Learn How to Format an MLA Header (with Examples & Easy Steps)

The MLA header is a key part of formatting your academic paper in MLA style. If you're wondering ​how to do an MLA header​, here's the short answer: An MLA header appears on the top left of the first page and includes your name, instructor's name, course, and date. It's not to be confused with the running head, which appears on every page and contains your last name and page number. Whether you're writing a college essay or a research paper, learning how to format an MLA header properly ensures your work meets academic standards.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about MLA format headers—from what’s included to how to add them in Google Docs and Word. Plus, we’ll show you MLA header examples and the difference between MLA header and heading to make formatting easier.

What is an MLA Header?

The MLA header is the section of a paper formatted according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guidelines. It appears ​only on the first page​, aligned to the left, and includes the following four lines (double-spaced):

1. Your full name
2. Your instructor’s name
3. The course name or number
4. The date (in day month year format, e.g., 6 May 2025)

This differs from the MLA running header (or running head), which appears on every page and includes your last name and the page number, aligned to the right.

MLA Header Example:

Jane Doe
Professor Smith
English 101
6 May 2025

MLA Header vs. MLA Heading: What's the Difference?

Many students confuse the MLA header with the ​MLA heading​, but they serve different functions:

Now that you understand the difference between an MLA heading and header, you might also be wondering how MLA compares to APA. Check out our in-depth comparison here: APA vs MLA: Key Differences

MLA Format Header – Key Rules and Formatting Tips

What is Included in an MLA Header?

• Your name – First and last name, no nicknames.
• Instructor’s name – Be sure to spell it correctly.
• Course – Use the full course title or code.
• Date – Use ​day month year​, not month/day/year.

💡 Tip: The header should be double-spaced, using a readable 12-point font like Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins.

How to Add an MLA Header in Google Docs

Creating an MLA header in Google Docs is simple:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click at the top-left of the first page.
3. Type each of the four header lines.
4. Press "Enter" after each line.
5. Highlight the lines and go to ​Format > Line & Paragraph Spacing > Double​.
6. To add the MLA header and footer (the running head), go to ​Insert > Header & Page number > Page number (top-right)​, and type your last name before the number.

How to Add an MLA Header in Word

To format an ​MLA header in Microsoft Word​:

1. Click at the top of the first page.
2. Enter your MLA header details.
3. Highlight the lines and click ​Paragraph > Line Spacing > Double​.
4. To add the ​MLA running header in Word​, go to ​Insert > Header > Edit Header​, align to the right, and type your last name followed by the page number.

MLA Header Formatting with Multiple Authors

In group assignments, the MLA header with multiple authors should include all names on separate lines in the order they appear on the title page.

Example:

Jane Doe
John Smith
Professor Green
History 202
6 May 2025

MLA Section Headings (for Longer Papers)

To break longer assignments into organized parts, use ​MLA-style section headings​. Follow these tips:

• Use title case (Capitalize Important Words)
• Don’t bold, underline, or italicize
• Left-align all headings
• Optionally number them:
  1. Introduction, 2. Literature Review, etc.

Additional Formatting: MLA Header and Footer

Remember that MLA style requires a header on each page (last name + page number) and a properly formatted title following the main header. The MLA footer isn't used for citations—instead, in-text citations and a Works Cited page are required for sources.

MLA Header for College and High School Papers

Whether you're writing for high school or college, a proper MLA header gives your paper a clean, professional look and ensures it aligns with academic standards. Always check your instructor's preferences, but MLA guidelines are widely accepted and used.

MLA Header Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using your full name instead of just your last name
❌ Forgetting to include page numbers
❌ Putting the header on only the first page
❌ Left-aligning the header instead of right-aligning it

❌ Formatting the heading incorrectly (e.g., centering it or using bold)
❌ Skipping important heading details like instructor or date
❌ Using the wrong date format (MLA uses day month year format: 15 September 2025)

Final Thoughts: Mastering the MLA Header Format

Now you know ​how to do an MLA header​, from setup in Google Docs and ​Word​, to using ​MLA header generators​, and even formatting headers for ​multiple authors​. The MLA header format might seem minor, but it's a crucial detail in creating polished, professional academic work.

So the next time you’re working on an assignment, don’t forget to apply the ​MLA format header​—it could be the difference between an average paper and an excellent one.

Quick FAQ

Q: What is a MLA header?
A: It’s a 4-line section at the top-left of the first page that includes your name, your instructor’s name, course, and date.

Q: How do I format an MLA header in Google Docs?
A: Type the 4 lines on the first page, then double-space them. Add the running head using the header option.

Q: Can I use an MLA header generator?
A: Yes! They’re fast and help ensure accurate formatting.

Need Help Formatting MLA Papers Faster?

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