Free academic writing templates
Pick the template that matches your assignment. Every template follows the current citation style rules, comes with a filled-in example, and works in Word and Google Docs.
Most popular
Start a paper in the right citation style, with the margins, headings and reference page already set up. Choose APA or MLA, or an annotated bibliography in either style.
Annotated bibliography template (APA 7th edition)
APA annotated bibliography in Word and Google Docs.
Annotated bibliography template (MLA 9)
MLA annotated bibliography in Word and Google Docs.
APA format template (7th edition)
APA 7th edition paper in Word and Google Docs.
MLA format template (MLA 9)
MLA 9 paper in Word and Google Docs.
Plan an essay or research paper before you write it. Choose the outline that matches what your essay has to do: argue, compare, persuade or report research.
Argumentative essay outline template
Claims, evidence, counterargument and conclusion.
Compare and contrast essay outline template
Point-by-point and block versions.
Essay outline template
A basic 5-paragraph essay outline.
Persuasive essay outline template
Position, reasons, objection and call to action.
Research paper outline template
Sentence or topic outline for a research paper.
Set up a literature review or a lab report with every section in the right order and a prompt for what goes in each.
How to choose a template
- If your instructor says APA or MLA, start with the format templates.
- If you are planning before writing, use an outline.
- If the assignment is a science course, use the lab report.
All templates
Annotated bibliography template (APA 7th edition)
APA annotated bibliography in Word and Google Docs.
Annotated bibliography template (MLA 9)
MLA annotated bibliography in Word and Google Docs.
APA format template (7th edition)
APA 7th edition paper in Word and Google Docs.
Argumentative essay outline template
Claims, evidence, counterargument and conclusion.
Compare and contrast essay outline template
Point-by-point and block versions.
Essay outline template
A basic 5-paragraph essay outline.
Lab report template
Every lab report section, with prompts.
Literature review template
An outline and a synthesis matrix for your sources.
MLA format template (MLA 9)
MLA 9 paper in Word and Google Docs.
Persuasive essay outline template
Position, reasons, objection and call to action.
Research paper outline template
Sentence or topic outline for a research paper.
Frequently asked questions
Are these templates free?
Yes. Every template is free to download and use, with no sign-up needed.
Can I edit them in Google Docs?
Yes. Each template has a Copy to Google Docs button that opens a Make a copy page, so you get your own editable file. The filled-in examples are Word only.
Which citation style should I use?
Use the one your instructor asks for. APA is common in psychology, education, nursing and the social sciences, and MLA in English, languages and the humanities. If your instructions do not say, ask.
Do the templates follow the latest APA and MLA editions?
The APA templates follow the 7th edition and the MLA templates follow the 9th edition, as named on each page. If your course uses another edition, follow your instructor's instructions.
Can Writing Studio fill a template in for me?
Writing Studio does not fill a template in for you. You write your paper in it, with the style already set up and your sources cited as you write, then export to Word.
Write your paper in Writing Studio
Start from a template, or write it in Writing Studio, where the style is already set up and your sources are cited as you write.
The template download stays free. You do not need an account for it.