Learning how to properly format your papers is a crucial skill, and doing so on your iPad using Pages can be a bit tricky if you're not familiar with the app's features. But don't worry, we're going to break it down step-by-step to make sure your MLA-formatted paper is perfectly polished.
Are you ready to transform your Pages document into an MLA-compliant masterpiece? Let's dive in!
How to Do MLA Format on Pages on iPad: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating an MLA-formatted paper on your iPad using Pages might seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the app's tools, it's actually quite straightforward. This guide will walk you through every essential step, from setting up your document to creating your Works Cited page.
Step 1: Set Up Your Document - The Foundation of Your Paper
First things first, let's get the basic settings of your document in order. This is where we lay the groundwork for a perfectly formatted paper.
1.1 Choose the Right Template (or start fresh!)
When you open Pages, you'll be presented with template options. While there isn't a dedicated "MLA template" in Pages, the Blank template is often the best starting point as it provides a clean slate.
- Open Pages.
- Tap the + button (New Document) at the top.
- Select Blank from the templates.
1.2 Adjust Margins - Giving Your Words Room to Breathe
MLA guidelines require one-inch margins on all sides. Pages usually defaults to this, but it's always a good idea to double-check.
- With your document open, tap the three dots icon (...) in the top right corner.
- Tap Document Options.
- Select Document Setup.
- Tap Margins.
- Ensure that Top, Bottom, Left, and Right are all set to 1 in. If not, adjust them using the + and - buttons or by typing in the value.
1.3 Set Your Font and Font Size - Clarity is Key
MLA specifies a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman or a similar easy-to-read font. Pages offers a wide variety, so you can choose wisely.
- Tap anywhere on your document to bring up the keyboard.
- Tap the paint brush icon (Format) at the top.
- Under the Text tab, locate Font.
- Scroll through the list and select a professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
- Right below the font selection, tap the font size (it usually defaults to 11 pt). Change it to 12.
1.4 Line Spacing - The Double Standard
MLA requires double-spacing throughout the entire document, including your heading, body paragraphs, and Works Cited page. This is a common formatting error, so pay close attention!
- While still in the Format menu (paint brush icon) and under the Text tab, scroll down until you see Line Spacing.
- Tap the arrows next to the current line spacing value until it says 2.0. This will apply double-spacing to your entire document.
Step 2: Create Your MLA Heading and Header - Essential Information
The MLA heading and header are crucial for identifying your paper and yourself. Let's get them right.
2.1 Your MLA Heading - Who, What, When, Where
The MLA heading is placed on the first page of your paper, double-spaced, and flush with the left margin. It includes your name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the date.
- Type your full name.
- Press Return (enter) to go to the next line.
- Type your instructor's full name.
- Press Return.
- Type the course name (e.g., English 101).
- Press Return.
- Type the date in military style (e.g., 29 May 2025).
Example: Your Name Professor Last Name English 101 29 May 2025
2.2 Inserting Your Header with Page Number - Your Identity on Every Page
The MLA header includes your last name and the page number, appearing in the top right corner of every page. This is where Pages' header functionality comes in handy.
- Tap the three dots icon (...) in the top right corner.
- Tap Document Options.
- Select Document Setup.
- Under Document Setup, you'll see sections for Header and Footer. Make sure the Header checkbox is checked.
- Tap inside the header area on your document (it will appear as a faint box at the top).
- In the header field, type your last name followed by a space.
- Now, to insert the page number, tap the Insert Page Number icon (it looks like a # symbol) that appears above the keyboard.
- Choose the option that simply displays the number (usually the first option).
- Crucially, you need to ensure this header is right-aligned. Tap the paint brush icon (Format) at the top. Under the Layout tab, tap the right alignment icon (the lines are stacked on the right).
Remember to double-check that your header is also in 12-point font and the same font as the rest of your paper.
Step 3: Add Your Title - The Heart of Your Paper
Your title should be centered and not bolded, italicized, or underlined. It's simply the main title of your paper.
- After your MLA heading, press Return once.
- Tap the paint brush icon (Format) at the top.
- Under the Layout tab, tap the center alignment icon.
- Type your paper's title. Capitalize the first letter of each major word.
Example: The Impact of Technology on Modern Society
Step 4: Write Your Body Paragraphs - Content is King
Now that your document is set up, you can begin writing your main content.
4.1 First Line Indent - A Visual Cue
The first line of every paragraph should be indented by half an inch. Pages makes this easy.
- After your title, press Return once.
- Tap the paint brush icon (Format) at the top.
- Under the Layout tab, you'll see a section for Indents.
- Tap the arrow next to First Line Indent until it says 0.5 in.
- Start typing your first paragraph. Each new paragraph you start will automatically have this first-line indent.
4.2 In-Text Citations - Giving Credit Where Credit is Due
MLA requires in-text citations for all borrowed information. These typically include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses.
- Parenthetical Citation: (Smith 123)
- If no author is available, use a shortened title of the work. (e.g., ("Impact of Tech" 45))
While Pages doesn't have an automated citation tool, you'll manually type these as you write.
Step 5: Create Your Works Cited Page - The Full Story
The Works Cited page is where you list all the sources you referenced in your paper. It begins on a new page at the end of your document.
5.1 New Page - A Fresh Start
- Place your cursor at the end of your last body paragraph.
- Tap the + button at the top right.
- Tap Page Break. This will create a new page for your Works Cited.
5.2 "Works Cited" Title - Clearly Labeled
- On the new page, ensure your text is still centered (if not, use the paint brush icon > Layout > center alignment).
- Type Works Cited.
- Press Return once.
- Change the alignment back to left-aligned (paint brush icon > Layout > left alignment).
5.3 Formatting Entries - Alphabetical and Hanging Indent
Each entry on your Works Cited page needs to be double-spaced, in alphabetical order by the first word of the entry (usually the author's last name), and have a hanging indent.
- Type your first Works Cited entry.
- To create a hanging indent, which means the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented, do the following:
- Tap the paint brush icon (Format) at the top.
- Under the Layout tab, you'll see Indents.
- Tap the arrow next to Left Indent until it says 0.5 in.
- Now, crucially, tap the arrow next to First Line Indent and set it to -0.5 in. This will create the hanging indent effect.
- Repeat this process for each entry, ensuring they are alphabetized.
Example of a hanging indent (simulated): Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
- Lastname, Firstname. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #,*
- Year, pp. ##-##.
You'll need to manually ensure your entries are in alphabetical order. There are many online resources and citation generators that can help you create the correct MLA format for each source type (books, articles, websites, etc.).
Step 6: Review and Refine - The Final Polish
Before submitting, take the time to review your entire document.
- Read through your paper carefully for any grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing.
- Check all MLA formatting elements:
- Margins: 1 inch all around?
- Font and Size: 12-point, legible font?
- Line Spacing: Double-spaced throughout?
- Header: Last name and page number in the top right?
- Heading: Correctly formatted on the first page?
- Title: Centered, no extra formatting?
- Paragraphs: First line indented?
- Works Cited: On a new page, "Works Cited" centered, entries alphabetized with hanging indents?
- In-Text Citations: All sources cited, correct format?
A fresh pair of eyes can be invaluable here. If possible, ask a friend or family member to proofread for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about MLA Format on Pages on iPad
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to MLA formatting on Pages for iPad, with quick answers:
How to set 1-inch margins in Pages on iPad?
Go to three dots icon (...) > Document Options > Document Setup > Margins, then set all margins to 1 in.
How to change font and font size for MLA on Pages on iPad?
Tap the paint brush icon (Format) > Text tab, then select your desired Font (e.g., Times New Roman) and set the font size to 12.
How to double-space a document in Pages on iPad?
Tap the paint brush icon (Format) > Text tab, then find Line Spacing and set it to 2.0.
How to add a running head (last name and page number) in Pages on iPad?
Go to three dots icon (...) > Document Options > Document Setup, ensure Header is checked. Tap in the header, type your last name, then tap the Insert Page Number (#) icon, and finally use the paint brush icon > Layout to right-align it.
How to indent the first line of paragraphs in Pages on iPad?
Tap the paint brush icon (Format) > Layout tab, and under Indents, set First Line Indent to 0.5 in.
How to create a hanging indent for the Works Cited page on Pages on iPad?
For each Works Cited entry, tap the paint brush icon (Format) > Layout tab, and under Indents, set Left Indent to 0.5 in and First Line Indent to -0.5 in.
How to insert a page break in Pages on iPad to start the Works Cited page?
Place your cursor at the end of your last body paragraph, then tap the + button at the top right and select Page Break.
How to center text in Pages on iPad (for titles)?
Tap the paint brush icon (Format) > Layout tab, and tap the center alignment icon.
How to remove bolding or italics from text in Pages on iPad?
Select the text, tap the paint brush icon (Format) > Text tab, and then tap the B (Bold) or I (Italic) button to toggle them off.
How to save or export your MLA document from Pages on iPad?
Tap the three dots icon (...) > Export > then choose your desired format (e.g., PDF, Word).
