Instructions for Setting Margins, Header/Pagination, and Line/Paragraph Spacing in Microsoft Word
Type style: All of your MLA, college, and business writing should be in a clean, easy-to-read font, usually Times New Roman (the font of this document) or Ariel. Fancy or elaborate font styles are not acceptable. In general, academic text looks kind of boring, which is the case with lots of important writing. Just ask any lawyer. Once you have selected a font, you should only use the basic type and italics. No boldface allowed. Use a 12 pt. size.
Margins: On the top toolbar, hit "Page Layout"; select "Margins" and 1" all around. Set this as the default--you're done!
Header: From the same Page Layout tab, click on the lower, right corner button to the right of "Page Setup"; margins should already be 1"; click on "Layout" and make sure "header" and "footer" are set to 0.5". Set this as the default. So done now.
Line and paragraph spacing: While in the "Page Layout" work window, "Indent" and "Paragraph Spacing" should be set to 0.0. Click on the lower right button to the right of the word "Paragraph" and make sure line spacing is set to "Double"; set this as default. Done!
REMEMBER! You begin double spacing with the entry of your own full name on the first page of the essay. After that, the spacing never changes—ever. Continual, consistent spacing is the name of the game.
Page numbers: Use the "Insert" tab to "Insert Page Numbers"--click on that and select "Top of Page" then "Plain Number 3." One you do this, you'll get the header area outlined, the number in place, and the cursor blinking to the left. Now you can type in your last name, give ONE space between name and number, then click on the document below the dotted line. You're done. I will review all of this in class, and we can go over it in my office if you need more help.
Note/warning on headers: Only put your last name and the page number in the header. Do not put your full name, my name, the class and all the other information in this area. You only want that data on the first page. If you put all of it in the header, you’ll get all of it on every page—not good.