MLA Header Generator
Create a correctly formatted MLA heading, title, and running header. Preview your paper and download it instantly.
Enter your information
Everything updates as you type.
Your paper information stays in this browser. We don’t upload or store it.
Preview your MLA paper
A true-to-page first-page preview.
Begin your paper here. The first line of each paragraph is indented one-half inch. Your entire paper, including the heading and title, should be double-spaced.
Continue writing with a clear, readable typeface. Follow any additional instructions provided by your instructor.
Running headerHeadingTitleTHE TWO PARTS, EXPLAINED
“Header” and “heading” aren’t the same thing.
The MLA heading appears on the left of your first page and identifies you and your class. The running header sits in the upper-right corner of every page and pairs your last name with the page number.
See the full comparisonYour name
Instructor name
Course
Day Month Year
Smith 1
A CORRECT MLA FIRST PAGE
See every detail in context.
The preview shows how the heading, centered title, running header, margins, and indented body text work together.
Begin your paper here. The first line of each paragraph is indented one-half inch. Your entire paper, including the heading and title, should be double-spaced.
Continue writing with a clear, readable typeface. Follow any additional instructions provided by your instructor.
Running headerHeadingTitleMLA format at a glance
FORMAT IT YOURSELF
Three simple steps.
MLA formatting should make your work easy to read—not add another hour to your assignment.
Add your details
Enter your name, instructor, course, date, and paper title.
Check the preview
See the heading and running header in a realistic first page.
Copy or download
Copy individual parts, print to PDF, or download a formatted Word file.
COMMON MISTAKES
A small format with a few easy-to-miss details.
JOHN SMITH
PROFESSOR JONES
ENGLISH
9/28/26
All caps, incomplete course name, and an ambiguous numeric date.
John Smith
Professor Jones
English 101
28 September 2026
Standard capitalization, complete course, and a clear date.
KEEP FORMATTING
Guides for the tool you use.
Set up an MLA header in Google Docs
Margins, page numbers, spacing, and indentation—step by step.
MICROSOFT WORDFormat an MLA paper in Word
Create the header once and keep it correct on every page.
FREE TEMPLATEStart with a ready-made MLA document
Download a clean Word template with the essential settings applied.
Sources & review
This tool follows MLA Style Center guidance for formatting a research paper and the MLA Handbook, ninth edition. Always follow any specific instructions from your instructor.