Setting the Citation Style in Google Docs for MLA Format

Setting the Citation Style in Google Docs for MLA Format

===========================================================

As a student working on an academic paper, converting Microsoft Word documents to MLA format is essential. Google Docs provides a convenient alternative, allowing you to maintain your existing document structure while adhering to the required citation style. In this article, we will guide you through setting up the MLA citation style in Google Docs, ensuring that your work meets the necessary formatting standards.

Tip 1: Accessing the Citation Styles in Google Docs

To start with MLA format in Google Docs, follow these steps:

• Open a new document or open an existing Microsoft Word file in Google Docs.
• Click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the screen and select "Citation style."
• In the Citation style dialog box, click on the "MLA" dropdown menu to apply the corresponding citation style.

Alternatively, you can also access the citation styles by clicking on the "File" menu, selecting "Settings," then "Document style," and finally choosing "MLA."

Tip 2: Understanding MLA Format Headings

In MLA format, headings are formatted differently for each type of heading. Here's how to set up headings in Google Docs:

• Main title: The main title should be centered and in title case (capitalize the first word and major words).

Set font size to 18 points

Font Size: 18 pt

Apply title case formatting

Title Case:

*   **Page number**: Include page numbers on each page, starting with the first page. Use a superscript number for the main title and page numbers.
    ```bash
# Insert a superscript number for the main title
 Superscript Number:

# Insert page numbers in MLA format

# Set font size to 12 points
Font Size: 12 pt

• Subheadings: Use a smaller font (10-12 points) and italicize subheadings. Center them and capitalize the first word of each line.

Apply italic formatting for subheadings

Italic Font:

### Tip 3: Setting Up In-Text Citations

In MLA format, in-text citations are used to credit sources within the text. To set up in-text citations in Google Docs:

*   **Author-page number**: Use the author's last name and page numbers (if applicable) separated by a space, with no comma.
    ```bash
# Set font size to 12 points
Font Size: 12 pt

# Insert an in-text citation for a source
 Source Citation:

• Multiple authors: For sources with multiple authors, list all the authors' names separated by commas. If there are 6 or more authors, use "et al."

List multiple authors with commas

Multiple Authors:

Use et al. if there are 6 or more authors

Multiple Authors:

### Tip 4: Formatting Works Cited Entries

Works Cited entries are used to list sources in the reference list at the end of your paper. To set up a Works Cited entry in Google Docs:

*   **General format**: Use the author's last name and page numbers (if applicable), separated by a period.
    ```bash
# Set font size to 12 points
Font Size: 12 pt

# Insert a Works Cited entry for a source
Works Cited:

• Book formatting: For book sources, use the title in title case, and include the publication medium (e.g., print or digital).

Apply title case formatting

Title Case:

Include publication medium

Set font size to 12 points

Font Size: 12 pt

*   **Online source formatting**: For online sources, use the author's last name and page numbers (if applicable), separated by a period. Include the URL or DOI.
    ```bash
# Insert an online source citation
 Online Source:

Tip 5: Finalizing Your Document

Once you've formatted your document according to MLA guidelines, make sure to:

• Save as Google Docs: Always save your documents in Google Docs format to ensure automatic citations and formatting updates.
• Check for errors: Carefully review your document for any formatting or citation errors before submitting it.

By following these practical tips, you can easily convert your Microsoft Word documents to MLA format using Google Docs.