MLA Format Essay Template
Free MLA format essay template with examples. Learn proper MLA formatting for headers, citations, and Works Cited. Auto-generate MLA papers with our free tool.
MLA Format Basics
MLA format has specific rules for headers, margins, spacing, citations, and the Works Cited page. Templates from Word or Google Docs often don't match current MLA guidelines.
Header and First Page Setup
Use our MLA format template as a guide and let Assignments Simplify auto-format your essay in MLA style — proper headers, in-text citations, and a perfectly formatted Works Cited page.
In-Text Citations in MLA
Set up your document: 1-inch margins, 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced
Create the header: Last name + page number (top right)
Format the first page: Name, Professor, Course, Date (left-aligned)
Center your title (no bold, underline, or quotation marks)
Use parenthetical in-text citations and build your Works Cited
See It in Action
Example
MLA header format: 'Smith 1' (top right) → 'Jane Smith / Professor Johnson / English 101 / 26 February 2026' (left-aligned) → 'The Impact of Social Media on Youth Identity' (centered title)
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