Introduction
You’re staring at a blank document. Your essay is ready, but you’re unsure how to format the heading. Does your name go first? What about the date format? Should you center anything?
If you’ve ever felt confused about MLA format heading requirements, you’re not alone. Thousands of students struggle with this every semester. The good news is that mastering the MLA format heading is simpler than you think. Once you learn the basic rules, you’ll format your papers correctly every single time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about MLA format headings. You’ll learn exactly what information to include, where to place it, and how to format it properly. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to format any academic paper without second guessing yourself.
What Is MLA Format Heading?
MLA stands for Modern Language Association. It’s a formatting style commonly used in humanities courses like English, literature, and cultural studies. The MLA format heading appears at the top of your first page and provides essential information about you and your paper.
Unlike some other formatting styles, MLA has specific rules about what goes in the heading and how it should look. Following these guidelines shows your instructor that you understand academic writing conventions. It also makes your paper look professional and polished.
The heading serves a practical purpose too. It helps your instructor identify your work quickly. When teachers grade dozens of papers, a properly formatted heading makes their job easier. That attention to detail can set a positive tone before they even read your first sentence.
Basic MLA Format Heading Rules
The standard MLA format heading includes four lines of information. Each line appears in a specific order. You’ll place this heading in the upper left corner of your first page.
Here’s what you need to include:
Your full name goes on the first line. Use your first and last name as they appear in your school records. Middle initials are optional.
Your instructor’s name comes next. Include their title (Professor, Dr., Mr., Ms.) and their last name. If you’re unsure about the proper title, check your syllabus or course materials.
The course name and number appear on the third line. Write out the full course name or use the official abbreviation. Include the section number if applicable.
The date goes on the fourth line. MLA uses a specific date format: day, month, year. Write the month name in full rather than using numbers.
Step by Step MLA Heading Format
Let me break down exactly how to create your MLA format heading. These steps work in any word processor, whether you’re using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or another program.
Setting Up Your Document
Start with a blank document. Set your margins to one inch on all sides. This is usually the default setting, but it’s worth checking. Choose a readable font like Times New Roman in 12 point size.
Make sure double spacing is turned on for your entire document. This applies to your heading too. Don’t add extra spaces between lines in your heading. The double spacing creates enough white space.
Typing Your Heading Information
Place your cursor in the upper left corner. Don’t center anything in the MLA format heading. Everything aligns to the left margin.
Type your full name on the first line. Press Enter to move to the next line.
Type your instructor’s name with the appropriate title. Press Enter again.
Type your course information. If your class is English 101, Section 3, you might write “English 101.3” or “English 101, Section 3.” Both formats work. Press Enter.
Type the date in day month year format. For example, write “7 January 2026” instead of “January 7, 2026” or “1/7/26.”
Adding Your Title
After your heading, press Enter one more time. Now you’ll type your title. Center your title on this line. Don’t underline it, italicize it, or put it in quotation marks unless you’re using someone else’s words.
Capitalize your title properly. Capitalize the first word, the last word, and all major words in between. Don’t capitalize small words like “a,” “an,” “the,” “and,” “but,” “or,” “for,” “nor,” “on,” “at,” “to,” or “by” unless they start or end your title.
After your title, press Enter again. Return to left alignment and begin typing your essay.
MLA Format Heading Example
Here’s what a complete MLA format heading looks like:
Sarah Johnson Professor Martinez English 102 7 January 2026
The Impact of Social Media on Modern Communication
Your essay text would begin here, starting with your introduction paragraph. Notice how everything in the heading aligns to the left. The title is centered and appears after the heading with proper capitalization.
Common MLA Heading Mistakes to Avoid
Even when you know the rules, it’s easy to make small errors. I’ve seen these mistakes countless times when reviewing student papers.
Centering the Heading
One of the most common errors is centering the heading information. Students sometimes think it looks more balanced in the middle of the page. However, MLA style specifically requires left alignment for all heading elements. Only your title should be centered.
Wrong Date Format
Another frequent mistake involves the date. Many students write dates the way they would in casual writing. Remember to write the day first, then the full month name, then the year. No commas are necessary in MLA date format.
Adding Extra Decorations
Some students want to make their titles stand out. They might bold them, underline them, or increase the font size. Don’t do this in MLA format. Your title should use the same font and size as the rest of your paper. The only special formatting is centering it.
Missing or Incorrect Information
Double check that you’ve included all four required lines. Make sure your instructor’s name is spelled correctly and includes the proper title. Verify that your course number matches your syllabus exactly.
MLA Running Head and Page Numbers
In addition to your heading, MLA format requires a running head on every page. This is different from the heading that appears only on your first page.
The running head includes your last name and the page number. It appears in the upper right corner, half an inch from the top of the page. The running head should be in the same font as your paper.
Most word processors let you add headers automatically. In Microsoft Word, double click at the top of your page to open the header area. Type your last name, add a space, and then insert a page number. Right align this information.
Your running head appears on every page, including the first page with your main heading. This helps keep your pages organized if they get separated.
When to Use Different MLA Headings
The standard four line heading works for most academic papers. However, some situations require slight variations.
Group Projects
If you’re working with partners, list all authors’ names on the first line. You can separate names with commas or place each name on its own line. Check with your instructor about their preference.
Papers Without Specific Instructors
Some assignments don’t have a single instructor. For online courses or independent studies, you might write “Online Instructor” or use the course coordinator’s name. Ask for guidance if you’re unsure.
Multiple Courses With Same Instructor
If you’re taking two classes with the same professor, make sure your course information clearly identifies which class the paper belongs to. Include both the course name and section number.
MLA Cover Pages and Headings
Most MLA papers don’t require a separate cover page. The heading on your first page provides all the necessary information. This is one reason MLA format is popular. It saves paper and keeps documents concise.
However, some instructors do request cover pages. If your teacher asks for one, create it according to their specifications. Your standard MLA heading would then appear on the second page where your text begins.
Never assume you need a cover page in MLA format. Always check the assignment guidelines or ask your instructor directly.
Digital Submission and MLA Headings
When you submit papers electronically, your MLA format heading remains important. Don’t skip it just because you’re uploading a file rather than handing in printed pages.
Name your file clearly. Include your last name and a brief description of the assignment. For example: “Johnson_Essay1.docx” or “Johnson_Research_Paper.docx.” This helps your instructor organize submitted work.
Some learning management systems ask you to fill in identifying information separately. You should still include your MLA heading in the document itself. Think of the heading as part of your paper’s content, not just administrative information.
MLA Heading Across Different Word Processors
You can create proper MLA format headings in any word processing program. The steps are similar whether you use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, or another application.
Microsoft Word
In Word, start a new document. Go to the Layout tab and set your margins to one inch. Choose Times New Roman font in 12 point size from the Home tab. Click the line spacing button and select 2.0 for double spacing throughout.
Type your heading in the upper left corner. Use the center alignment button only for your title. Word’s header feature makes adding your running head simple.
Google Docs
Google Docs works almost identically. Open a new document and click File, then Page Setup. Set margins to one inch. Select your font and size from the toolbar. Use the line spacing icon to choose double spacing.
Type your heading and title the same way you would in Word. Access headers through the Insert menu.
Pages for Mac
Pages users can create MLA headings just as easily. Open a new document and access Document settings. Set margins and choose your font. Adjust line spacing in the formatting panel.
The process for typing your heading and adding headers remains consistent across all platforms.
Why MLA Format Heading Matters
You might wonder why such specific formatting rules exist. Can’t you just put your name at the top and move on?
Academic formatting serves important purposes. It creates consistency across papers. When all students follow the same guidelines, instructors can focus on content rather than deciphering different formats. This standardization is valuable in academic communities.
Following MLA format heading rules also demonstrates professionalism. It shows you can follow instructions and pay attention to details. These skills transfer to workplace situations where you’ll need to follow company style guides or industry standards.
Proper formatting makes your work easier to read and reference. If your instructor wants to discuss your paper with you, clear identifying information helps them find it quickly. If your work is ever published or shared, standard formatting helps readers engage with your ideas.
Tips for Remembering MLA Heading Format
Keeping track of formatting rules can feel overwhelming. Here are some strategies that make it easier.
Create a template document with your MLA heading already formatted. Save it with a clear name like “MLA_Template.docx.” When you start a new paper, open this template and save it with a new name. Your heading structure is already there. You just need to update the date and title.
Make a quick reference card with the four heading lines listed in order. Keep this card near your computer or take a photo of it on your phone. Having a visual reminder helps when you’re starting papers late at night.
Practice creates memory. The more papers you write in MLA format, the more automatic it becomes. After a few assignments, you won’t need to look up the rules anymore.
Advanced MLA Heading Considerations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might encounter more complex situations.
Papers With Subtitles
Some essays have subtitles that provide additional context. In MLA format, separate your main title from your subtitle with a colon. Capitalize the first word after the colon, even if it’s a small word.
Example: “Social Media Effects: How Online Platforms Shape Identity”
Very Long Course Names
If your course has an extremely long official name, you can use an accepted abbreviation. For instance, “Introduction to American Literature from the Colonial Period to the Present” might become “Intro to American Literature.” Check with your instructor first.
Multiple Dates
Some assignments span long periods or have different relevant dates. Use the due date or submission date in your heading unless your instructor specifies otherwise.
Adapting MLA Headings for Different Paper Types
The basic MLA format heading works for most essays and research papers. However, different assignment types might need slight adjustments.
Annotated Bibliographies
Your heading remains the same for annotated bibliographies. The only difference comes in your title. You might simply title your paper “Annotated Bibliography” or add a more specific description like “Annotated Bibliography: Climate Change Research.”
Literature Reviews
Literature reviews follow standard MLA heading format. Your title should reflect the specific focus of your review. Be clear about your topic so readers immediately understand your paper’s scope.
Creative Writing
Even creative pieces like short stories or poems submitted for class should include MLA headings when required. Your heading establishes that this is an academic submission. Your creative title comes after the standard heading information.
Checking Your MLA Heading Before Submission
Always review your heading before you submit your paper. Here’s a quick checklist to run through:
Is your name spelled correctly? It sounds basic, but typos happen when you’re rushing.
Does your instructor’s name have the right spelling and title? Double check this against your syllabus.
Is your course information accurate and complete? Verify the course number and section.
Is your date in the correct MLA format? Remember: day, month spelled out, year.
Is everything left aligned except your title? Your title should be the only centered element.
Is your title properly capitalized? Check that you’ve capitalized major words and left small words lowercase.
Is your entire document double spaced? Make sure you didn’t accidentally single space your heading.
Do you have a running head with your last name and page number in the upper right corner?
Taking two minutes to verify these details can prevent unnecessary point deductions.
Conclusion
Mastering the MLA format heading doesn’t require special skills or endless memorization. You simply need to follow a consistent structure: your name, instructor’s name, course information, and date, all left aligned and double spaced. Add a centered title, and you’re ready to write.
These formatting conventions might seem picky at first. However, they serve real purposes in academic writing. They create professional looking documents, make your work easy to identify, and show respect for academic standards.
Now that you understand exactly how to format MLA headings, you can approach every paper with confidence. You won’t waste time second guessing your heading or searching for formatting rules. You can focus your energy where it matters most: developing strong ideas and crafting clear arguments.
What formatting questions do you still have about your academic papers? Drop them in the comments, and let’s figure them out together.
FAQs
Do I need a cover page for MLA format?
No, MLA format typically does not require a separate cover page. The heading on your first page provides all necessary identification information. Only create a cover page if your instructor specifically requests one.
Should I bold or underline my name in the MLA heading?
No, don’t add any special formatting to your name or other heading information. Everything in your heading should appear in regular 12 point font, just like the rest of your paper.
Can I use abbreviations in my MLA heading?
You can use standard abbreviations for titles like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For course names, only use abbreviations if they’re the official course designation. When in doubt, write the full name.
What if I don’t know my instructor’s preferred title?
Check your syllabus or course materials first. If you’re still unsure, use Professor followed by their last name. This is a safe, respectful default for college instructors.
Does the MLA heading go on every page?
No, the four line heading only appears on your first page. However, you do need a running head with your last name and page number in the upper right corner of every page, including the first one.
How do I format the date if the month name is long?
Write the full month name regardless of length. For example, use “September” not “Sept.” MLA format doesn’t use month abbreviations in dates.
Should I include my student ID number in the MLA heading?
Not unless your instructor specifically asks for it. The standard MLA format heading includes only your name, instructor’s name, course information, and date.
What spacing comes after the MLA heading?
After typing your date, press Enter once. Type your centered title. Press Enter again and start your essay. Everything remains double spaced with no extra blank lines.
Can I change the font in my MLA heading?
Your heading should use the same font as the rest of your paper. MLA recommends readable fonts like Times New Roman in 12 point size throughout your entire document.
What if I’m submitting my paper late?
Use the date you actually submit the paper, not the original due date. The date in your heading should reflect when you turned in the assignment.
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