One-inch margins, readable standard-size type, double spacing, last name plus page number, four-line heading, centered title, and one-half-inch paragraph indents.
Page setup
Use these settings throughout the document.
- ✓ US Letter page size unless instructed otherwise
- ✓ One-inch margins
- ✓ Readable typeface, such as 12-point Times New Roman
- ✓ Double spacing
- ✓ Left-aligned body text
- ✓ No automatic hyphenation
First page
Keep every element double-spaced without extra blank lines.
- ✓ Your name
- ✓ Instructor’s name
- ✓ Course
- ✓ Date
- ✓ Centered title
- ✓ Indented first paragraph
Final check
Confirm that page numbers update automatically, the header uses your last name, paragraph spacing is not adding extra gaps, and any works-cited list follows the assignment requirements.
Create your MLA header
Enter your details once, see the complete first page, then copy or download it.
Open the free generatorFrequently asked questions
Can teachers share this cheat sheet?
Yes. Teachers and writing centers may link to or print this page for students.
Does this replace the MLA Handbook?
No. It is a page-format summary, not a complete guide to citations or every MLA rule.
Based on the MLA Style Center’s paper-formatting guidance and the MLA Handbook, ninth edition. Last reviewed 28 September 2026. Always follow your instructor’s directions.