Mla 9 Updates in Google Docs: What Students Must Adjust in 2026
The upper perimeter of an academic paper features two distinct elements: the running head and the identification block. Confusing the two constitutes an immediate citation error.
The running head last name and page number belong inside the true document header zone, elevated half an inch above the main body text. Double-click the topmost area of the page to unlock the header space. Align the cursor to the right margin, type your legal surname, hit the spacebar once, and navigate to Insert > Page numbers. Choose the top-left icon representing sequential numbers across every sheet. Typing page numbers manually will duplicate that single digit across the entire manuscript.
[Header Zone - Right-Aligned, 0.5 Inches From Top]
LastName 1
[Main Body Canvas - Left-Aligned, Double-Spaced]
Student Full Name
Instructor Name
Course Code and Title
DD Month YYYY
Center-Aligned Paper Title Appears Here
Once the running head is secure, return to the document canvas. The identification block sits flush against the left margin on the first page only. List your full name, the instructor’s official title, the course code, and the international date format (e.g., 14 October 2026). Follow this block with a single double-spaced line, center your title in regular title capitalization, never underline, italicize, or bold your own title, and advance straight into your indented opening paragraph.
