How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs on iPad

Handling MLA format on Google Docs using an iPad might seem like a task that requires a bit of finesse, but it's totally doable. Whether you're a student working on a paper or just someone who enjoys writing with proper formatting, knowing how to set up MLA format on Google Docs on an iPad can be incredibly useful. Let's walk through the process step-by-step, with some handy tips and tricks to make your document look just right.

Getting Started: Accessing Google Docs on Your iPad

First things first, you'll need to have Google Docs ready to go on your iPad. If you haven't done this yet, head over to the App Store and download the Google Docs app. Once it's installed, sign in with your Google account, or create one if you need to. This will give you access to all your documents across devices. This is super convenient if you're working on something important.

Got the app? Great! Open it up, and you'll see a list of your documents, or a blank screen if you haven't created any yet. To start a new document, tap the plus sign and choose "New document." Now you're ready to dive into the world of MLA formatting.

Setting Up Your Document: The Basics of MLA Format

MLA format has a few specific guidelines that you'll need to follow. Here's a quick rundown of the essentials:

• Font and Size: Use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• Margins: Set all margins to 1 inch.
• Spacing: Double-space the entire document.
• Header: Include your last name and page number in the upper right corner.
• Title: Center the title on the first page, without underlining, italicizing, or placing it in quotation marks.

Let's break these down a bit more and see how you can set each one up on your iPad.

Choosing the Right Font and Size

To set the font to Times New Roman and the size to 12-point, you'll need to select the text. You can do this by tapping and holding on a word, then dragging the blue markers to cover the entire text. Once selected, you'll see a toolbar at the top of your screen. Tap the font icon (usually represented by an "A") and select "Times New Roman." Set the size to 12-point. If you don't see Times New Roman as an option, you might need to scroll or search for it.

This step is crucial because MLA format requires a specific look, and using the wrong font can make your document look unprofessional.

Adjusting Margins for a Neat Look

Now, let's tackle the margins. In Google Docs on an iPad, this can be a bit tricky since the app doesn't directly show margin settings like its desktop counterpart. But don't worry. Here's how you can adjust them:

1. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner to open the menu.
2. Select "Page setup."
3. You'll see options for adjusting margins. Set all sides to 1 inch.

Margins might not seem like a big deal, but they ensure that your document has a professional appearance and adheres to MLA guidelines.

Setting Up Double-Spacing

Double-spacing is another important aspect of MLA format. It makes your text easier to read and provides space for any notes or edits. Here's how you can set it up:

1. Select all your text by tapping and dragging.
2. Tap the "Format" icon, which looks like a paint roller.
3. Under "Line spacing," choose "Double."

And just like that, your text should be double-spaced, making it ready for any MLA-style paper.

Creating a Header with Page Numbers

Adding a header with your last name and page numbers is essential for MLA format. Here's how to add one on your iPad:

1. Tap the screen to place your cursor at the top of the page.
2. Select "Insert" from the menu options.
3. Choose "Page number" and select the option that places the number in the upper-right corner.
4. Tap next to the page number and type your last name, followed by a space.

Page numbers will automatically update as you add more pages, so you don't have to worry about manually editing them later.

Crafting the Perfect Title

Creating a title that fits MLA guidelines is straightforward but important. Your title should be centered, without any special formatting like italics or bold. Here's how to do it:

1. Type your title on the first page.
2. Select the text and tap the "Center align" icon on the toolbar.
3. Ensure that your title follows standard capitalization rules (capitalize the first and last words and any major words in between).

It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the overall look of your paper.

Organizing Your Works Cited Page

The "Works Cited" page is a crucial part of any MLA paper. It lists all the sources you've referenced, and it needs to be formatted just right. Here's how you can set it up on your iPad:

1. Start a new page at the end of your document.
2. Title the page "Works Cited" and center it.
3. Use a hanging indent for each entry. This means the first line is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.

To create a hanging indent, place your cursor at the beginning of the second line of your entry, then press "Enter" or "Return" to move it down. Tap "Tab" to indent the line.

Properly organizing your Works Cited page shows attention to detail and strengthens the credibility of your paper.

Utilizing Spell for Efficient Document Creation

While Google Docs is a fantastic tool, sometimes you might want an extra hand, especially if you're tackling a big project. That's where Spell comes in. Spell can help you create high-quality documents quickly, using AI to draft and refine your work.

Think of Spell as your writing assistant. It can speed up the process by generating drafts and allowing you to edit using natural language. You won't have to juggle between tools or worry about formatting issues. Spell handles it all seamlessly.

Formatting Quotes and Citations

In MLA format, correctly formatting your quotes and citations is crucial. Whether you're quoting directly or paraphrasing, you'll need to give credit to the original sources. Here's how you can manage that:

For short quotes (fewer than four lines), incorporate them into the text and enclose them in quotation marks. Don't forget to include the author's last name and page number in parentheses right after the quote.

For longer quotes, known as block quotes, you'll need to start them on a new line and indent the entire quote 1/2 inch from the left margin. You won't use quotation marks for block quotes. This format helps distinguish your words from those of the original author, showing respect for intellectual property.

Conclusion: Reviewing and Proofreading

After setting up your document in MLA format, it's time for a final review. Go through your document, checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies. You want your paper to reflect your best work.

And remember, platforms like Spell can offer great support here, too. With AI's help, you can ensure your document is polished and professional, saving both time and effort.

Final Thoughts

Getting your document into proper MLA format on an iPad using Google Docs is a skill worth having. With a bit of practice, you'll find it becomes second nature. If you're looking for an even quicker way to handle documents, Spell can be a great companion, helping you craft high-quality documents effortlessly.