Add the running header at the upper right, type the four-line heading at the left, center your title, and begin the indented first paragraph on the next double-spaced line.
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 headerHeadingTitleFirst-page order
Set page margins and spacing first, then add each element in this sequence.
- ✓ Running header: last name and page number
- ✓ Student name
- ✓ Instructor name
- ✓ Course
- ✓ Date
- ✓ Centered paper title
- ✓ Indented first paragraph
Title styling
Use title-style capitalization. Do not add bold, underlining, italics, quotation marks, or a larger font merely to decorate the title. Apply italics or quotation marks only when the title itself contains the title of another work that calls for them.
Start the body
Begin the first paragraph on the line after the title. Keep double spacing and indent the first line one-half inch. Do not insert extra blank lines.
Create your MLA header
Enter your details once, see the complete first page, then copy or download it.
Open the free generatorFrequently asked questions
Should I write ‘Page 1’ in an MLA paper?
No. The running header normally uses only your last name and the page number.
Should the first paragraph start below an extra blank line?
No. Start on the next double-spaced line after the title.
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.