Converting a Microsoft Word Template to MLA with Google Docs

Converting a Microsoft Word Template to MLA with Google Docs

As an academic writer, working with different formats and styles can be frustrating. If you're accustomed to using Microsoft Word templates but need to switch to the Modern Language Association (MLA) format for your paper, don't worry – converting your document is easier than ever, thanks to Google Docs.

In this article, we'll show you how to convert a Microsoft Word template to MLA format using Google Docs. You'll learn concrete steps and tips to ensure a smooth transition with minimal formatting changes.

Step 1: Open Your Microsoft Word Document in Google Docs

First, open your Microsoft Word document in Google Docs. To do this:

• Go to the Google Drive website (www.google.com/drive) and click on the "New" button.
• Select "Google Docs" from the dropdown menu.
• Upload your Microsoft Word document (.docx) or copy-paste the content into a new Google Doc.

Step 2: Set the Document Type to MLA

To convert your document to MLA format, you'll need to set the document type in Google Docs. To do this:

• Click on the "Tools" menu in the top navigation bar.
• Select "Document settings."
• In the "Format" section, click on the "MLA (8th ed.)" dropdown menu and select it.

Step 3: Apply MLA Indentation

In MLA format, the first line of each paragraph is indented five spaces. To apply this formatting to your document:

• Select all the text in your Google Doc by pressing Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac).
• Click on the "Format" menu in the top navigation bar.
• Select "Paragraph" and then click on the "Indentation" tab.
• Set the "First line indent" to 5 spaces.

Step 4: Change the Citation Style

MLA format uses a specific citation style for sources. To apply this formatting to your document:

• Click on the "Tools" menu in the top navigation bar.
• Select "Document settings."
• In the "References" section, click on the "Citation style" dropdown menu and select MLA (8th ed.).

Step 5: Add an MLA-Style Header

In MLA format, the header includes the student's last name, page number, and title of the paper. To add this formatting to your document:

• Click on the "Format" menu in the top navigation bar.
• Select "Header."
• Set the "Header type" to "MLA header (student's last name, page number)".

Example: Converting a Microsoft Word Template

Suppose you have a Microsoft Word template with the following formatting:

To convert this template to MLA format using Google Docs:

• Open the template in Google Docs.
• Set the document type to MLA (8th ed.).
• Apply MLA indentation to each paragraph.
• Change the citation style to MLA (8th ed.).
• Add an MLA-style header.

By following these steps, you can easily convert your Microsoft Word template to MLA format using Google Docs.

Conclusion

Converting a Microsoft Word document to MLA format is easier than ever with Google Docs. By following these concrete steps and tips, you can ensure a smooth transition with minimal formatting changes. Remember to set the document type to MLA, apply MLA indentation, change the citation style, and add an MLA-style header for professional-looking results.