How do I set margins for the "MLA format" papers?

The instructions for setting the margins for MLA format research papers are located below.  One set is for use with WordPerfect for Windows (6.1); the other set is for use with Word 7.0 or Word 97. You can print these instructions from your browser, just click once in this frame (in the text) and then use the "Print Frame" option under File, Print.

WordPerfect for Windows 6.1

  1. Open Format, Margins (Ctrl-F8) and set all margins except TOP to 1"; set TOP to 0.5".
  2. On the toolbar, set Line Spacing to 2.0 (look for the menu button with the 1.0 on it, click & select 2.0 there).
  3. Open Format, Header/Footer; select Header A, click Create. On the toolbar, click on the Align Text button ("Left") and select Right. Type your last name, a space, then click on Number (far left on the Header toolbar) and select Page Number, which will be inserted automatically. Click Close and you can begin typing your paper.

Word 97 and Word 7.0

  1. Open File, Page Setup, Margins: All of the margin settings (Top, Bottom, Right, Left, Gutter) should be set to 1". The "From Edge" Header and Footer margins should be set at 0.5".
  2. Before you begin typing, Open Format, Paragraph, Line Spacing; set spacing at double.
  3. Open View, Header and Footer; click the "Align Right" icon on the main tool bar (second row middle to the right of the B, I, U icons) and type your last name and a space, then click the # icon (on the Header toolbar) to insert the page number. Click Close on the Header toolbar and begin typing your text.
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This page was last updated on 01/13/02.