Stop Formatting Manually: the Built-in Google Docs Mla Hack Most Students Miss

Understand the full story behind Stop Formatting Manually: the Built-in Google Docs Mla Hack Most Students Miss in our detailed breakdown.

Q1: Why does my running head disappear or change numbering on page two?

A1: This happens when the "Different first page" checkbox is enabled inside the header settings. Double-click the header area, uncheck the "Different first page" box, and reinsert your dynamic page number using the top-right preset.

Q2: Can I use Arial or Calibri instead of Times New Roman for MLA?

A2: The MLA 9th edition permits any clean, readable font as long as standard and italicized characters contrast sharply. However, university departments and individual instructors overwhelmingly specify 12-point Times New Roman. Unless your syllabus explicitly permits a modern sans-serif alternative, default to Times New Roman.

Q3: How do I stop Google Docs from adding extra spacing when I hit Enter?

A3: Highlight your text, go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing, and click Remove space after paragraph. To prevent this permanently, click Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles so all future blank documents use clean double-spacing automatically.