How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs on Chromebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute financial, educational, health, nutritional, medical, legal, etc advice provided by a professional.

How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs on Chromebook

If you use your Google Drive for schoolwork, it's essential to know how to do MLA format on Google Docs. Whether you're a student or an educator, MLA format is a widely used style for academic writing. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of doing MLA format on Google Docs on Chromebook.

What Is MLA Format?

Before we dive into the details, let's quickly go over what MLA format is. MLA stands for Modern Language Association, and it is a set of guidelines for writing and documenting scholarly works in the fields of literature, languages, and other related disciplines.

Step 1: Apply One-Inch Margins

The first step in setting up MLA format on Google Docs is to apply one-inch margins to your document. This ensures that your text is properly aligned and leaves enough space for your instructor or reader to make comments or corrections.

Step 2: Change the Font and Size

Next, you'll need to change the font and size to comply with MLA guidelines. The recommended font for MLA format is Times New Roman, and the preferred font size is 12-point.

Step 3: Insert a Header

An MLA-formatted document requires a header that includes your last name and page number. To insert a header in Google Docs, go to the 'Insert' menu and click on 'Headers & Footers.' Select 'Header' and enter your last name, followed by a space. Then, click on 'Page Numbers' and choose the desired page number format.

Step 4: Change the Line Spacing

MLA format calls for double-spacing throughout the entire document. To change the line spacing in Google Docs, go to the 'Format' menu, select 'Line spacing,' and choose 'Double.'

Step 5: Enter Your Details and the Title on the First Page

On the first page of your document, you need to include your personal information and the title of your work. Start by entering your name, your instructor's name, the course title, and the date. Then, create a centered title for your paper that reflects the content and purpose of your work.

Step 6: Add Indentations

MLA format requires specific indentations for paragraphs and block quotations. For paragraphs, use the 'Indent' feature in Google Docs to create a 0.5-inch indentation. For block quotations, indent the entire passage 1 inch from the left margin.

Step 7: Add the Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is an essential component of MLA format. It provides a list of all the sources you cited in your paper. To create a Works Cited page in Google Docs, start a new page at the end of your document and title it 'Works Cited.' Then, use MLA citation guidelines to format your sources correctly.

How Do You Cite in Google Docs?

Citing sources is an integral part of academic writing. In Google Docs, you can use the built-in citation feature to generate citations in MLA format. Simply click on the 'Tools' menu, select 'Explore,' and search for the source you want to cite. Google Docs will generate a citation in the correct format that you can easily insert into your document.

How to Use the MLA Template in Google Docs

Google Docs provides a convenient MLA format template that you can use to start your document. To access the template, go to the 'File' menu, select 'New,' and click on 'From template.' In the search bar, type 'MLA' and press enter. Choose the MLA template from the search results, and Google Docs will create a new document with the MLA formatting already applied.

More Essay Writing Tips for Google Docs

While MLA format is essential for academic writing, there are other features in Google Docs that can enhance your essay writing experience. Here are some additional tips:

1. Try Voice Typing

If you prefer speaking over typing, Google Docs offers a voice typing feature that allows you to dictate your essay. Simply go to the 'Tools' menu, select 'Voice typing,' and start speaking. Google Docs will transcribe your words into text in real-time.

2. Speed Up Editing

Google Docs provides various editing tools to help you proofread and edit your essay efficiently. Take advantage of features like 'Find and replace' to quickly make changes throughout your document, and use the 'Review' tools to suggest edits or leave comments for collaborators.

3. Make Your Doc Available Offline

If you're working on your essay without an internet connection, you can enable the offline mode in Google Docs. Go to the 'Settings' menu, select 'Offline,' and toggle the switch to enable offline access. This allows you to continue working on your essay even when you're offline.

4. Use Bookmarks

If you're citing multiple sources in your essay, it can be challenging to keep track of them all. Google Docs' bookmark feature can help you easily navigate between different parts of your document. Simply select the text you want to bookmark, go to the 'Insert' menu, choose 'Bookmark,' and give it a name. You can then click on the bookmark name in the 'Insert' menu to jump to that section of your essay.

5. Consider Add-Ons

Google Docs offers a wide range of add-ons that can enhance your writing experience. Explore the add-ons library to find tools that can help with grammar checking, citation management, and more. Install the add-ons that best suit your needs to streamline your essay writing process.

6. Share or Save Your Doc in the Right Format

Once you've finished writing your essay, it's important to share or save it in the appropriate format. If you need to submit a printed copy, go to the 'File' menu, select 'Download,' and choose the desired file format, such as PDF or Word. If you need to share your essay digitally, click on the 'Share' button in the top-right corner of the screen, enter the email addresses of the recipients, and choose the appropriate sharing permissions.

Summing Up

In conclusion, MLA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing, and knowing how to do MLA format on Google Docs on Chromebook can greatly simplify the process. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can ensure that your essays and papers adhere to the MLA guidelines. Remember to apply one-inch margins, change the font and size, insert a header, and create a Works Cited page. Additionally, take advantage of Google Docs' features like voice typing, editing tools, offline access, bookmarks, and add-ons to enhance your essay writing experience. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well-equipped to produce MLA-formatted documents with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of Experience do you want to share?
A: This blog post focuses on sharing the experience of using MLA format on Google Docs on Chromebook for educational and formal purposes.