Modern Language Association (MLA) style is the standard for academic writing in the humanities, specifically within language arts, cultural studies, and literature. For students and researchers, mastering the intricacies of MLA formatting is essential for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that the focus remains on the content rather than the layout. One of the most common areas of confusion for writers is the "header." In MLA terminology, there is a distinct difference between the "Heading" on the first page and the "Running Header" that appears on every page.

Accurate formatting serves as a visual signal of professionalism. When an instructor opens a paper and sees a perfectly aligned MLA header, it immediately establishes the author’s attention to detail and adherence to scholarly conventions. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to construct both the heading and the header, ensuring your document meets the strict standards of the MLA 9th Edition.

Understanding the Distinction Between Heading and Header

Before diving into the specific lines of text, it is crucial to clarify the terminology used in academic formatting. Many users search for "MLA header" when they are actually looking for instructions on the first-page information block.

The First Page Heading

The heading refers to the identification block placed in the top-left corner of the first page only. It identifies the student, the instructor, the course, and the date. It does not repeat on subsequent pages.

The Running Header

The header, or "running head," is a brief identification (last name and page number) located in the top-right corner of every single page of the document, including the first page.

Both of these elements must be formatted in the same font and size as the rest of your paper, which is typically 12-point Times New Roman. Failure to match these fonts is one of the most frequent errors flagged by peer reviewers and professors.

Formatting the MLA First Page Heading

The heading is the first thing a reader sees. It must be double-spaced and left-aligned. There is no need for bold text, underlining, or decorative fonts.

Line 1: Your Full Name

On the very first line of the document, at the 1-inch margin, type your full legal name. Avoid using nicknames unless they are how you are officially registered for the course. Do not include titles like "Student" or "Author."

Line 2: The Instructor’s Name

The second line is reserved for your professor or instructor. It is a matter of professional courtesy and academic standard to include their proper title. If your instructor has a PhD, use "Dr. [Last Name]." If they prefer "Professor," use "Professor [Last Name]." Always double-check the syllabus for the correct spelling of your instructor's name; a misspelled name in the heading can create a negative first impression.

Line 3: Course Name and Number

The third line identifies the specific class for which the paper is written. This usually includes the department code and the course number (e.g., ENGL 101 or English 202). If your course has multiple sections, your instructor may require you to include the section number as well (e.g., ENGL 101-05).

Line 4: The Submission Date

The date in MLA style follows a specific "military" or "international" format: Day Month Year.

  • Correct: 24 October 2025
  • Incorrect: October 24, 2025
  • Incorrect: 10/24/25

Note that there are no commas used in the MLA date format. The month should be spelled out entirely rather than abbreviated.

Designing the MLA Running Header

While the heading identifies the context of the paper, the running header ensures that if the physical pages of your printed essay are separated, they can be easily reassembled.

Placement and Alignment

The running header must be placed 0.5 inches from the top of the page and flush with the right margin. This is distinct from the 1-inch margin used for the main body text. Most modern word processors have a specific "Header" section that allows you to set this distance precisely.

Content of the Header

The header consists of only two elements:

  1. Your Last Name: Only the last name should appear. Do not include your first initial or your full name.
  2. Page Number: A single space follows your last name, succeeded by the page number in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Header Example

On page one, the header would look like this: Doe 1 On page five, the header would look like this: Doe 5

One of the most important technical rules is that the header should be automated. Do not type the page numbers manually on every page. If you add or delete text, manual page numbers will move and end up in the middle of your paragraphs. Use the "Insert Page Number" function in your software to ensure the numbers update automatically.

Global Document Formatting Standards

For the header and heading to look correct, the entire document must adhere to the foundational MLA layout rules.

Font Choice

MLA style is flexible regarding fonts, provided they are legible and clearly distinguish between regular and italicized text. However, Times New Roman 12-point remains the industry standard. Avoid "fancy" fonts or those that are too condensed. Consistency is key: the font in your header must match the font in your body text.

Margins and Spacing

  • Margins: All four sides (top, bottom, left, and right) must have a 1-inch margin. The only exception is the running header, which sits 0.5 inches from the top.
  • Line Spacing: Every part of an MLA paper must be double-spaced. This includes the heading, the title, the body paragraphs, and the Works Cited page. There should be no "extra" spaces between the date and the title, or between paragraphs.

Alignment and Indentation

The main body of the paper should be left-aligned (ragged right edge). Do not use "Justified" alignment, as this creates awkward spacing between words. The first line of every paragraph should be indented 0.5 inches (usually one "Tab" key press).

Setting Up the Title

The title of your paper appears immediately after the date in the heading.

  1. Placement: Center the title on the line following the date.
  2. Formatting: Use standard Title Case (capitalize the first and last words, and all principal words). Do not bold, underline, or italicize the title. Do not put the title in quotation marks.
  3. Exceptions: If your title includes the name of a published work (like a book or a film), that specific portion should be italicized (e.g., Symbolism in The Great Gatsby).

Step-by-Step Technical Instructions

Setting up MLA headers can be tricky depending on the software you use. Below are specific instructions for the three most common platforms.

How to Create an MLA Header in Microsoft Word

  1. Open the Header: Double-click the very top of the page or go to the "Insert" tab and select "Header," then "Edit Header."
  2. Align Right: Go to the "Home" tab and click the "Align Right" button.
  3. Insert Page Number: Go back to the "Header & Footer" tab. Click "Page Number," select "Top of Page," and then "Plain Number 3."
  4. Add Your Last Name: Type your last name and a single space immediately to the left of the page number.
  5. Check Font: Highlight the text in the header. Ensure it is set to Times New Roman, 12pt.
  6. Setup Heading: Double-click out of the header. Ensure the alignment is "Left." Type the four lines of the heading (Name, Instructor, Course, Date).

How to Create an MLA Header in Google Docs

  1. Insert Header: Go to "Insert" > "Headers & footers" > "Header."
  2. Align Right: Use the toolbar to change the alignment to "Right."
  3. Page Numbering: Go to "Insert" > "Page numbers." Choose the icon that shows numbers in the top right of every page.
  4. Add Name: Click to the left of the number, type your last name, and press the spacebar once.
  5. Font Uniformity: Google Docs often defaults to Arial. Select your header text and change it to match your body font (e.g., Times New Roman).
  6. Margins: Ensure "File" > "Page setup" shows 1-inch margins on all sides.

How to Create an MLA Header in Apple Pages

  1. Enable Header: Click in the top margin area to reveal the three header boxes.
  2. Insert Page Number: Click in the right-most box. Choose "Insert Page Number."
  3. Format: Type your last name before the number.
  4. Global Styles: Ensure the "Document" sidebar reflects 1-inch margins and that the font matches your main text style.

Handling Special Cases and Variations

While the standard format covers 90% of situations, academic life often presents unique scenarios that require slight adjustments to the MLA header and heading.

Papers with Multiple Authors

If you are submitting a group project, the heading changes slightly. Instead of one name on the first line, list each author in alphabetical order by last name, each on its own line. Alternatively, for very large groups, some instructors prefer a separate title page, though this is not standard MLA. For the running header, if there are two authors, list both (e.g., Smith and Jones 1). If there are three or more, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (e.g., Smith et al. 1).

Long Course Titles

If your course name is exceptionally long (e.g., "Advanced Theoretical Perspectives on Post-Modernist Literature in the 20th Century"), it is acceptable to use the department code and number (ENGL 450) or a shortened version of the title that is still recognizable. Consistency with the course syllabus is the best rule of thumb.

Absence of an Instructor

If you are writing for a publication or a competition where no specific instructor is assigned, you may omit the second line of the heading. In this case, the third line (the course or publication name) moves up to the second line.

Multi-Volume or Long Essays

For very long papers or dissertations, your instructor might request a separate title page. If a title page is used, the first page of the actual text will still require the running header (Last Name 1), but you would typically omit the four-line heading from the first page of text, as that information is already on the title page.

Common MLA Header Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned writers occasionally slip up on formatting. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save you from unnecessary point deductions.

  1. Incorrect Date Format: Using the American format (October 24th, 2025) instead of the MLA format (24 October 2025). Never use the "th" or "st" suffixes in the date.
  2. Manual Page Numbers: Typing "Smith 1" at the top of the page text rather than using the header tool. This will cause the text to jump around if you edit the paper.
  3. Mismatched Fonts: Using the default font for the header (like Calibri or Arial) while the body of the paper is in Times New Roman.
  4. Extra Spacing: Adding extra blank lines between the heading and the title, or between the title and the first paragraph. The "Double Space" setting should be uniform throughout.
  5. Punctuation in Headers: Adding a comma between the last name and the page number (e.g., Smith, 1). This is incorrect in MLA; it should simply be a space.
  6. "Page" or "p." Abbreviation: Using "Smith p. 1" or "Page 1." MLA requires only the number.

Summary of MLA Formatting Essentials

To ensure your paper is compliant with MLA 9th Edition standards, use the following checklist:

  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides (Top, Bottom, Left, Right).
  • Font: Legible font (Times New Roman preferred), 12-point.
  • Spacing: Double-spaced throughout, including the heading and Works Cited.
  • First Page Heading: Top-left corner, four lines (Name, Instructor, Course, Date).
  • Running Header: Top-right corner, 0.5 inches from top, includes Last Name and Page Number.
  • Title: Centered, Title Case, no bold or italics.
  • Paragraphs: Indented 0.5 inches.

Adhering to these rules might seem tedious at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. Most importantly, it demonstrates that you are a serious scholar who respects the conventions of your field. By removing formatting distractions, you allow your arguments and evidence to take center stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the correct font for an MLA header?

The font for the header must be the same as the body of your paper. While MLA does not mandate a specific font, 12-point Times New Roman is the standard. If you use Arial for your paper, your header must also be in Arial.

Does the running header appear on the first page?

Yes. According to standard MLA guidelines, the running header (Last Name 1) should appear on the first page and every subsequent page. However, some instructors specifically request that it be omitted from the first page. Always check your syllabus first.

Should I bold the title of my paper?

No. The title should be in the same 12-point font as the rest of your text, centered, with no bolding, underlining, or quotation marks.

How do I format a date if I don't know the exact submission day?

Use the date you anticipate submitting the assignment. If the date changes by a day or two, it is generally not a major issue, but the format (Day Month Year) must remain consistent.

What if I have a very long last name for the running header?

Include your full last name. Do not abbreviate it. The header should be able to accommodate even long hyphenated last names without an issue.

Is the header the same as the Works Cited page header?

Yes. The running header (Last Name and page number) continues onto the Works Cited page. For example, if your essay ends on page 5, your Works Cited page will be page 6 and should have a header that says "Lastname 6."

Should the heading be on every page?

No. The four-line heading (Name, Instructor, Course, Date) appears only on the first page of the document.

How do I handle a paper with two instructors?

List both instructors on the second line of the heading, or give each their own line if they have different titles (e.g., Professor Smith and Dr. Jones).

What is the margin for the header?

The running header should be 0.5 inches from the top of the paper, while the main body text starts 1 inch from the top.

Can I use a header generator?

Header generators are useful tools for checking your work, but it is better to learn how to set it up manually in your word processor. This ensures you have full control over the formatting and font consistency, which generators sometimes get wrong.