Creating an MLA cover page is straightforward when you understand its specific formatting requirements and when it’s truly needed.
Navigating academic writing can sometimes feel like learning a new language, especially with all the different formatting styles. MLA format, while often not requiring a separate cover page, does have specific guidelines for when one is requested by your instructor. Let’s walk through how to craft a perfect MLA cover page, ensuring your paper starts professionally.
When an MLA Cover Page Is Necessary
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide typically suggests that a separate cover page is not required for academic papers. Instead, your identifying information usually appears on the first page of your essay itself.
However, instructors often have specific requirements for their courses. It is always best to clarify directly with your teacher if a cover page is expected for your assignment.
If your instructor asks for one, this guide will help you create it correctly.
How To Make A Cover Page In MLA Format: Step-by-Step
When an MLA cover page is required, it follows a clear, structured layout. Think of it as a formal introduction to your work, presenting key details in an organized way.
Here are the essential steps to construct your cover page:
- Center All Text: Every piece of information on your cover page should be horizontally centered on the page.
- Double-Space All Text: Maintain consistent double-spacing throughout the entire cover page, just like the rest of your MLA paper.
- Use Standard MLA Font: Select an easily readable font, typically 12-point Times New Roman.
- Apply One-Inch Margins: Ensure your document has one-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
- No Page Number: Unlike the rest of your paper, the cover page should not include a page number or a running header.
These foundational rules ensure your cover page adheres to MLA’s aesthetic standards, presenting a clean and professional appearance.
Content Elements for Your MLA Cover Page
The information included on an MLA cover page is specific and arranged in a particular order. Each item serves to identify your work and its context.
You will typically include four main blocks of information, spaced evenly down the page:
- Your Paper’s Title: This is the most prominent element. It should be centered, double-spaced, and appear about one-third of the way down the page. Use title case capitalization.
- Your Name: Positioned a few double-spaces below the title. This clearly identifies you as the author.
- Course Information: This block includes the course name or number, followed by the instructor’s name, each on its own double-spaced line.
- Date of Submission: The final element, placed a few double-spaces below the course information. Use the day-month-year format (e.g., 1 January 2024).
Here’s a quick overview of the content order:
| Element | Placement | Formatting Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Title | ~1/3 down page | Centered, Title Case |
| Your Name | Below Title | Centered |
| Course Name/Number | Below Your Name | Centered |
| Instructor’s Name | Below Course | Centered |
| Date | Below Instructor | Centered, Day Month Year |
Maintaining this order and spacing creates a uniform and professional look for your cover page.
MLA Cover Page vs. First Page Header: A Key Distinction
It is easy to confuse the information that goes on a separate cover page with the information placed in the header of the first page of an MLA paper without a cover page. Understanding this difference is fundamental.
When no cover page is used, the first page of your paper includes your name, instructor’s name, course name, and date in a block at the top left, double-spaced. The paper’s title is then centered below this block, followed by the body of your essay.
A separate cover page means this identifying information is only on the cover page, not repeated on the first page of the essay itself. The essay’s first page would then begin directly with your title centered, followed by the essay’s body.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | With Cover Page | Without Cover Page (Standard MLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Name | On Cover Page only | Top left of first page |
| Instructor Name | On Cover Page only | Top left of first page |
| Course Name | On Cover Page only | Top left of first page |
| Date | On Cover Page only | Top left of first page |
| Paper Title | On Cover Page; repeated on first page of essay | Centered on first page of essay |
| Page Number | No page number | Running header with last name & page number (e.g., Smith 1) |
Always confirm your instructor’s preference to avoid common formatting errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your MLA Cover Page
Even with clear guidelines, some common pitfalls can detract from your cover page’s professionalism. Being aware of these helps ensure your document is flawless.
Avoiding these mistakes demonstrates careful attention to detail.
- Incorrect Spacing: Ensure all text is consistently double-spaced. Do not add extra spaces between information blocks unless specifically instructed.
- Missing Centering: All elements on the cover page must be horizontally centered. Misalignment can make the page look unpolished.
- Including a Page Number: A cover page in MLA format should not have a page number or a running header. This is a common error.
- Inconsistent Font or Size: Stick to the standard 12-point Times New Roman (or an equivalent readable font) throughout the cover page and the entire paper.
- Incorrect Date Format: Use the day-month-year format (e.g., 15 May 2024). Avoid numerical formats like 5/15/24, which can be ambiguous.
- Over-decoration: Keep the cover page clean and academic. Avoid graphics, borders, or colors unless explicitly allowed by your instructor.
Paying close attention to these details helps create a polished and correct MLA cover page.
Final Checks for Your MLA Cover Page
Before submitting your paper, take a moment to review your cover page. A quick check can catch any overlooked errors and confirm compliance with all requirements.
Consider this a checklist for perfection:
- Is all text centered horizontally?
- Is all text double-spaced?
- Is the font 12-point Times New Roman or similar?
- Are the margins one inch on all sides?
- Is there no page number or running header?
- Is the paper title capitalized correctly and placed about one-third down the page?
- Are your name, course information (course, instructor), and date present and in the correct order?
- Is the date in day-month-year format?
This final review ensures your cover page meets all MLA standards and your instructor’s expectations.
How To Make A Cover Page In MLA Format — FAQs
Do all MLA papers require a separate cover page?
No, most MLA papers do not typically require a separate cover page. The standard MLA format places identifying information directly on the first page of the essay. A cover page is usually only added if specifically requested by your instructor for a particular assignment.
What information goes on an MLA cover page?
An MLA cover page generally includes the paper’s title, your name, the course name or number, your instructor’s name, and the submission date. All of these elements should be centered on the page and double-spaced. This information provides a clear and professional introduction to your academic work.
Should an MLA cover page have a page number?
No, an MLA cover page should not include a page number or a running header. Page numbering typically begins on the first page of the essay itself, usually with your last name and the page number in the top right corner. The cover page stands alone without this numbering.
What font and spacing should I use for an MLA cover page?
For an MLA cover page, you should use a standard, legible font such as 12-point Times New Roman. All text on the cover page must be double-spaced. This consistency in font and spacing aligns with the overall MLA formatting guidelines for academic papers.
What is the difference between an MLA cover page and the first page of an MLA paper?
When a cover page is used, it holds all identifying information, and the essay’s first page begins with the title and body. Without a cover page, the first page of the essay includes your name, instructor, course, and date in the top left, followed by the paper’s title and then the essay body. The key is to avoid duplicating information.