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How to set up an APA format paper in Google Docs

• How to use Google Docs' APA format templates

How to write an APA format paper in Google Docs using a template or other built-in features

• You can write an APA formatted paper in Google Docs using its built-in tools or a template.
• The basics of APA 7 format include double-spaced lines, a running header, and a title page — all of which can be done in Google Docs.
• Google Docs' templates page includes pre-made APA 6 and APA 7 documents you can use as well.

While some students write in MLA format, others write in APA format. APA — short for American Psychological Association — is a standardized format for writing academic papers, especially in the fields of sociology, psychology, and other behavioral or social sciences. It has specific rules for what your essays should look like, and how they should be structured.

APA format has changed a few times over the decades (right now we're on APA Seventh Edition, or "APA 7"), but the basics have stayed the same. And no matter which version of APA format you're using, you can set it all up using Google Docs.

Here's how to make an APA essay in Google Docs, either manually or using a template.

Like other style guides, APA format has a variety of rules and standards. Here are the most important guidelines for structuring your paper, along with tips on how to meet those guidelines in Google Docs.

• The font needs to be readable and consistent.

APA isn't strict about what font you should use, or even what size it should be. It just needs to be legible, and you need to use the same font throughout your entire paper (with exceptions for figures, computer code, and footnotes). Some common choices are 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, and 11-point Calibri.

You can change your font and font size using the toolbar at the top of the screen. If you're trying to change text that you've already written, just be sure to highlight it first.

• Your entire document needs to have one-inch margins and double-spaced lines.

All Google Docs documents have one-inch margins by default, so you probably don't need to worry about that. If you want to double-check or change them anyway, you can change the margins using the Page Setup menu or ruler feature .

Meanwhile, you can enable double-spacing with the Line & paragraph spacing menu in the toolbar above your document. Highlight all the text in your document, then select Double in this menu to turn on double-spacing . 

• Every page needs a header with the paper's title in the top-left, and the page number in the top-right.

Google Docs lets you add headers to any page. You can add automatic page numbers through the Insert menu , and then double-click the header to add your title on the left if needed.

Remember that they need to be the same font and font size as the rest of your paper.

• Your paper needs a title page with your name, paper title in bold, "institutional affiliation," and more.

Probably the most important part of an APA paper is the title page. It needs to include the paper's title in bold, your name, and your "institutional affiliation" — the school or organization that you're writing for. If you're a student, you also need to add the course number and name, your instructor's name, and the due date.

All this information should be centered in the upper-half of the first page. You can find Google Docs' alignment options in the toolbar at the top of the page. Highlight your text and select Center align in this menu to center everything.

• Your paper should end with a References page, and each entry should be written with a hanging indent.

The last section of your paper is the References page. Make sure to put it on a new page (or pages, depending on how many you have to cite).

The word "References" should be centered and bolded on the very first line of the page. You can center the words using the alignment options mentioned above, and bold it by clicking the B icon .

List all your references in alphabetical order and use the ruler to give each one a hanging indent — in other words, every line after the first needs to be indented .

Your citations need hanging indents, which you can make with the ruler tool. Google; William Antonelli/Insider

How to use google docs' apa format templates.

While you can format your paper manually, Google Docs also offers two different APA templates — one for APA 7, and another for APA 6. These templates will let you meet most of the APA guidelines right away, but you'll probably still need to change some of it.

To use one of these templates:

1. Head to the Google Docs homepage and click Template gallery in the top-right.

2. Scroll down the templates page until you reach the Education section. In this section, click either Report [APA 6th ed] or Report [APA 7th ed] .

3. A page will open with an APA format paper already written in fake Lorem Ipsum language. Most of the formatting is there, so you just need to replace the pre-written words with your own.

You can find these templates in the mobile app by tapping the plus sign icon in the bottom-right, and then selecting Choose template .

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Formatting a Research Paper: The Google Docs Way

As educational institutions move towards a more collaborative and technology-based approach to learning, the need for students to become familiar with the use of digital tools for completing assignments is becoming increasingly important. Google Docs is one such tool which can be used in conjunction with other software programs such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Pro to create professional quality research papers. This article provides an overview of how formatting a research paper using Google Docs can enhance student productivity while maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision. Topics discussed include setting up document features, organizing sources within the text, applying styles, formatting citations correctly according to accepted guidelines, and sharing documents securely online.

I. Introduction to Formatting a Research Paper in Google Docs

Ii. advantages of using the google suite for writing and formating papers, iii. accessing an existing document or creating a new one within the platform, iv. a step-by-step guide to formatting your research paper utilizing the features of google docs, v. customizing margins, fonts, and spacing for optimal reading comfort, vi. making use of different styles and headings to make your content easier to follow, vii. finishing touches: checking spelling & grammar; inserting citations; and exporting/downloading your finished work.

Formatting Your Research Paper in Google Docs Google Docs is a powerful and user-friendly platform for creating and formatting research papers. This guide will walk you through the steps of setting up your document to make sure that it follows all of the standard academic requirements, such as margins, font size, line spacing, title page information and more. It can also help you ensure consistency throughout your paper by utilizing its helpful features like numbered lists and bolded headings.

To get started with formatting a research paper using Google Docs first create an account if necessary. Next open or create a new document within “My Drive”. Be sure to start with the correct type; from there select either “blank” or choose one of their many templates available specifically tailored towards writing essays or scholarly work including MLA format research paper template google docs or APA style templates which include running headers & footers along with other specifications needed for college level assignments

Real Time Collaboration Google Suite’s cloud-based functionality makes it easier for students to work together on projects, even if they are located in different parts of the world. By syncing documents and allowing multiple users to access them at the same time, Google Drive facilitates collaboration that can help turn an average paper into something more impressive. And by providing a chat window within each document as well as version control capabilities—which track every change made to any part of a paper—students have unprecedented ways to communicate with each other about their written assignments.

Simple Formatting & Styling Tools For those without much experience formatting papers according to style guidelines (e.g., APA or MLA), fear not! The Google Suite offers features like Heading Styles and Line Spacing which make writing research papers simpler than ever before. Students can also use templates in applications like Google Docs , making it easy for them quickly create outlines and adhere to standard format requirements while saving valuable time on tedious tasks such as setting page margins.

• No longer do you need expert knowledge of Microsoft Word.

. Additionally, basic styling tools enable novice writers perfect their professional presentation skills by adding stylistic elements such as italics or bolds with ease . All these features come together seamlessly so that students get the most out of their writing process regardless of how familiar they are with advanced word processing software

Users of the platform can easily create a new document or access an existing one. With the help of Google Docs , users have multiple options for creating and editing their documents:

• Create from scratch, using Google’s powerful online word processor.
• Start with an existing template to get you going in the right direction.

Once they’ve chosen which type of document to work on, users are then able to customize it however they want by adding text, images, videos and other forms of media. For more advanced projects like research papers or presentations, there are plenty of tools available for formatting them according to academic standards – including predefined templates specifically designed for different types of formats such as APA or MLA. Furthermore, features like revision history and sharing capabilities make it easy to collaborate with others on projects while ensuring that everyone is working off the same version.

Creating a Research Paper Format with Google Docs Creating the perfect research paper format can be daunting. But with Google Docs, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! Here is a step-by-step guide to formatting your document using all of its features:

1) Begin by opening up an empty Document in Google Docs. 2) To ensure that you are utilizing proper research paper format, use the built in Heading styles – Heading 1 for your title; and Heading 2 and 3 for subsequent sections throughout your work. This will keep all the titles consistent throughout. 3) With text highlighted, choose whether or not you’d like it to be bolded or italicized – both options are available within Google Docs. Additionally, there are many other font sizes and colors available if desired. 4) Utilize unnumbered lists when outlining items such as points or steps within each section. 5) Insert images into documents directly from either Bing Image search results or saved pictures already uploaded onto Drive (Google’s cloud storage). You also have complete control over placement on page and size adjustments of images.. 6 ) Incorporate tables to show numerical data related to your topic. 7 ) Add hyperlinks so readers can quickly access information related to topics presented in your writing. Once completed, double check links before submitting finished product – this ensures accuracy . 8 ) After these basic formatting tasks are completed , utilize ‘research tools’ feature located at top right corner : just highlight any word in article , click ‘Research Tools’ icon & relevant sources appear immediately below selection ! It ‘ s never been easier reference materials while composing one’ s own thoughts ..

By following these simple instructions found above , users should find no difficulty completing their very own professional looking research papers while utilizing only the powerful capabilities provided through google docs !

For a reader to have optimal reading comfort, customizing the document’s margins, fonts and spacing is essential. When looking at a research paper format on Google Docs for instance, we see that some of these settings are pre-configured.

• Margins: 1 inch all around
• Font: Times New Roman size 12

Spacing: Double spaced throughout; no extra spaces between paragraphs or sections. .

As you write a paper, it is important to think about how your readers will process the information. By using different styles and headings, you can help make your content easier for them to follow.

One of the most effective techniques for structuring content in research papers is through the use of Google Docs’ Research Paper Format. This format provides an outline structure which enables easy navigation between sections as well as adding visual cues that draw attention to key points or areas of interest. For example, each section heading should be bold and have its own number; subheadings within those sections can then be denoted with bullets or other symbols:

• Subheading 1
• Subheading 2

. Additionally, when introducing new topics in a paragraph, begin with an interesting sentence that captures readers’ attention so they are more likely to stay engaged throughout your writing. To further break up text-heavy material into easily digestible chunks while keeping main ideas clearly visible on the page, consider utilizing lists – both numbered and unnumbered -to present sequential steps in processes such as experiments or summarizing arguments/discussions that otherwise could become difficult for readers to understand due their lengthiness . When done correctly these features add depth and clarity allowing any reader unfamiliar with topic at hand engage quickly without becoming overwhelmed by volumes of dense textual content. Ultimately ensuring all elements work together harmoniously yields concise yet comprehensive documents; this serves not only benefit current audiences but also may create lasting impressions among future viewers who come across materials long after original authors may have forgotten how certain things were originally structured!

It’s finally time to take your hard work and turn it into something tangible. Now that you’ve finished your research paper, all that remains is to check for any errors in spelling and grammar, add the correct citations, then download/export the file as a PDF or other accepted format.

As far as checking for mistakes goes, Google Docs , Microsoft Word (or other similar applications) have spell-checkers available which can help identify misspelled words or incorrect punctuation. Once these are corrected be sure double-check with an online grammar tool such as Grammarly so no mistakes slip through the cracks. After this final step has been completed inserting citations should be easy; there are numerous citation generators available depending on what type of research paper you’re writing such as MLA 8th Edition Format Generator or APA 7th Edition Format Generator – even Google Scholar provides access to properly formatted references based on peer review articles from its database! Finally save/download your document using either a .docx (Microsoft Word), .odt (OpenOffice Writer) or .pdf(Adobe Acrobat Reader).

At the end of this article, it is hoped that readers now have a better understanding of how to format a research paper using Google Docs. With its user-friendly platform and extensive range of features, Google Docs provides an excellent platform for researching and crafting academic papers in an organized manner. As academics continue to embrace technology into their writing process, tools like Google Docs are becoming increasingly important for students hoping to take advantage of digital resources while maintaining scholarly standards. By having a comprehensive knowledge on how to use the functionality within these programs they can save time and improve productivity during all stages of the research paper drafting process.

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How to Use APA Format in Google Docs

Format any academic paper with ease

In This Article

Jump to a Section

What Is APA Format?

• Step-by-Step: Use the APA Template in Google Docs
• Use APA Format on Google Docs

Formatting References for APA Style

In-text citations for apa style.

• Frequently Asked Questions

If you use Google Docs for academic writing, then you'll likely need to be familiar with APA format. While you can use a Google Docs template , it also helps to know how to set up APA format in Google Docs manually, too.

Instructions in this article apply to the web version of Google Docs. The steps are the same for all web browsers and operating systems .

Your instructor might have specific requirements, but most papers in APA format should include the following:

• Double-spaced text with no extra spaces between paragraphs.
• Size 12 Times New Roman font, or a similarly legible font.
• One-inch page margins on all sides.
• A header that includes the title of your paper and the page number.
• A title page that includes the title of your paper, your name, and your school's name.
• Body paragraphs begin with a 1/2 inch indent.
• A References page at the end of the paper.
• In-text citations for specific quotes or facts.

The Google Doc APA template includes headings that you may or may not need. For example, your instructor might not require a 'Methodology' or 'Results' section. The American Psychological Association's website has the official guidelines for APA style .

How to Use the APA Template in Google Docs

Google Docs offers several templates that automatically format your documents. To set up the APA template in Google Docs:

Open a new document and select File > New > From template .

The template gallery will open in a separate browser tab. Scroll down to the Education section and select Report APA .

If you need to set up MLA format in Google Docs , there's also a template for that.

A new document will open containing dummy text in APA format. With the proper formatting already in place, you just need to change the words. If there are sections you don't need, delete them.

How to Do APA Format on Google Docs

Since the template can be a little confusing, you should understand how to set up APA style in Google Docs step-by-step. Once you format your paper, you can save it to use as your own personal template for the future:

Change the font to Times New Roman and the font size to 12 .

Google Docs uses 1-inch margins all round by default, so you don't need to change the margins.

Select Insert > Headers & footers > Header .

You can easily change and remove headers on Google Docs at any time.

The font for the header will revert to the default, so change it to  12 point   Times New Roman and type the title of your paper in all caps.

You can use a shortened version of your title if it is particularly long.

Select Insert > Page numbers > Page count .

Move the text cursor to the left side of the page number and press the spacebar or tab key until it is aligned with the top-right margin, then check the box under Different first page .

The text you entered will disappear from the first page, but it will appear on subsequent pages. Type Running head: followed by a space, then type your title in all caps.

Type the number 1 , then move the text cursor to the left side of the page number and press the spacebar or tab key until it is aligned with the top-right margin.

Make sure the font is set to the same font as the rest of your text.

Click or tap anywhere below the header, then select  Format  >  Line Spacing  >  Double .

Alternately, select the  Line spacing  icon in the toolbar at the top of the page and choose  Double .

Press the Enter key until the text cursor is about mid-way down the page and select Center Align .

Type the paper’s full title, your full name, and your school’s name on separate lines.

Select Insert > Break > Page Break to start a new page.

Select Center Align and type Abstract .

Press Enter , select Left Align .

Select Tab to indent, then type your abstract.

Google Doc's default ident of 0.5 inches is appropriate for APA format.

Select Insert > Break > Page Break to start a new page, then press the  Tab  key and begin typing the body of your paper. Begin each new paragraph with an indent.

You can set custom indents in Google Docs using the ruler tool.

When you're finished with the body of your paper, select  Insert  >  Break  >  Page Break  to create a new page for your references.

At the end of your paper, there should be a separate page that begins with the word “References” (without quotation marks) centered below the heading. The appropriate format for each reference depends on the type of source. For instance, use the following format to reference articles found on the web:

• Author last name, first name (year, month day). Title. Publication. URL.

So, an online news article can be referenced as follows:

• Kelion, Leo (2020, May 4). Coronavirus: UK contact-tracing app is ready for Isle of Wight downloads. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52532435 .

Your references should be alphabetized by the author's last name, and each entry needs a hanging indent , which means that every line after the first one is indented.

APA style also requires in-text citations. Follow all facts or quotes with a citation in the format (Author last, publication year, p. #) after the quote or before the sentence's end punction. For example:

• (Atwood, 2019, p. 43)

You can omit the page number if you're referencing an entire work.

The American Psychological Association website has more examples of references in APA style .

Select Insert from the Google Docs menu bar, followed by Table . From the pull-down menu, choose the number of rows and columns for your table (1x1 minimum, 20x20 maximum). Remove all vertical lines in the table by selecting them, then select the Border Color tool and choose a color that matches the table background. Do the same for the horizontal lines, except when those lines are needed for data clarity. Type the number of the table (in bold) above the table, then type the table's title in title case (and in italics) below that. Include any relevant notes below the table.

Change the formatting of citations that have already been written to APA by selecting Tools from the menu bar, followed by Citations . A citation format sidebar will appear on the right side of the screen. Select APA from the drop-down menu to have Google Docs change your citation format accordingly.

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Apa and mla templates for google docs.

Here are two Google Docs templates you can use for APA or MLA formatted papers. The templates are View Only, so you will need to make a copy if you want to use one. Click the Use Template button in the upper right corner to make a copy. 

These templates have headers, page numbers, margins, fonts and line spacing already set up for you. Just make a copy and type over the filler text. 

APA Template Google Doc

MLA Template Google Doc

References and Citations

Google Docs also has a Citation tool to help you format your bibliography and in-text citations. You can find it in the menu under Tools=>Citations . Here is a short video showing the process:

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So Many Papers, so Little Time

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6 Tips for Writing Your Thesis in Google Docs

The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, which means it’s officially spring time. This is good news for just about everyone… except those with a looming thesis deadline.

If you’re pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD, you’re either feeling very good or very not-so-good right about now. For some of you, no words have yet made it onto the page. That’s okay! We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help.

One thing you may or may not have considered yet is where you’re going to be writing your thesis. Sure, Microsoft Word is the obvious choice. But is it the best one? There are a lot of problem with Words including feature bloat, incompatibilities between versions and operating systems and   plain old crashes . If you’ve ever considered Word to be the bane of your existence (and who hasn’t?), you may want to consider a simple cloud-based alternative like Google Docs. You’ll be able to work from anywhere, including offline, and barring circumstances of an apocalyptic proportion, you’ll never lose your work. Sounds like a win-win.

If you decide to make the Google Docs plunge for something as important as your thesis, arguably your magnum opus , here are a few tips for making the transition a success.

1. Enable Offline Access

If you chose Google Docs as your go-tool for your thesis you likely to belong to a generation who is online all time. But there are occasionally moments when you are cut off from the internet and want to work on your thesis. You can enable offline access to your Google Docs simply by checking a box in your Google Drive settings . To make all other files in your Google Drive available offline you can   set up desktop sync . Got a long flight coming up? Work on your thesis. Internet’s down at the local coffee shop? Work on your thesis. Commute by train? Work on your thesis. You get the drift. Don’t set up barriers to keep you from getting work done - take action to bring them down.

2. Decide on an Organizational Structure Ahead of Time

Lets face it: your thesis is going to be a big, unruly document. So big in fact, that it probably makes more sense to break it down in manageable chunks while you’re in the development phase. That means setting up different folders and documents based on how your thesis will be organized.

The way you do this can, and should, vary based on the needs of your project and the way that you like to write. One simple way to do it is to break up your document by section of your thesis, so that you have a Google Doc for each of the following: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, and Conclusion. Alternatively, you may also choose to keep all of your sections in one document, and take advantage of Google Doc’s new outline feature to move from place to place.

Another way to organize your documents is by theme. If you have topics that cross over sections, this may be the most sensible option. You take the big ideas out of your thesis and write about them one by one. For example, for my thesis in Education, I cover topics like Community of Inquiry, Online Learning, Personality, etc., and I make a document for each of those. When the time comes to pull them all together, I know where to find each of my arguments.

Whatever you do, it’s important to make a decision ahead of time and stick to it . This allows you to keep the same organizational structure across all of your apps. Just like you have the same days of the week across all of your calendars, having your citation management system in the same format as your Google Docs makes life infinitely simpler. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Decide on a Citation Management System

Have you kept track of your sources manually up until now? It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Your thesis will be the biggest document you’ve ever managed, and quite possibly the biggest document you ever will manage. No sane person keeps track of hundreds of sources by hand . There’s no need to make more work for yourself, and it’s just plain ludicrous if you have a looming deadline.

You have a ton of options to choose from in this arena. Whatever system you decide to work with, whether it’s a simple add-on to Google Docs or a comprehensive PDF management system, make sure it integrates with your workflow . If it’s a pain to enter data, you won’t do it, and you’ll be left with glaring gaps of information at the end of your project. Keep it simple, and keep it smart.

4. Clean up Your Digital Workspace

One of the many benefits to using Google Docs to write a thesis is that you don’t have to constantly move between windows to get things done. Most of your research is done in-browser, and your writing belongs right next to it. But with great power comes great responsibility. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by the magic of the Internet. This is why you should make every effort to keep your digital workspace as tidy as your physical one.

What does this mean? For starters, it means making an assessment of the apps and websites you regularly use to do your research, take notes, and write your thesis. Now jot down a list of these. Go into Chrome (or your preferred browser) and pin them . Pinning a tab keeps it open, neatly organized in the left of your browser window, and unclosable. So everything you need is always handy.

5. Make Use of Add-ons

A few years ago, Google Docs might have seemed like a poor-man’s Microsoft Word. But the platform has become increasingly sophisticated over the years, to the point that some now say it surpasses traditional desktop tools. What takes it to the next level? Add-ons, of course. The Google Docs add-on store is full of helpful apps for students, with more being added every day.

Some particular ones to take note of include AutoLaTeX for statistical equations and Thesaurus for when you’ve used the word “nuance” too many times. Paperpile also offers a free citation generator for Google Docs that makes it a breeze to find, cite, and style academic sources within your document.

6. Leave Time to Make it Pretty

One thing Google Docs cannot do is make a truly visually striking document. It suffers from the same limitations that all WYSIWYG editors do - it can’t be both easy to use and complicated to produce. Ever notice how the paper you converted into PDF from Microsoft Word looks nothing like the journal article you downloaded? The spacing, the balance, all the small details that go into putting together a visually appealing document are lost with WYSIWYG authoring. Google Docs is no different, and it isn’t intended to be. It’s an amazing collaborative and drafting tool. But when it comes to the final product, you can and should go the extra mile into making it look good. This is your magnum opus, remember?

There are many ways to go about this. Many scientists use the programming language LaTeX to create elegant research papers. If the idea of coding seems intimidating, look into a publishing program like Adobe InDesign . Whatever you choose, get comfortable with it before your project is done. And give yourself a solid week to turn the final product into one you’ll be proud of. Will it turn a satisfactory grade into an exemplary one? No. But will it be enough to push a “good” to a “very good”? Possibly. And that makes it worth the effort.

Are you currently writing a thesis in Google Docs? Tell us the good, the bad, and the ugly in the comments.

Brought to you by the folks at Paperpile.

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How-To Geek

How to create templates in google docs.

Create reusable templates in Google Docs for files you find yourself recreating on a regular basis with this workaround.

If you find yourself creating the same outline of a document over and over again, you can save yourself an immense amount of time with a template. Here's how to create custom-made templates in Google Docs.

Although Google Docs does offer a wide range of templates to choose from for free accounts, they don't cater to everyone's needs. To create a custom template you can reuse multiple times, you'll have to use this little workaround to generate them.

Fire up your browser, head to your Google Docs homepage , and open a blank document, previously made document, or one of Google's pre-made templates.

Now that you've got the bones to your document set for your template, rename the file to something that has the word "Template" in it. Click the filename, rename it to include "Template," and then press the "Enter" key when you finish.

Next, click on the folder icon next to the filename and click the "New Folder" icon to create a new folder for Google Docs templates.

Give the new folder a name and click the checkmark to create it.

After you create the folder, click "Move Here" to save the template into your Google Docs template folder.

This folder can now be the new home for any and all templates you create in the future. This is also a great way to keep everything in your Google Drive neatly organized and easy to find for all members of your team.

Related: How to Organize Your Google Drive

When you want to make a copy of your template, you can access them directly from Google Drive. Head on over to Drive , look for the folder you just made for templates, and double-click on it.

Because this is a template file that you'll be using multiple times, you should make a copy of the file before entering any information into the file. Right-click on the template and select "Make a Copy" to duplicate the template file.

The copy of the template saves into the current folder with the prefix "Copy Of." From here, you can double-click on the copy to open it, rename it, or move it to another folder altogether.

If you open the document or if someone sends you a template file, click File > Make a Copy to duplicate the template to your Drive.

Name the file, choose a location for it in your Drive, and then click "OK" to save the document template.

That's all there is to it. If you want to share your template with others, you can create a "Make a Copy" link and send it in an email or share the file directly with a shareable link .

Related: How to Share "Make a Copy" Links to Your Google Files

If you have a paid G Suite account , you're able to save custom templates in your account's  custom template gallery for all of your team members in your organization to use. With the method used above, free accounts can take advantage of sharing custom templates without any additional expenses.

How to Create an MLA Format Template in Google Docs With Examples

6 December 2023

last updated

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style has specific guidelines that regulate the formatting of essays for purposes of consistency in the appearance of texts. Basically, a format template in Google Docs is an ideal way of capturing most of the formatting guidelines without the need to rely on the MLA manual heavily. Consequently, this guide focuses on the use of MLA templates in Google Docs. Then, the guide opens with a detailed description of Google Docs and its value to learners. Also, this manual explains the fundamentals of working with ready MLA templates. In turn, the guide provided a step by step instructions for the manual creation of an MLA format template in Google Docs.

MLA 9 Format in Google Docs

Google Docs is a word processor made for use in the online environment. In this case, students utilize multiple functionalities of Google Docs to complete typed assignments that require specialized formatting in MLA 9. Basically, Google Docs can work on any web browser application if users log in to their Google accounts via different browsers. Nonetheless, Google Chrome is the ideal browser because of its high compatibility with other Google applications, for instance, Google Drive. Then, Google Docs allows students to access their documents even in situations where they do not have their laptops because of its integration with Google Drive. Also, Google Docs provides an alternative to commercial word processors because it has nearly all fundamental functionalities despite being free. In turn, students are quickly moving from standalone hardware-based word processors in the contemporary learning environment because Google Docs overcomes their major shortcomings in creating an MLA format template.

Ready MLA 9 Format Template in Google Docs

Google Docs contains a ready format template for MLA papers. Basically, students may access the template by clicking on the “File” tab, which reveals a dropdown menu (marker 1; see fig. 1). Next, scholars click on the “New” option (marker 2) on the menu to generate another dropdown menu that contains a “From template” option (marker 3). Then, the “Template gallery” opens in a separate window after clicking “From template” (marker 4). Moreover, students scroll down to the “Education” category (marker 5), which contains the ready template with the label “Report: MLA” (marker 6).

Fig. 1. Locating a ready MLA format template in Google Docs

Setting Up Major Sections of an MLA Format Template in Google Docs

1. authorship credentials.

On a black document, students click the “Left align” shortcut on the toolbar (marker 1; see fig. 2). Basically, this action ensures that any text written on the document starts at the left margin. Then, scholars write their full names, the name of the instructor, the name of the course, and the date of submission. In this case, each of these details occupies separate lines (marker 2). Also, students should not change the arrangement of the components of the authorship credentials (marker 2).

Fig. 2. The arrangement of authorship credentials.

2. Title of the Paper

Scholars press the enter key once, while the cursor is at the end of the “Submission Date” component to move to the next line (marker 1; see fig. 3). In this case, authors type the title of the paper and highlight it (marker 2). Then, students click the “Format” tab (marker 3), which opens a dropdown menu with an “Align and indent” section (marker 4). After clicking the “Align and indent” option, writers select the “Center” option (marker 5), which moves the title from its left margin alignment to the center of the page (marker 6). Finally, scholars use title case styling to guide the capitalization of the title of the paper.

Fig. 3. Setting up the title of the paper.

3. Works Cited Page

After the last word of the essay, students insert a section break, which appears as a dotted line, to ensure that MLA Works Cited begins on a new page (marker 1; see fig. 4). Basically, the procedure for inserting a section break begins with a click on the “Insert” tab (marker 2), which reveals a dropdown menu that contains the “Break” option (marker 3). Then, authors click “Break” on the menu to generate another dropdown menu on its right, which has the “Section break (next page)” (marker 4). Moreover, scholars type the words “Works Cited” and center them at the top of the new page (marker 5). In turn, each Works Cited entry is a paragraph with hanging indentation (marker 6). Besides, the hanging indentation styling occurs under the “indentation options” function, as shown by marker 7 in figure 3.

Fig. 4. Styling the MLA 9 Works Cited page.

Elements With Standardised Styling Throughout an MLA Format Template in Google Docs

1. page numbers.

Authors double click the header area of the paper, which transfers the cursor from the essay text to the left margin of the header (marker 1; see fig. 5). Next, students click the “Right align” icon to move the cursor to the right margin of the header (marker 2). Besides, writers click the “Insert” tab to open the dropdown menu (marker 3), which contains the “Page numbers” section (marker 4). Finally, students choose the page number format that results in the inclusion of a page number on the upper right corner of the paper (marker 5). In turn, scholars should ensure that page numbers are Arabic numerals beginning from “1” on the first page of the paper.

Fig. 5. Inserting page numbers.

After inserting page numbers, writers shift the cursor that lies on the right margin to the front of the page number (marker 1; see fig. 6). Subsequently, authors type the word “Surname,” which holds the position where their last name would appear in the header (marker 2). In turn, it is worth noting that there is a single space between the page number and the word “Surname.” Also, scholars should not check the “Different first page” (marker 3).

Fig. 6. Creating headers for an MLA format template in Google Docs.

Before commencing the procedure for setting the font type and size, students should select all the content on the paper using the “Ctrl + A” keyboard shortcut. For example, writers click on the down arrow in the font tab on the toolbar, which presents a list of commonly used fonts (marker 1; see fig. 7). Then, authors select the “Times New Roman” font on the list (marker 2). In turn, MLA formatting guidelines do not identify a fixed font. However, it emphasizes that there should be a readily discernible difference between the regular type style and italics for any font type, which the author decides to use. As a result, scholars adjust the size of the letters by clicking the down arrow in the font size tab and choosing 12-point (marker 3).

Fig. 7. Setting the font and font size.

The first action in the process of setting the margin length is to open the page setup window, which authors achieve by clicking on the “File” tab and navigate to the “Page setup” option (marker 1; see fig. 8). Upon clicking the “Page setup” option on the “File” tab’s dropdown menu, the page setup window appears in front of the text (marker 2). On the window, students choose “Whole document” in the “Apply to” segment (marker 3). Besides, scholars set the margin distance for the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the paper to 2.54 centimeters.

Fig. 8. Adjusting margins.

Students use the “Ctrl + A” keyboard shortcut to select all the text in the document before starting the line space adjustment process. Firstly, authors click on the “Format” tab (marker 1) and pick the “Line spacing” option (marker 2; see fig. 9). In this case, the “Line spacing” option generates a dropdown menu on its right where scholars select the appropriate line spacing (marker 3). Typically, MLA uses double spacing, but students should ascertain that the convention agrees with the instructor’s technical requirements for the assignment. In turn, writers uncheck the “Add space before paragraph” and “Add space after paragraph” settings to eliminate unnecessary extra spacing between paragraphs (marker 4).

Fig. 9. Setting the appropriate line spacing.

6. Indentation

The “indentation options” window appears after students click on “Indentation options” under the “Align and indent” segment of the “Format” tab’s dropdown menu (see fig. 3). In this case, the “indentation options” window has two core aspects: “Indentation” and “Special indent” (marker 1; see fig. 10). In the “Indentation” section, writers set the left and right indentation distance to zero. Then, the “Special indent” feature allows authors to indent the first line of each body paragraph by 1.27 centimeters (markers 3 and 4).

Fig. 10. Half inch indentation for body paragraphs.

Saving an MLA Format Template in Google Docs

Google Docs does not allow a user with the standard free version of the application to save custom templates. However, authors may overcome this limitation by reusing an original MLA format template. After creating the template, writers should save the document. Later, scholars could retrieve the template for use by opening the document and clicking on the “Make a copy” option on the “File” tab’s dropdown menu (markers 1 and 2; see fig. 11). In turn, a copy of the original MLA format template will be opened in a separate window, which ensures the preservation of the formatting and styling of the original template.

• Students should make time to create custom templates for their MLA papers, which may reduce the time required to complete a paper by eliminating the time allocation for formatting.
• The presence of an MLA sample paper does not mean that students should not inspect the final draft’s formatting against the instructor’s instructions.
• It is advisable to start with the first and last pages during the process of creating a template because of their unique formatting demands.
• Writers must ensure that an MLA 9 format template in Google Docs is always up to date with changes that may occur to the MLA 9 manual.
• The creation of a personal MLA format template aids authors to internalize MLA 9 guidelines as compared to the reliance on ready templates.

Also, check out how to create an APA format template in Google Docs .

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

College application essay format: basic guidelines with examples, how to write a national honor society (nhs) essay.

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Free Reading and Literature Templates for Google Docs

• by Alana Domingo

With numerous school districts choosing to go online for parts of the school year, many teachers have been searching for digital English language arts resources to use with distance learning.

To help you make the transition to remote learning, we’ve created free Google Docs templates—perfect for independent reading assignments or class-wide literature units. Each Google Docs template is fully customizable to fit your needs.

To add these files to your Google Drive account, simply click on the “Make a copy” button in the pop-up window. Please note that you must have a Google account to copy the documents. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at this link .

Reading Progress Journal

The reading progress journal is a great resource for holding students accountable for their reading assignments. Designed to be easily copied for multiple entries, this template includes thoughtful response questions to help students think deeply about what they’ve just read.

Dialectical Journal

The dialectical journal encourages students to identify and analyze significant quotes, events, and literary devices as they make their way through an assigned text. Multiple types of entries might prove valuable, including entries that pose questions, make predictions, interpret meaning, draw connections to personal experiences, and analyze the effects of language and literary choices.

Figurative Language Journal

The figurative language journal gives students a space to record examples of different types of figurative language found in the text. However, rather than simply catalog examples, students are asked to consider the author’s purpose for the figurative language and the effect that it has on elements such as characterization, plot, imagery, tone, and mood. This journal template also includes a glossary of common types of figurative language.

Literary Devices Tracker

For each entry in this tracker, students will record an example of a literary device found in the text and comment on its effect. Then, they’ll choose an alternative device and use it to rewrite the excerpt. This exercise will help your students begin to think about the “how” and “why” of specific language choices in the text.

Literary Theme Tracker

This theme tracker helps students take note of thematic elements within a text. As students read, ask them to record examples of the universal idea and related motifs. As these elements develop into a theme, encourage students to begin drawing conclusions about the message that the author is trying to convey. These conclusions should take the form of a theme statement at the bottom of the sheet.

How else are you using Google Docs this year? Let us know in the comments!

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20+ Aesthetic Google Docs Templates (Free & Paid)

By default, Google Docs can look dry – but there are a ton of ways to customize and use it for so much more than taking notes.

If you want beautifully designed Google Docs, but have no idea where to start – we’ve rounded up some of the most aesthetic Google Docs templates you can use to track your finances, take notes, build a resume, plan your weeks, and so much more.

Looking for ways to level up your docs? Here is a full guide we published that will show you how to make your Google Docs aesthetic .

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How to Make a Copy of Google Docs Templates

Before we jump into the templates, here’s how to make a copy to edit and customize! All you need to do is select ‘File’ top-left, and pick ‘Make a copy’. You can then name the document to your liking and select the destination folder — then you’re done and ready to edit!

Notes Templates for Google Docs

Add some life to your Google Docs notes with any of these note-taking templates. Created by students themselves, you’ll be able to use these templates to help make your studies much more aesthetically pleasing!

Notes Template by Jesserie Prieto

Template Available Here

Aesthetic Note-Taking Template by Lorie Jane Levita

Aesthetic Brown Google Docs Notes Template by Exadecent

Resume Templates for Google Docs

There are so many apps you can use to create a great looking resume, like Canva or Notion – but if you’re looking for familiarity and want to stay in the Google ecosystem, use a beautifully-designed Google Docs resume template to impress your future employer!

Modern Aesthetic Resume Template

Sophisticated Photo Resume Template

Pink Resume Template

Blue Resume Template

Peachy Resume Template

Neutral Aesthetic Resume Template

Modern Mandala CV

Digital Planner Templates for Google Docs

Map out your days in Google Docs with an aesthetic digital planner template. It’s an easy way to schedule plans, add notes, set goals, and more – all in the Google Docs web app!

Gradient Digital Planner

Minimal Aesthetic Digital Planner

Cute Pastel Agenda & Digital Planner

Finance Templates for Google Docs

Google Sheets templates are probably what come to mind when you think of planning your finances in the Google ecosystem, but with the right templates, you can use Google Docs to create simple invoices, budget your weeks, and create billing schedules!

Neutral Basic Invoice

Blue Aesthetic Weekly Budget

Bright Monthly Bill Schedule

Misc. Templates for Google Docs

Google Docs is incredibly versatile. As much as it’s known to be a note-taking or report building app, you can use Google Docs to create lesson plans, build a workout schedule, design business cards, and more! Here are some templates for those other Google Docs use cases.

Pastel Teacher Lesson Plan

Contemporary Student Lesson Plan

Light Brown Workout Schedule

Gradient Modern Business Card

Blue Vacation Planner

Which aesthetic Google Docs template is your favorite? Are we missing any other templates? Let us know down in the comments below!

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