The heading is four lines of course information at the left of page one. The running header is your last name plus an automatic page number at the upper right of every page.
Begin your paper here. The first line of each paragraph is indented one-half inch. Your entire paper, including the heading and title, should be double-spaced.
Continue writing with a clear, readable typeface. Follow any additional instructions provided by your instructor.
Running headerHeadingTitleMLA heading: page one, left
The heading is part of the paper’s body text. It begins at the one-inch top margin and appears only on the first page.
Jordan Lee Professor Rivera English 102 28 September 2026
Running header: every page, right
The running header is inserted in the word processor’s header area. It sits closer to the top edge and repeats automatically.
Lee 1
Why the distinction matters
Putting the four-line heading inside the header area makes it repeat on every page. Putting the page number in the document body prevents it from updating and repeating correctly. Use the right document area for each element.
Create your MLA header
Enter your details once, see the complete first page, then copy or download it.
Open the free generatorFrequently asked questions
Is the paper title part of the MLA heading?
No. The title is centered on its own line immediately after the four-line heading.
Which one do teachers mean by ‘MLA header’?
The phrase is used both ways. Check whether the instruction refers to the page-number line or the four lines on page one.
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.