What this tutorial is:
This tutorial was developed to help those who struggle with formatting a research paper. Whether you know how to use Microsoft Word or not, this tutorial is for you. With the assistance of this tutorial, you should be able to prepare a well-formatted MLA style research paper for any class you take; it is set up with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the tasks necessary to format your research paper.

What this tutorial is not:
This tutorial will not help you with the content and research of your topic. It is solely to help users format a paper that is already written, or almost written.

For best results in using this tutorial you should:

1. Have all research done prior to using this site. If your research is not complete, you are still able to use this tutorial to learn how to format your paper.
2. Have your paper typed up and saved in a file format that is able to be opened by Microsoft Word. If you have not started typing your paper it is also possible to type it while using this tutorial.
3. Use the hyperlinks in the instruction portion to clarify some of the instructions. (Example: Click the "center justify" button.)
4. At the end of many of the tutorials you will find a video. Use this if the written instructions are unclear. The button looks like this --> You will need headphones or speakers on your computer to be able to hear the audio associated with these video clips.

Disclaimer:
The video help and the screen shots may not look exactly like what you see on your computer, as different computers are set up differently.

1. How to start Microsoft Word
2. How to open a document in Microsoft Word
3. How to set the margins for MLA format
4. How to set your font type, style, and size
5. How to make a title page (this may not be necessary, depending on your instructor)
6. Creating a header
7. How to set your line spacing
8. How to format a block quote
9. What a works-cited page should look like

Click here to get started.

Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Writing Center.