How to Create an MLA Header

General Guidelines

• 1

  Create a header for your paper with text in the upper right-hand corner of the paper.

• 2

  Format the header so that its text is one-half inch from the top of the paper and flush with the right margin.

• 3

  Use for the text in the header your last name, a space and the page number in Arabic numerals.

Specific Instructions for Microsoft Office Word 2007

• 4

  Click the "Header" icon under the "Insert" tab. Choose the "Blank" format, which is in the "Built-In" formats.

• 5

  If it is not already the default setting, type " 0.5" " in the "Header from Top" section of the "Design" tab under "Header & Footer Tools," which opens automatically after you have chosen a header format.

• 6

  Click the "Page Number" icon, choose the "Top of Page" option, and select the "Plain Number 1" format, which is in the "Simple" formats. Type your last name and a space before the page number that appears.

• 7

  Move the cursor to the beginning of your name. Click "Insert Alignment Tab." In the pop-up box, choose the "Right" alignment and click "OK."

• 8

  Select the "Close Header and Footer Icon" or double-click in the main body of the paper to exit the Header.