MLA guidelines. Here's how you can do it in Microsoft Word:

• Open Microsoft Word and open the document where you want to insert an MLA header.
• Click on the "Layout" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Page Setup" group, click on "Margins."
• Select "Normal" from the drop-down menu or set the margin to 1 inch on all sides.
• Next, click on the "Home" tab to change the font style.
• Select the appropriate font style recommended by the MLA guidelines, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
• Set the font size to 12 points, which is the standard size for MLA formatting.

Formatting the Margins

In the first step, you need to format the margins according to MLA guidelines. In Microsoft Word, you can easily adjust the margins to meet the requirements. Typically, MLA guidelines recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides of the document. This gives your paper a professional and polished appearance. Adjusting the margins ensures that your MLA header and content are properly aligned within the document.

To set the margins:

• Open the document in Microsoft Word.
• Click on the "Layout" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Page Setup" group, click on "Margins."
• Select "Normal" from the drop-down menu, which sets the margins to 1 inch on all sides.

By setting the margins to 1 inch, you ensure that your MLA header and content are positioned correctly on the page. This formatting standard is crucial for presenting your paper in the expected MLA style.

Formatting the Font Style and Size

Once you have adjusted the margins, it is important to format the font style and size according to MLA guidelines. MLA recommends using a readable font style, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in size 12 points. This ensures a consistent and professional look throughout your paper.

To format the font style and size:

• Click on the "Home" tab in the top menu of Microsoft Word.
• Select the appropriate font style recommended by the MLA guidelines, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
• Set the font size to 12 points.

Step 2: Inserting the MLA Header

Now that you have set the margins and font, you can proceed to insert the MLA header in your document. The MLA header includes important information about the author, instructor, course, and date. Here's how you can insert the MLA header in Microsoft Word:

• Open the document in Microsoft Word.
• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, click on "Header."
• Select "Blank" or the desired MLA header template from the drop-down menu.
• If you chose a blank header, manually type your information in the designated places for author's name, instructor's name, course name, and the date.

Inserting the MLA Header Using a Template

Microsoft Word provides templates that make it easier for you to insert the MLA header without manually typing each piece of information. To use the MLA header template:

• Open the document in Microsoft Word.
• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, click on "Header."
• Select the desired MLA header template from the drop-down menu.
• The template will automatically populate the author's name, instructor's name, course name, and the date.

Manually Inserting the MLA Header

If you choose to insert a blank header, you would need to manually type in the required information. Here's how:

• Open the document in Microsoft Word.
• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, click on "Header."
• Select "Blank Header" from the drop-down menu.
• Type your name in the designated place for the author's name.
• Type the instructor's name in the designated place for the instructor's name.
• Type the course information in the designated place for the course name.
• Type the date in the designated place for the date.

Step 3: Formatting the MLA Header

After inserting the MLA header, you need to format it properly to ensure consistency and adherence to MLA guidelines. Here's how you can format the MLA header:

• Double-click on the header section to enter the editing mode.
• Select the text of the header.
• In the "Home" tab, format the font style and size according to MLA recommendations.

Step 4: Saving and Reusing the MLA Header Template

To save time and effort, you can save the MLA header template for future use. By saving the MLA header template, you can easily apply it to any new document without going through the whole process again. Here's how you can save and reuse the MLA header template:

• Open a new document in Microsoft Word.
• Set the margins and font according to MLA guidelines.
• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, select "Header" and then "Edit Header" from the drop-down menu.
• Insert the MLA header information as required.
• Click on the "Close Header and Footer" button in the "Design" tab.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, select "Header" and then "Save Selection to Header Gallery" from the drop-down menu.
• Give your header template a name and click "OK."

Now, you can easily apply the saved MLA header template to any new document by following these steps:

• Open a new document in Microsoft Word.
• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, select "Header" and then choose your saved MLA header template from the "Header Gallery" section.

Exploring Additional Formatting Options for MLA Header

While Microsoft Word provides the basic tools for creating an MLA header, there are additional formatting options you can explore to customize the header according to your requirements. Here are some options:

Adding Page Numbers

In MLA style, page numbers are usually placed in the header along with other information. Here's how you can add page numbers to your MLA header:

• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu of Microsoft Word.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, click on "Page Number."
• Select the desired page number format, such as "Top of Page" or "Plain Number 3."

This will add the page numbers to your MLA header, ensuring that your document is properly paginated according to MLA style.

Formatting Header Text

If you want to format the header's text differently from the rest of the document, you can easily customize it using Microsoft Word's formatting options. Here's how:

• Double-click on the header section to enter the editing mode.
• Select the text you want to format.
• In the "Home" tab, use the formatting options such as font style, size, bold, italic, etc.

By customizing the header's text, you can make it stand out or align it with your personal or institutional preferences.

Adding a Line or Separator

If you want to visually separate the header from the rest of the document, you can add a line or separator. Here's how:

• Select the location in the header where you want to add the line or separator.
• Click on the "Insert" tab in the top menu of Microsoft Word.
• In the "Header & Footer" group, click on the "Shapes" option.
• Select the desired line or separator shape.
• Click and drag on the header to draw the line or separator in the desired position and size.

Adding

How to Create an MLA Header in Microsoft Word

Creating an MLA header in Microsoft Word is essential for academic writing. This heading format ensures that your paper meets the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines. Follow these steps to add an MLA header in Microsoft Word:

• Open Microsoft Word and go to the "Insert" tab.
• Click on the "Header" option and select "Blank."
• Type your last name and insert an automatic page number. Ensure that the font is set to Times New Roman, size 12, and double-spaced.
• Go to the "Page Layout" tab and click on "Margins."
• Select "Normal" to set the margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Your MLA header is now set. Continue typing your paper, and the header will automatically appear on each page.

Remember to check with your instructor or the MLA style guide for any specific formatting requirements. Following these steps will ensure your paper has a professional, standardized MLA header.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about how to get MLA header on Microsoft Word:

1. How do I set up the MLA header in Microsoft Word?

To set up the MLA header in Microsoft Word, first, open your document. Then, go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Header." Select the option for a blank header. Next, click on the "Different First Page" checkbox under the "Design" tab. Enter your last name and the page number in the header section for the first page. For the subsequent pages, insert your last name and the page number using the "Insert" tab. Make sure the font and size of the header match the rest of your document. Finally, close the header and save your document.

2. How do I format the MLA header in Microsoft Word?

To format the MLA header in Microsoft Word, make sure it is aligned to the right margin. Use a consistent font and font size for the header, such as Times New Roman, 12 point. Center your name and the title of your paper below the header. Double-space the entire header and make sure it is in the same font and size as the rest of your document.

3. Can I customize the MLA header in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can customize the MLA header in Microsoft Word. To do this, follow the steps mentioned above to set up and format the header. Once the header is in place, you can add additional information, such as your instructor's name, course name, and date, if required by your MLA guidelines. Just make sure to maintain the same font and size for all the information you include in the header.

4. How do I remove the MLA header in Microsoft Word?

To remove the MLA header in Microsoft Word, go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Header." Select "Remove Header" from the dropdown menu. This will remove the header from the current page. If you want to remove the header from all pages, go to the "Design" tab and uncheck the "Different First Page" checkbox. Save your document after removing the header.

5. Is there a template for MLA headers in Microsoft Word?

Yes, Microsoft Word offers templates for MLA headers. To access these templates, go to the "File" tab and select "New." In the search bar, type "MLA" and press enter. This will show you a list of template options for MLA formatting, including templates with pre-formatted headers. Select the template that best suits your needs and start creating your document.

In this article, we have discussed the steps to add an MLA header in Microsoft Word. By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that your document is properly formatted according to MLA guidelines. Firstly, you need to open a new document in Microsoft Word and click on the "Insert" tab. From there, you should select the "Header" option and choose the "Edit Header" button. Next, you can enter your personal information, such as your name, professor's name, course code, and date. Remember to align your header to the right and insert a page number, which should also be right-aligned. Keep in mind that the font style and size should be consistent with the rest of your document. In addition to adding a header, it is crucial to format your document properly to adhere to MLA guidelines. Make sure to use a legible font, such as Times New Roman in size 12, and set the margins to one inch on all sides. Double space your text and indent the first line of each paragraph. Remember to include a Works Cited page at the end of your document, listing all the sources you have referenced. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic writing is organized, professional, and consistent with MLA standards. By implementing these steps, you can easily add an MLA header to your Microsoft Word document and format it correctly according to MLA guidelines. Proper formatting is essential in academic writing as it enhances readability and demonstrates your attention to detail. Remember to proofread your work before submitting it to avoid any errors or inconsistencies. With these tips in mind, you can confidently create MLA-style documents using Microsoft Word. Happy writing!