Article posted on:Jul 11, 2022
Article updated on:Sep 17, 2025
Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.
Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format typically doesn't require a separate title page unless specifically requested by your instructor. Instead, the first page of your paper serves as the title page. There should be a header with details like student's name, instructor's name, course name and number and date. But if your paper is professional, you might be requested to prepare an MLA title page.
MLA cover page is requested for research paper writing or publication in a journal. Is it exactly what you need? Then follow the formatting rules that we described below!
Many professional and academic documents require an MLA cover page, but necessary information may vary depending on the nature of the paper. According to the MLA format rules, a front sheet is optional and should not be attached to most written works. However, sometimes your instructors may specifically request it, especially for lengthy pieces. For such cases, we have prepared several tips on what details to include in your title page.
There are several crucial elements each MLA cover page should contain:
Let’s see how to format each of these components.
Now, let’s figure out how to include other elements in your MLA title page.
First, include your first and last name about 2/3rd from the paper's top. Both should be center-aligned. If you have collaborated with other people, also include their names. But write them on two separate lines.
Your course, teacher's name, and date should also be indicated at the bottom. Each of these elements must be specified on a separate line. Make sure each line is double-spaced.
Be aware that MLA cover pages are the exception rather than standard, but some professors may ask to provide them. But it’s still a part of this format template. So you have to follow some special formatting rules:
Top, bottom, left, and right margins should be 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide.
Your work should be double-spaced from the very first sheet. Remember, there is no need to add extra spacing between paragraphs.
For MLA format, 12 pt. Times New Roman font size is preferred. However, if you decide to use a different font, make sure it is not too large or complex. Your font should be easy to read.
MLA format title page is not necessary for an academic paper unless instructed otherwise. But if you have decided to make it, pay attention to details described in our article. Generally, you should mention a title, your own and instructor's name, course, and date.
To begin with, you should conditionally divide your MLA title page into 3 parts. In the first upper part, write the name of your university, college, or school.
Then you should consider a title on your MLA cover page. Locate it strictly at the center. But indent one-third from the sheet's top edge. Your work's title should be informative and creative. Place a subheading on the second line. All primary words should start with a capital letter, not minor ones. Do not bold, italicize, or underline any heading or subheading.
All information should be written in the same font and size as other text in your work. Do not try to use different fonts for any part of this front page, since there is no such requirement in MLA referencing style.
You can enter all details according to the MLA title page sample shown below:
Comments
It would be most unusual to have an image on the title page of an MLA-style research paper. You are better off using it on your Works Cited page according to MLA rules of formatting. Also, be advised that MLA doesn't recommend using a separate title page unless it is required by your professor.
You should definitely cite it on a Works Cited page instead of a title page (unless it is a part of your paper's/essay's name). Cite it accordingly to MLA rules of formatting: Title of game. Version number. [Optional: contributors]. Company. Date of version. Video game.