MLA Header Format Guide 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial

Master MLA 9th Edition Heading, Header, and Formatting Rules

Confused about MLA header format for your research paper? You’re not alone. Many students struggle with the difference between MLA headings, headers, and title pages. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about MLA 9th edition formatting, with clear examples and step-by-step instructions for Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

What is MLA Format?

Why do students use MLA format?

MLA (Modern Language Association) format is the standard citation and formatting style for humanities courses, particularly English, literature, languages, and cultural studies. The MLA 9th edition, released in 2021, provides guidelines for:

• Paper formatting and layout
• In-text citations
• Works Cited page structure
• Heading and header placement
• Title page requirements

Understanding proper MLA formatting demonstrates academic professionalism and helps instructors focus on your content rather than formatting errors.

MLA Heading vs. Header: What’s the Difference?

Are MLA headings and headers the same thing?

No, they serve different purposes in your paper:

MLA Heading

Location: Top left of the first page only

Purpose: Identifies the author, instructor, course, and date

Frequency: Appears once at the beginning of your paper

MLA heading includes:

1. Your full name (first and last)
2. Instructor’s full name (with title: Professor, Dr., etc.)
3. Course name and number
4. Date (in Day Month Year format: 15 January 2026)

MLA Header

Location: Top right corner of every page

Purpose: Identifies the paper and page number throughout

Frequency: Appears on every page including the first

MLA header includes:

• Your last name
• Page number (Arabic numerals: 1, 2, 3)

Quick comparison:

Feature	MLA Heading	MLA Header
Location	Top left, first page	Top right, all pages
Content	Name, instructor, course, date	Last name + page number
Frequency	Once	Every page
Spacing	Double-spaced	Single line

How to Format MLA Paper Heading: Step-by-Step

What are the exact requirements for MLA headings?

MLA Heading Format Requirements

Your MLA heading must follow these specifications:

Placement:

• Position: Top left corner
• Margins: 1 inch from top and left edges
• Spacing: Double-spaced between all lines

Content Order:

1. Student’s full name
2. Instructor’s full name (include title)
3. Course name and section number
4. Date in Day Month Year format

Formatting rules:

• Use the same font as your paper (typically Times New Roman, 12pt)
• Left-align all lines (no centering)
• Use standard capitalization (no all caps)
• Do NOT use bold, italics, or underline
• Do NOT add extra spacing

MLA Heading Example

John Smith
Professor Sarah Johnson
English 101, Section 3
15 January 2026

Common MLA Heading Mistakes to Avoid

What formatting errors do students make most often?

❌ Wrong: Centering the heading

✅ Right: Left-align all heading lines

❌ Wrong: Using commas between name parts (Smith, John)

✅ Right: First name then last name (John Smith)

❌ Wrong: Date format 01/15/2026 or January 15th, 2026

✅ Right: 15 January 2026

❌ Wrong: Bold or underlined text in heading

✅ Right: Plain text with standard font

❌ Wrong: Single spacing between lines

✅ Right: Double spacing throughout

MLA Header Format: Running Header Guide

How do you create an MLA header that appears on every page?

The MLA header (also called a running header) appears in the top right corner of every page, including the first page. It consists of your last name followed by a space and the page number.

MLA Header Requirements

Format specifications:

• Position: Top right corner, 0.5 inches from top
• Content: Last name + space + page number
• Font: Same as paper body (Times New Roman 12pt)
• Alignment: Right-aligned
• Spacing: Does not interfere with heading on first page

MLA Header Example

Smith 1
Smith 2
Smith 3

Important notes:

• Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) not Roman numerals (i, ii, iii)
• No punctuation between last name and number
• No “page” or “pg.” before the number
• Header should be automatic on all pages

How to Insert MLA Header in Microsoft Word

What’s the easiest way to create MLA headers in Word?

Follow these steps to insert an automatic MLA header in Microsoft Word:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Word

Step 1: Open Header Section

• Click the “Insert” tab in the top ribbon
• Select “Header” from the menu
• Choose “Blank” header template

Step 2: Align and Format

• Click the “Align Right” button in the Home tab
• Ensure font is Times New Roman, 12pt
• Remove any extra spacing if needed

Step 3: Add Your Information

• Type your last name
• Press the spacebar once
• Click “Insert” tab again
• Select “Page Number” → “Current Position” → “Plain Number”

Step 4: Finalize Settings

• Ensure “Different First Page” is NOT checked
• Close header by clicking “Close Header and Footer” or double-clicking in document body
• Header now appears automatically on all pages

Word Header Troubleshooting

Problem: Header appears too far from top edge

Solution: Adjust header position by going to Layout → Margins → Custom Margins → Header: 0.5″

Problem: Page numbers not updating automatically

Solution: Ensure you inserted page number field, not typed the number manually

Problem: Header missing on first page

Solution: Uncheck “Different First Page” in Header & Footer Tools → Options

How to Insert MLA Header in Google Docs

Can you create MLA headers in Google Docs?

Yes! Google Docs makes creating MLA headers simple with built-in tools.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Google Docs

Step 1: Access Header Section

• Click “Insert” in the top menu
• Select “Headers & footers”
• Click “Header”

Step 2: Format Header

• In the header area, click the align right button
• Change font to Times New Roman if needed
• Set font size to 12pt

Step 3: Add Last Name and Page Number

• Type your last name
• Press spacebar once
• Click “Insert” in top menu
• Select “Page number”
• Choose the plain number option (not in margin box)

Step 4: Apply to All Pages

• Header automatically applies to all pages
• Click outside header area to return to document
• Verify header appears correctly on multiple pages

Google Docs Header Tips

Adjusting header position:

• Go to File → Page Setup
• Set top margin to 1 inch
• Set header distance to 0.5 inches from edge

Removing header from first page only:

• In header area, check “Different first page” option
• This removes header from page 1 if required by instructor

MLA Title Page Format

Does MLA format require a title page?

Standard MLA format does NOT require a separate title page. Instead, you include your title directly below the heading on the first page. However, some instructors may request a title page for longer research papers.

Standard MLA Title Format (No Title Page)

Placement:

• Appears after your four-line heading
• Center-aligned
• Double-spaced from heading

Formatting rules:

• Use standard capitalization (capitalize first word and all major words)
• Do NOT use bold, italics, or underline (unless title contains book/movie names)
• Do NOT use quotation marks around your title
• Do NOT add extra spacing above or below title
• Use same font and size as rest of paper

Example of MLA title on first page:

John Smith
Professor Sarah Johnson
English 101, Section 3
15 January 2026
                    The Impact of Social Media on Modern Communication
     Social media platforms have fundamentally transformed how people communicate...

MLA Title Page (When Required)

If your instructor requires a separate title page, follow these guidelines:

Page layout:

• Center all text vertically and horizontally
• Use same font and size as paper body
• No header with page number on title page

Content order (top to bottom):

1. Title of your paper (centered, 1/3 down from top)
2. Subtitle (if applicable, centered below title)
3. “by” (centered, several lines below title)
4. Your full name (centered)
5. Course name and number (centered, 2/3 down page)
6. Instructor’s name (centered)
7. Date (Day Month Year format, centered)

Example title page layout:

                          [1/3 from top]
                    The Impact of Social Media 
                     on Modern Communication
                     
                     
                              by
                          John Smith
                          
                          
                          
                      [2/3 from page]
                      English 101, Section 3
                     Professor Sarah Johnson
                        15 January 2026

Important title page notes:

• Title page counts as page 1, but number doesn’t appear
• Regular header begins on page 2 (Smith 2)
• Always confirm title page requirements with instructor

MLA Section Headings and Subheadings

Should I use section headings in my MLA paper?

MLA 9th edition allows section headings but doesn’t require them. Use headings when they improve your paper’s organization and readability, particularly for longer research papers.

MLA Section Heading Guidelines

When to use section headings:

• Research papers longer than 5 pages
• Papers with multiple distinct sections or topics
• When instructor requires or recommends headings
• To improve reader navigation through complex content

Section heading format:

• Left-aligned or centered (be consistent)
• Use same font and size as body text
• Optional: Bold font for main headings
• Optional: Italics for subheadings
• Double-space before and after headings
• No extra spacing beyond double-spacing

Section Heading Hierarchy

How do you format different heading levels?

MLA doesn’t specify strict heading levels like APA format. However, you should create a clear visual hierarchy:

Level 1 Headings (Main Sections):

Bold and Centered
or
Bold and Left-Aligned

Level 2 Headings (Subsections):

Italicized and Centered
or
Italicized and Left-Aligned

Level 3 Headings (Sub-subsections):

Regular Font, Left-Aligned

Example heading structure:

                    Literature Review
     
Historical Context
     Twentieth-century developments in communication theory provide...

Theoretical Framework
     Social cognitive theory suggests...

Key heading rules:

• Maintain consistent formatting throughout paper
• Don’t use periods after headings
• Capitalize all major words in headings
• Don’t use bold or italics for heading emphasis if also using for hierarchy

Complete MLA Paper Format Checklist

What are all the MLA formatting requirements?

Page Layout Requirements

Margins:

• All sides: 1 inch (top, bottom, left, right)
• Header: 0.5 inches from top edge
• First line of heading: 1 inch from top

Font and Size:

• Font type: Times New Roman (preferred) or other readable serif font
• Font size: 12 point throughout entire paper
• Color: Black only
• No bold, italics, or underlining except for emphasis or titles

Spacing:

• Double-space everything (heading, title, body, block quotes, Works Cited)
• No extra spaces between paragraphs
• No extra spaces between heading and title
• No extra spaces before or after headings

Indentation:

• First line of each paragraph: 0.5 inches (one Tab key press)
• Block quotes: 0.5 inches from left margin
• Works Cited: Hanging indent (0.5 inches after first line)

First Page Format

Checklist for first page:

• Four-line heading in top left corner
• All heading lines left-aligned and double-spaced
• Header with last name and page number in top right
• Title centered below heading
• Title uses standard capitalization (no special formatting)
• Body text begins double-spaced below title
• First paragraph indented 0.5 inches

Subsequent Pages Format

Checklist for pages 2 and beyond:

• Header with last name and page number continues
• Page numbers sequential (2, 3, 4, etc.)
• Double-spacing maintained throughout
• Paragraphs indented consistently
• Same font and margins as first page

Works Cited Page Format

Checklist for Works Cited:

• Starts on new page at end of paper
• Header continues (e.g., Smith 5)
• Title “Works Cited” centered at top
• Entries in alphabetical order by author’s last name
• Hanging indent for entries (0.5 inches)
• Double-spaced within and between entries

MLA Date Format Guidelines

How do you write dates in MLA format?

MLA 9th edition uses a specific date format that differs from other citation styles:

Date Format in Heading

Required format: Day Month Year Examples:

• 15 January 2026
• 4 July 2025
• 23 December 2026

Important date rules:

• Spell out month completely (no abbreviations)
• No comma between month and year
• Day comes first, then month, then year
• Use numerical day without “st,” “nd,” “rd,” or “th”

Date Format in Citations

In-text citations:

• Usually omit dates (use author and page number)
• Include year only if needed for clarity

Works Cited entries:

• Use same Day Month Year format: 15 Jan. 2026
• Abbreviate months longer than 4 letters (except May, June, July)
• Include access dates for websites: Accessed 15 Jan. 2026

Month abbreviations for Works Cited:

• Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

MLA Formatting Tools and Resources

Automatic MLA Formatters

Can software automatically format MLA papers?

Yes, several tools can help with MLA formatting:

Microsoft Word built-in features:

• Header/footer tools
• Paragraph spacing settings
• Citation generator (References tab)
• Ruler for indentation

Google Docs add-ons:

• EasyBib Bibliography Creator
• Paperpile citation manager
• MLA Format template (File → Template Gallery)

Citation generators:

• Purdue OWL Citation Generator (free)
• EasyBib (freemium)
• Citation Machine (free)
• Zotero (free, comprehensive)

Caution: Always double-check automatically generated citations and formatting. These tools make mistakes and may not follow the latest MLA 9th edition guidelines.

Official MLA Resources

Where can you find authoritative MLA guidelines?

Primary sources:

• MLA Handbook, 9th Edition (official print guide)
• Style.mla.org (official MLA Style Center website)
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) (comprehensive free guide)

Secondary resources:

• University writing centers
• Library research guides
• Academic writing textbooks
• Instructor handouts and guidelines

When in doubt: Always consult your instructor about specific formatting preferences. Some instructors have requirements that differ slightly from standard MLA guidelines.

Common MLA Formatting Mistakes Students Make

Top 10 MLA Format Errors

What mistakes should you watch out for?

1. Wrong date format

• ❌ Incorrect: January 15, 2026 or 01/15/2026
• ✅ Correct: 15 January 2026

2. No header on first page

• ❌ Incorrect: Starting header on page 2
• ✅ Correct: Header appears on every page including page 1

3. Centered heading

• ❌ Incorrect: Centering the four-line heading
• ✅ Correct: Left-align heading in top left corner

4. Bold or underlined title

• ❌ Incorrect: The Impact of Social Media
• ✅ Correct: The Impact of Social Media

5. Extra spacing

• ❌ Incorrect: Adding spaces between heading and title
• ✅ Correct: Consistent double-spacing throughout

6. Wrong margins

• ❌ Incorrect: Default margins (often 1.25 inches)
• ✅ Correct: Exactly 1 inch on all sides

7. No indentation

• ❌ Incorrect: Flush left paragraphs
• ✅ Correct: 0.5-inch indent on first line of each paragraph

8. Page numbers formatted incorrectly

• ❌ Incorrect: “Page 1” or “pg. 1”
• ✅ Correct: Just “Smith 1”

9. Inconsistent font

• ❌ Incorrect: Mixing fonts or sizes
• ✅ Correct: Times New Roman 12pt throughout

10. Missing Works Cited page

• ❌ Incorrect: Ending paper with conclusion
• ✅ Correct: Including properly formatted Works Cited page

MLA Format for Different Paper Types

Research Papers

Standard MLA research paper format includes:

• Four-line heading on first page
• Running header on all pages
• Centered title (no special formatting)
• In-text parenthetical citations
• Works Cited page at end
• Double-spacing throughout

Essays

Short essays follow simplified MLA format:

• Same heading and header requirements
• Title describes essay topic clearly
• May not require Works Cited if no sources cited
• Typically 2-5 pages in length
• Focus on analysis and argumentation

Annotated Bibliographies

MLA annotated bibliography format:

• Standard heading and header
• Title: “Annotated Bibliography” (centered)
• Entries in alphabetical order
• Each entry includes citation + annotation
• Annotations indented additional 0.5 inches
• Double-spaced throughout

Literature Reviews

MLA literature review format:

• May include section headings for organization
• Synthesizes multiple scholarly sources
• In-text citations for all referenced works
• Comprehensive Works Cited page
• Often 8-20 pages for academic papers

MLA Format vs. Other Citation Styles

How does MLA differ from APA and Chicago style?

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	MLA Format	APA Format	Chicago Style
Primary Use	Humanities, Literature	Social Sciences	History, Arts
Header	Last name + page#	Running head + page#	Page# only
Title Page	Usually no	Yes, required	Yes, required
Date Format	15 Jan. 2026	January 15, 2026	Jan. 15, 2026
In-text Citations	(Author Page#)	(Author, Year)	Footnotes
Bibliography	Works Cited	References	Bibliography
Font	Times 12pt	Times 12pt	Times 12pt

When to Use MLA Format

MLA is preferred for:

• English composition and literature courses
• Language and linguistics papers
• Cultural studies research
• Comparative literature analysis
• Creative writing with citations
• Film and media studies

Not typically used for:

• Psychology or sociology (use APA)
• Scientific research (use APA or CSE)
• History papers (often use Chicago)
• Business reports (various styles)

Troubleshooting MLA Formatting Issues

Microsoft Word Problems

Issue: Header appears on title page Solution:

• Double-click header area
• Check “Different First Page” if you don’t want header on page 1
• For standard MLA, UNCHECK this box (header should appear on all pages)

Issue: Spacing is inconsistent Solution:

• Highlight entire document (Ctrl+A)
• Go to Home → Paragraph settings (small arrow in corner)
• Set spacing before and after to 0pt
• Set line spacing to Double
• Check “Don’t add space between paragraphs of same style”

Issue: Page numbers aren’t sequential Solution:

• Delete and reinsert page number field
• Ensure you used “Page Number” field, not typed numbers
• Check for section breaks (Page Layout → Breaks → Show)

Google Docs Problems

Issue: Font keeps reverting to Arial Solution:

• Select all text (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A)
• Change to Times New Roman
• Go to Format → Paragraph styles → Normal text → Update to match
• This sets Times as default for document

Issue: Can’t adjust header position Solution:

• File → Page Setup
• Set top margin to exactly 1.0″
• Set header to 0.5″ from edge
• Click “Set as default” to apply to all pages

Issue: Indentation not working properly Solution:

• Highlight paragraph
• Click Format → Align & indent → Indentation options
• Set first line indent to 0.5″
• Or use ruler at top (slide triangle to 0.5″)

MLA Format Checklist: Before You Submit

Final Review Steps

Content review:

• Heading includes all four required lines in correct order
• Date uses Day Month Year format
• Header with last name and page number on every page
• Title is centered and uses standard capitalization
• All paragraphs indented 0.5 inches
• Paper is double-spaced throughout with no extra spaces

Citation review:

• All sources cited in-text with (Author Page#) format
• Works Cited page included at end
• Works Cited entries in alphabetical order
• Hanging indent applied to Works Cited entries
• All in-text citations match Works Cited entries

Formatting review:

• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Times New Roman 12pt font throughout
• Page numbers sequential and correct
• No bold, italics, or underline except for titles/emphasis
• Print preview shows consistent formatting on all pages

Technical review:

• File named appropriately (LastName_Assignment.docx)
• Document saved in required format (.docx or .pdf)
• All pages included in final document
• Images or tables formatted appropriately
• File uploads successfully to submission portal

Frequently Asked Questions About MLA Format

Should the header be on the first page?

Yes, the MLA header appears on every page, including the first page. The header (last name and page number) begins on page 1 in the top right corner, even though you also have the four-line heading in the top left. This is standard MLA 9th edition format.

Do you need a title page for MLA format?

No, standard MLA format does not require a separate title page. Instead, you include your four-line heading and centered title on the first page of your paper. However, some instructors may require a title page for longer research papers. Always check your assignment guidelines.

What font should I use for MLA format?

Times New Roman, 12-point font is the standard for MLA format. However, MLA 9th edition also accepts other readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia in 11 or 12-point size. Always use the same font throughout your entire paper, including heading, header, body, and Works Cited.

How do you write the date in MLA format?

MLA format uses Day Month Year with no commas: 15 January 2026. Spell out the month completely in your heading. In Works Cited entries, you may abbreviate months longer than 4 letters (Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.), but May, June, and July are never abbreviated.

Should I put my title in quotes or italics?

No, do not put your title in quotation marks, bold, italics, or underline it. Use standard capitalization (capitalize first word and all major words) and the same font as your paper body. The only exception is if your title includes the title of another work, which should be italicized (book) or in quotes (article).

Can I use section headings in MLA papers?

Yes, MLA allows section headings, though they’re optional. Use headings for longer papers to improve organization and readability. Keep formatting consistent – either bold or italicized, either centered or left-aligned. Don’t add extra spacing before or after headings beyond normal double-spacing.

Do I need a running header in MLA format?

Yes, MLA requires a running header on every page. The running header includes your last name and the page number in the top right corner, 0.5 inches from the top edge. This header should be set up automatically to appear on all pages of your document.

What are the margin requirements for MLA format?

MLA format requires 1-inch margins on all four sides (top, bottom, left, right). The header appears 0.5 inches from the top edge, within the 1-inch top margin. Do not adjust margins to make your paper longer or shorter – this is considered academic dishonesty.

Get Expert Help with MLA Formatting

Mastering MLA format takes practice, but it’s an essential skill for academic success. From properly formatting your heading and header to creating perfect citations, attention to detail matters.

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• Setting up headers and headings correctly
• Creating properly formatted Works Cited pages
• In-text citation rules and examples
• Paper organization and structure
• Proofreading for formatting errors

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