How to Do MLA Format on Word 2016: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Set Up MLA Format in Word 2016

Use this guide to format your paper correctly in MLA style using Microsoft Word 2016. MLA is commonly required in the humanities for consistent presentation of academic writing. You will set margins, line spacing, font, headers, page numbers, and the Works Cited page. The steps below are specific to Word 2016 on Windows and are designed for long-term usability.

MLA Paper Setup and Document Defaults

Before you begin writing, configure the base page layout and styles so your formatting remains consistent. These settings help maintain double-spacing and proper margins throughout your document. You can save a template for future papers once you confirm the settings are correct.

Page Margins

MLA recommends 1-inch margins on all sides. Follow these steps to set them in Word 2016:

1. Open a new document and go to the Page Layout tab.
2. Click Margins and select Normal (1 inch on all sides).
3. If your assignment requires a different margin setting, enter custom values in Margins > Custom Margins.

Line Spacing and Paragraph Settings

MLA requires the entire paper to be double-spaced, including the Works Cited page and any block quotes. Use these steps to set line spacing:

1. Select all text (Ctrl+A) or the paragraphs you want to format.
2. On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing button (icon with arrows up and down).
3. Choose 2.0 for double-spacing. Avoid using the Space After shortcut; adjust spacing in the Paragraph dialog if your assignment has particular indentation or spacing needs.

Font and Size

Use an easily readable font such as Times New Roman, 12 pt. If your instructor permits alternatives like Arial, keep the size at 12 pt and confirm with your assignment guidelines. Set the font as follows:

1. Select all text (Ctrl+A).
2. On the Home tab, in the Font group, choose Times New Roman (or your approved font).
3. Set the size to 12 pt.

MLA Header and Page Numbers

The MLA header appears in the top right corner of every page and includes your last name and the page number. Set it once and it will carry through your entire document.

Creating the Header

1. Double-click the top margin area of the page or go to Insert > Header.
2. Choose a blank style or edit an existing one.
3. Type your last name, press Space, then click the Header & Footer Tools tab and insert the page number using Page Number.
4. Align the page number to the right by selecting the header, going to the Home tab, and choosing Right Alignment.
5. Press Esc to exit the header area when finished.

MLA Title Block and First Page Formatting

Do not use a separate title page unless your instructor requests it. Instead, include a title block in the upper left corner with your name, instructor’s name, course, and date. Follow this with the title centered and properly capitalized.

Adding a Title

1. Place your cursor after the title block on the first page, pressing Enter as needed.
2. Type the title of your paper, capitalizing major words.
3. Do not bold, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks unless you are citing another source within the title.
4. Press Enter twice after the title to start your first paragraph.

MLA In-Text Citations

In-text citations point readers to your Works Cited page. They typically include the author’s last name and a page number in parentheses. If you mention the author in the sentence, include only the page number.

Examples of In-Text Citations

• Paraphrase: Smith argues that cloud adoption has increased (42).
• Quotation: “Cloud adoption surged” (Smith 42).
• Author mentioned in sentence: Smith notes that cloud adoption surged (42).

MLA Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page lists all sources you referenced in your paper. It starts on a new page at the end, titled Works Cited, centered at the top. Entries are double-spaced and use a hanging indent. Order entries alphabetically by the author’s last name or by title if no author is listed.

Core Elements for Common Sources

For books, include the author’s name, book title in italics, publisher, and year. For web articles, include the author, article title in quotation marks, website title in italics, publisher or site name, publication date, URL, and the date you accessed the source. When available, use a verified DOI in place of the URL.

Comparison of MLA Formatting Elements in Word 2016

Use this table to verify key settings before you submit your paper. If any requirement differs in your assignment, follow your instructor’s directions.

Verifying and Saving Your MLA Template

After you apply these settings, review your entire document for consistency. Check that spacing, indentation, and alignment match MLA guidelines. If everything looks correct, save the file as a template (.dotx) so you can reuse it for future assignments without reconfiguring margins, spacing, and styles.

Common Issues and Quick Fixes in Word 2016

If your document unexpectedly changes spacing or margins, check for accidental manual formatting or styles applied to certain paragraphs. Use the Reveal Formatting pane to compare settings. When pasting content from the web, clear formatting first by selecting the text and choosing the Keep Text Only option. If the Works Cited entries do not show a hanging indent, adjust the paragraph settings as noted in the table above.

Accessibility and Readability Tips

Choose high-contrast text colors (usually black on white), avoid justified alignment that creates uneven spacing at word gaps, and ensure your font size is readable (12 pt or larger). These practices support clarity and make your paper accessible while remaining compliant with MLA requirements.