You wouldn’t think setting margins could slow you down until you’re staring at a blank document and going through every default setting. MLA formatting has specific rules, and margin size is one of those small details that professors actually notice. I’ve wasted a lot of time adjusting page edges instead of writing the paper itself. It’s one of those tasks that seems minor but matters more than you'd expect. In
this guide, I’ll show you the exact MLA format margins and take you through how to apply them easily using WPS Office.
MLA Format Margin Requirements
Before I even started worrying about citations or page numbers, margins were the first thing that had me covered in sweat when it came to the MLA format. It sounds simple, just set everything to 1 inch, but not every writing tool sticks to that by default. Some shrink the side margins slightly, others mess up the bottom spacing on the Works Cited page. Knowing the correct MLA paper margin size helps avoid those small mistakes that can cost you points. Once you know the standard, it’s easy to apply if you know where to look.
Here’s what MLA expects:
1-inch margins on all sides: Top, bottom, left, and right, no exceptions.
Applies to every page: This includes the first page and the Works Cited section.
No extra spacing allowed: Avoid custom indents or adjustments on any side.
Clean and consistent layout: MLA prioritizes readability and uniform formatting.
If you’re switching between devices or apps, it’s always a good idea to double-check your margins. Some word processors reset settings between platforms, and even small deviations can cause trouble with formatting. That’s why having full control over your MLA format margins is a must, it ensures your layout stays consistent and meets academic standards every time.
Creating MLA Format Margins in WPS Office
After learning the exact margin rules MLA expects, the next challenge was actually applying them without messing up the rest of the layout. I’ve used a few different word processors, but WPS Office made it surprisingly easy to get the margins right without getting into endless menus. The margin controls are easy to find, and it took just a minute to line things up properly. You can set things up to meet MLA standards in just a few quick steps.
Why Choose WPS Office to Set MLA Margins?
WPS Office isn’t just another Word clone. I first gave it a shot when Word kept freezing on my old laptop during finals week and honestly, I haven’t looked back since. It’s lightweight, easy to navigate, and doesn’t slow everything down just to open a document. Over time, it’s become my go-to for schoolwork, especially when I need to focus more on the content than the software. Here’s what stands out when it comes to MLA formatting:
Precise margin controls available: You can access them directly from the Layout tab, without digging through layers of hidden settings.
Cross-platform compatibility ensured: It runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and even the browser version, keeping your margins consistent no matter where you’re working.
Manual margin setup supported: Unlike some online editors, WPS lets you enter exact values so you can follow MLA margin rules without messing with defaults.
These features made it easier to set up and stick to the required MLA margins without any confusion. Instead of wasting time adjusting settings, I could focus on the actual writing. It’s a simple setup that checks every box MLA asks for.
Step-by-Step Guide to Set MLA Margins in WPS Office
If you're not sure where to find the right margin settings, in this MLA page setup guide, I’ll take you through it. WPS Office keeps things straightforward, but it still helps to know exactly where to click. Here’s how to set your margins correctly from the start, without missing any MLA details.
Step 1: Launch WPS Word and open the document you're working on. Make sure you’re starting fresh as this helps avoid hidden formatting issues from templates or past files.
Step 2: Go to the top of the screen and click on the "Page Layout" tab. This tab contains all the page formatting tools you’ll need, including margins, orientation, and spacing.
Step 3: Click on "Margins," and select “Normal (1 inch)” from the dropdown menu. This sets all margins to exactly 1 inch, which matches MLA requirements.
It might seem simple, but taking a minute to verify those settings saves you from unnecessary markdowns or formatting headaches later on. I always double-check right before submitting, especially after editing or printing, just to be safe.
FAQs
1. Why are MLA margins required to be exactly 1 inch?
MLA format prioritizes clean, readable documents. One-inch margins give enough space for comments, make printing easier, and ensure uniformity across all papers.
2. Can I use default margins in WPS Office?
Sometimes yes but not always. WPS often defaults to 1 inch, but you should still confirm it manually through the Layout tab before starting your document.
3. Do MLA margins apply to the Works Cited page?
Yes, absolutely. Every single page including the Works Cited or bibliography must follow the same 1-inch margin rule.
4. Will my margins stay the same if I switch devices?
If you’re using WPS Office across platforms (like moving from your desktop to the web app), your margin settings usually carry over but always reopen the Layout tab to verify before submitting.
5. What happens if I submit a paper with incorrect margins?
Professors may deduct points or return the paper for revision. It may seem minor, but consistent formatting is a key part of following MLA style correctly.
