MLA 8th Edition Paper Formatting Guidelines

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used for academic writing in the humanities. The 8th edition, published in 2016, introduced significant changes from previous editions, focusing on simplification and flexibility. This guide outlines the essential elements of MLA paper formatting according to the 8th edition.

General Paper Formatting

• Use white, 8 x 11-inch paper
• Double-space the entire paper, including quotations, notes, works cited page
• Use 12-point Times New Roman font
• Set 1-inch margins on all sides
• Indent the first line of each paragraph inch from the left margin
• Use only one space after periods or other punctuation marks
• Number all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner
• Use italics for titles of longer works (books, journals, entire websites)
• Use quotation marks for titles of shorter works (articles, poems, songs)

First Page Formatting

MLA does not require a title page. Instead, include a heading in the upper left corner of the first page with the following details:

1. Your name
2. Your instructor's name
3. The course name or number
4. The date in Day Month Year format

Double-space again and center your title using standard capitalization. Do not italicize, underline, or place your title in quotation marks. Write the title in Title Case, not all capital letters.

In-Text Citations

MLA uses parenthetical citations to document sources. The basic format includes the author's last name and the page number:

Author-Page Style

• When the author is named in your text, include only the page number in parentheses:

• When the author is not mentioned in your text, include both the name and page number:

Multiple Authors

• Two authors: (Author and Author 23)
• Three or more authors: (Author et al. 23)

No Author

Use a shortened version of the title in quotation marks or italics:

Electronic Sources

For online sources without page numbers, include only the author's name or a shortened title. For numbered paragraphs, use "par." or "pars.":

Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper on a separate page. Include only sources you actually cited in your paper:

• Center the title "Works Cited" (do not italicize or bold)
• Double-space all entries, with no extra spaces between entries
• Begin each entry flush with the left margin
• Indent subsequent lines inch (hanging indent)
• Alphabetize entries by the author's last name
• Include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for electronic sources

Core Elements of MLA Citations

The 8th edition introduced a standard template that can be adapted to any source:

Book Citations

Journal Article Citations

Website Citations

Quotes and Quotations

Short Quotations

For quotations fewer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, enclose them in quotation marks and incorporate them into your text:

Long Quotations

For quotations longer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse:

• Begin the quotation on a new line
• Indent 1 inch from the left margin
• Maintain double-spacing
• Omit quotation marks
• Place the citation after the closing punctuation

Abbreviations

In MLA style, use abbreviations sparingly. Common abbreviations include:

• Chapter: ch.
• Page(s): p./pp.
• Volume(s): vol./vols.
• Number: no.
• Edition: ed.
• Editor(s): ed./eds.
• Translator(s): trans./trans.
• Revised: rev.
• Forward: fwd.
• No publisher given: n.p.
• No date given: n.d.

Numbers

MLA style recommends:

• Spelling out numbers that can be written in one or two words (one, thirty-six, ninety-nine)
• Using numerals for numbers that require more than two words (101, 1,275, 3)
• Always using numerals for dates, measurements, percentages, decimals, and precise statistical data
• Beginning sentences with words rather than numerals (Twenty students participated, not 20 students participated)

Tables and Figures

For tables, figures, and illustrations:

• Number them sequentially (Table 1, Table 2)
• Use a descriptive caption or title
• Place the label and caption flush left
• Include source information below the table or figure
• Refer to them in the text by their numbers

Digital Formatting Considerations

When preparing MLA papers for digital submission:

• Use PDF format when possible to preserve formatting
• Include hyperlinks for web sources
• Embed images directly into the document
• Maintain consistent font and formatting throughout
• Ensure proper spacing and margins are preserved in the digital format

Mastering MLA 8th edition formatting requires attention to detail and practice. These guidelines provide the foundation for properly formatted academic papers that demonstrate scholarly rigor and respect for intellectual property. The simplified approach of the 8th edition makes it easier to create consistent citations across a wide variety of source types while maintaining academic integrity.