how to format your essay on google docs

How to write an MLA format paper in Google Docs using a template or other built-in features

• Google Docs has all the features you need to write a paper in MLA format.
• The basics of MLA format include double-spaced lines, one-inch margins, headers on all pages, and more.
• Google Docs also offers an automatic MLA format template, if you don't want to set it up manually.

Anyone who has had to write an English paper has heard of MLA format. MLA — short for Modern Library Association — is a standardized method for writing academic papers. It lays down specific rules for what the page should look like, which font you use, how you cite your sources, and more.

If you're writing a paper in MLA format, consider using Google Docs. It lets you customize your documents in dozens of ways, making it a great choice for MLA writing.

Here's how to set up MLA format in Google Docs, either manually or with a template.

How to set up MLA format in Google Docs

MLA format has a variety of different rules and guidelines. Here are the most important ones, along with tips on how to follow those rules in Google Docs.

• The font needs to be size 12, and written in a "readable" font.

Contrary to popular belief, MLA doesn't require you to use Times New Roman, just a "readable" or "legible" font. That said, Times New Roman is a great choice for this, and comes installed in Google Docs by default. 

You can find it in the font menu at the top of the screen, and you can change the font size with the menu next to it.

• Every page needs to have one-inch margins on all sides.

You probably don't need to worry about this one — new Google Docs documents have one-inch margins by default. 

But if you want to double-check, or if you've been told to not use one-inch margins, you can change the margins using the Page Setup menu or ruler feature .

• All body text needs to be double-spaced.

There's a Line & paragraph spacing menu in the toolbar above your document. Select Double in this menu to turn on double-spacing . If you've already written some text without double-spacing, highlight it before you turn on double-spacing.

• Every page needs a header in the top-right corner with your last name and the current page number.

Google Docs lets you place both headers and footers on any page. You can add automatic page numbers through the Insert menu , and then double-click the headers to type your last name next to them.

Remember that they need to be in the same font and font size as the rest of your paper.

( And if you ever need to remove the header, you can do that quickly too .)

• The paper's title should be centered one line above your first paragraph.

Google Docs has four alignment options, which you can find in the toolbar above your document. Click the second option — Center align — to move your cursor to the center of the screen.

• Your full name, your instructor's name, the name of the class, and the current date should be written in the top-left corner of the first page, each on a separate line.

Left align is the default alignment setting, so you shouldn't have to do anything special to write in the top-left. But if you've changed the alignment, you can change it back using the alignment options in the toolbar.

• Body paragraphs all begin with a half-inch indent.

Google Docs has a feature that lets you automatically indent paragraphs — but it's probably easier to just hit the Tab key on your keyboard at the start of every paragraph.

• Your paper should end with a Works Cited page, and each entry should be written with a hanging indent.

Once you've finished writing your paper and want to move onto the Works Cited, make sure to create a new page . The Works Cited needs to be on its own page (or pages, depending on the length).

The words Works Cited should be centered on the very first line of the page. You can center the words using the alignment options mentioned above.

Finally, list your citations in alphabetical order, and use the ruler to give each one a hanging indent — in other words, every line after the first needs to be indented .

How to use Google Docs' MLA format template

While you can format your paper manually, Google does offer an MLA template. This will let you meet most of the formatting requirements automatically, although you'll likely need to change some of it.

To use this template:

1. Head to the Google Docs homepage and click Template gallery in the top-right.

2. Scroll down the templates page until you reach the Education section. In this section, click MLA [Add-on] .

3. A page will open with a two-page paper already written in fake Lorem Ipsum language. Most of the formatting is there, so you just need to replace the pre-written words with your own.

You can find this template in the mobile app by tapping the plus sign icon in the bottom-right, and then selecting Choose template .

On February 28, Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, joined 31 other media groups and filed a $2.3 billion suit against Google in Dutch court, alleging losses suffered due to the company's advertising practices.

• Main content

How to Use APA Format in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing an APA format paper in Google Docs is surprisingly straightforward. By following a few simple steps, you can set up your document to meet all the APA guidelines. This includes things such as font style, size, spacing, and the inclusion of a title page and reference page. Let’s dive into how to get your Google Doc APA ready!

Step by Step Tutorial: Using APA Format in Google Docs

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand what these steps will achieve. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to format your document according to APA standards, which is crucial for many academic papers. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Set the Font and Size

Choose a 12-point Times New Roman font for your document.

APA format requires the use of a standard, easily readable font. Times New Roman is the most commonly accepted font, and it should be set at a 12-point size for the body of your text. This ensures clarity and uniformity throughout your document.

Step 2: Adjust the Line Spacing

Set your document’s line spacing to double.

APA format requires double spacing throughout the document. This includes the title page, abstract, body of the document, and references. Double spacing makes the document easier to read and allows for comments and corrections.

Step 3: Insert a Running Head

Add a running head on the title page.

The running head is a shortened version of your title and should not exceed 50 characters, including spaces. It should be aligned to the left-hand side of the page, and you’ll need to insert it into the header section of your Google Doc.

Step 4: Create a Title Page

Insert a title page that includes the title, your name, and the institution.

The title page is the first impression of your APA document. It should be clean and well-organized, providing the reader with essential information such as the paper’s title, your name, and the institution you’re affiliated with.

Step 5: Cite Your Sources

Include in-text citations and a reference page.

Proper citation is a critical component of APA format. Make sure to include in-text citations wherever you reference another author’s work. Additionally, create a reference page at the end of your document that lists all the sources you’ve cited.

After completing these steps, you will have a Google Doc that is formatted according to APA standards. This will ensure that your document is professional, credible, and ready for submission or publication.

Tips for Using APA Format in Google Docs

• Always double-check your formatting against the latest APA guidelines, as they can change over time.
• Use the “Insert” menu in Google Docs to add headers, footers, and page numbers.
• Take advantage of Google Docs’ built-in citation tools to help format your citations and references.
• Consistency is key—make sure your headings, subheadings, and other text elements follow the same formatting rules.
• If you’re collaborating with others, make use of Google Docs’ “Suggesting” mode to make formatting edits without altering the original document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i automatically format my google doc to apa.

No, Google Docs does not have an automatic APA formatting feature. However, you can manually set up your document following the steps provided in this article.

APA format requires attention to detail, and while Google Docs does not automatically format your document, it does provide you with the tools necessary to correctly set up your APA document.

Does Google Docs have an APA template?

Google Docs does not currently offer an official APA template. However, you can create your own template by formatting a document according to APA standards and saving it for future use.

How do I insert a running head in Google Docs?

You insert a running head in the header section of your Google Docs by double-clicking the top of the page and typing in your shortened title.

Remember to include the words “Running head” before the title on the title page only. For subsequent pages, only the title (in all caps) and the page number should appear in the header.

What is the proper way to format headings in APA?

Headings in APA are bold and centered. There are different levels of headings that follow specific formatting rules, which you can find in the APA manual or reputable academic sources.

How do I create a hanging indent for my references in Google Docs?

To create a hanging indent, you’ll need to go to “Format,” select “Align & indent,” then “Indentation options,” and set a 0.5-inch indent under “Special indent.”

This will format the second and subsequent lines of each reference entry to be indented, which is a requirement for APA reference pages.

• Set the Font and Size to Times New Roman, 12-point.
• Adjust the Line Spacing to double.
• Insert a Running Head in the header.
• Create a Title Page with title, name, and institution.
• Cite Your Sources with in-text citations and a reference page.

Mastering APA format in Google Docs is a valuable skill for any student or professional. Although it may seem daunting at first, with a bit of practice and attention to detail, it becomes second nature. Remember, the key to success is consistency and adherence to the official APA guidelines. By following the steps laid out in this article, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a polished and professional document that meets all the APA standards.

Moreover, as someone who has navigated the intricacies of APA formatting, I can assure you that the satisfaction of a well-formatted document is worth the effort. It’s not just about following rules—it’s about developing a clear and effective way to communicate your ideas. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get that Google Doc in tip-top APA shape. Who knows, you might just find yourself becoming the go-to APA expert among your peers!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

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How to Use APA Format in Google Docs

Format any academic paper with ease

In This Article

Jump to a Section

What Is APA Format?

• Step-by-Step: Use the APA Template in Google Docs
• Use APA Format on Google Docs

Formatting References for APA Style

In-text citations for apa style.

• Frequently Asked Questions

If you use Google Docs for academic writing, then you'll likely need to be familiar with APA format. While you can use a Google Docs template , it also helps to know how to set up APA format in Google Docs manually, too.

Instructions in this article apply to the web version of Google Docs. The steps are the same for all web browsers and operating systems .

Your instructor might have specific requirements, but most papers in APA format should include the following:

• Double-spaced text with no extra spaces between paragraphs.
• Size 12 Times New Roman font, or a similarly legible font.
• One-inch page margins on all sides.
• A header that includes the title of your paper and the page number.
• A title page that includes the title of your paper, your name, and your school's name.
• Body paragraphs begin with a 1/2 inch indent.
• A References page at the end of the paper.
• In-text citations for specific quotes or facts.

The Google Doc APA template includes headings that you may or may not need. For example, your instructor might not require a 'Methodology' or 'Results' section. The American Psychological Association's website has the official guidelines for APA style .

How to Use the APA Template in Google Docs

Google Docs offers several templates that automatically format your documents. To set up the APA template in Google Docs:

Open a new document and select File > New > From template .

The template gallery will open in a separate browser tab. Scroll down to the Education section and select Report APA .

If you need to set up MLA format in Google Docs , there's also a template for that.

A new document will open containing dummy text in APA format. With the proper formatting already in place, you just need to change the words. If there are sections you don't need, delete them.

How to Do APA Format on Google Docs

Since the template can be a little confusing, you should understand how to set up APA style in Google Docs step-by-step. Once you format your paper, you can save it to use as your own personal template for the future:

Change the font to Times New Roman and the font size to 12 .

Google Docs uses 1-inch margins all round by default, so you don't need to change the margins.

Select Insert > Headers & footers > Header .

You can easily change and remove headers on Google Docs at any time.

The font for the header will revert to the default, so change it to  12 point   Times New Roman and type the title of your paper in all caps.

You can use a shortened version of your title if it is particularly long.

Select Insert > Page numbers > Page count .

Move the text cursor to the left side of the page number and press the spacebar or tab key until it is aligned with the top-right margin, then check the box under Different first page .

The text you entered will disappear from the first page, but it will appear on subsequent pages. Type Running head: followed by a space, then type your title in all caps.

Type the number 1 , then move the text cursor to the left side of the page number and press the spacebar or tab key until it is aligned with the top-right margin.

Make sure the font is set to the same font as the rest of your text.

Click or tap anywhere below the header, then select  Format  >  Line Spacing  >  Double .

Alternately, select the  Line spacing  icon in the toolbar at the top of the page and choose  Double .

Press the Enter key until the text cursor is about mid-way down the page and select Center Align .

Type the paper’s full title, your full name, and your school’s name on separate lines.

Select Insert > Break > Page Break to start a new page.

Select Center Align and type Abstract .

Press Enter , select Left Align .

Select Tab to indent, then type your abstract.

Google Doc's default ident of 0.5 inches is appropriate for APA format.

Select Insert > Break > Page Break to start a new page, then press the  Tab  key and begin typing the body of your paper. Begin each new paragraph with an indent.

You can set custom indents in Google Docs using the ruler tool.

When you're finished with the body of your paper, select  Insert  >  Break  >  Page Break  to create a new page for your references.

At the end of your paper, there should be a separate page that begins with the word “References” (without quotation marks) centered below the heading. The appropriate format for each reference depends on the type of source. For instance, use the following format to reference articles found on the web:

• Author last name, first name (year, month day). Title. Publication. URL.

So, an online news article can be referenced as follows:

• Kelion, Leo (2020, May 4). Coronavirus: UK contact-tracing app is ready for Isle of Wight downloads. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52532435 .

Your references should be alphabetized by the author's last name, and each entry needs a hanging indent , which means that every line after the first one is indented.

APA style also requires in-text citations. Follow all facts or quotes with a citation in the format (Author last, publication year, p. #) after the quote or before the sentence's end punction. For example:

• (Atwood, 2019, p. 43)

You can omit the page number if you're referencing an entire work.

The American Psychological Association website has more examples of references in APA style .

Select Insert from the Google Docs menu bar, followed by Table . From the pull-down menu, choose the number of rows and columns for your table (1x1 minimum, 20x20 maximum). Remove all vertical lines in the table by selecting them, then select the Border Color tool and choose a color that matches the table background. Do the same for the horizontal lines, except when those lines are needed for data clarity. Type the number of the table (in bold) above the table, then type the table's title in title case (and in italics) below that. Include any relevant notes below the table.

Change the formatting of citations that have already been written to APA by selecting Tools from the menu bar, followed by Citations . A citation format sidebar will appear on the right side of the screen. Select APA from the drop-down menu to have Google Docs change your citation format accordingly.

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Formatting a Research Paper: The Google Docs Way

As educational institutions move towards a more collaborative and technology-based approach to learning, the need for students to become familiar with the use of digital tools for completing assignments is becoming increasingly important. Google Docs is one such tool which can be used in conjunction with other software programs such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Pro to create professional quality research papers. This article provides an overview of how formatting a research paper using Google Docs can enhance student productivity while maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision. Topics discussed include setting up document features, organizing sources within the text, applying styles, formatting citations correctly according to accepted guidelines, and sharing documents securely online.

I. Introduction to Formatting a Research Paper in Google Docs

Ii. advantages of using the google suite for writing and formating papers, iii. accessing an existing document or creating a new one within the platform, iv. a step-by-step guide to formatting your research paper utilizing the features of google docs, v. customizing margins, fonts, and spacing for optimal reading comfort, vi. making use of different styles and headings to make your content easier to follow, vii. finishing touches: checking spelling & grammar; inserting citations; and exporting/downloading your finished work.

Formatting Your Research Paper in Google Docs Google Docs is a powerful and user-friendly platform for creating and formatting research papers. This guide will walk you through the steps of setting up your document to make sure that it follows all of the standard academic requirements, such as margins, font size, line spacing, title page information and more. It can also help you ensure consistency throughout your paper by utilizing its helpful features like numbered lists and bolded headings.

To get started with formatting a research paper using Google Docs first create an account if necessary. Next open or create a new document within “My Drive”. Be sure to start with the correct type; from there select either “blank” or choose one of their many templates available specifically tailored towards writing essays or scholarly work including MLA format research paper template google docs or APA style templates which include running headers & footers along with other specifications needed for college level assignments

Real Time Collaboration Google Suite’s cloud-based functionality makes it easier for students to work together on projects, even if they are located in different parts of the world. By syncing documents and allowing multiple users to access them at the same time, Google Drive facilitates collaboration that can help turn an average paper into something more impressive. And by providing a chat window within each document as well as version control capabilities—which track every change made to any part of a paper—students have unprecedented ways to communicate with each other about their written assignments.

Simple Formatting & Styling Tools For those without much experience formatting papers according to style guidelines (e.g., APA or MLA), fear not! The Google Suite offers features like Heading Styles and Line Spacing which make writing research papers simpler than ever before. Students can also use templates in applications like Google Docs , making it easy for them quickly create outlines and adhere to standard format requirements while saving valuable time on tedious tasks such as setting page margins.

• No longer do you need expert knowledge of Microsoft Word.

. Additionally, basic styling tools enable novice writers perfect their professional presentation skills by adding stylistic elements such as italics or bolds with ease . All these features come together seamlessly so that students get the most out of their writing process regardless of how familiar they are with advanced word processing software

Users of the platform can easily create a new document or access an existing one. With the help of Google Docs , users have multiple options for creating and editing their documents:

• Create from scratch, using Google’s powerful online word processor.
• Start with an existing template to get you going in the right direction.

Once they’ve chosen which type of document to work on, users are then able to customize it however they want by adding text, images, videos and other forms of media. For more advanced projects like research papers or presentations, there are plenty of tools available for formatting them according to academic standards – including predefined templates specifically designed for different types of formats such as APA or MLA. Furthermore, features like revision history and sharing capabilities make it easy to collaborate with others on projects while ensuring that everyone is working off the same version.

Creating a Research Paper Format with Google Docs Creating the perfect research paper format can be daunting. But with Google Docs, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! Here is a step-by-step guide to formatting your document using all of its features:

1) Begin by opening up an empty Document in Google Docs. 2) To ensure that you are utilizing proper research paper format, use the built in Heading styles – Heading 1 for your title; and Heading 2 and 3 for subsequent sections throughout your work. This will keep all the titles consistent throughout. 3) With text highlighted, choose whether or not you’d like it to be bolded or italicized – both options are available within Google Docs. Additionally, there are many other font sizes and colors available if desired. 4) Utilize unnumbered lists when outlining items such as points or steps within each section. 5) Insert images into documents directly from either Bing Image search results or saved pictures already uploaded onto Drive (Google’s cloud storage). You also have complete control over placement on page and size adjustments of images.. 6 ) Incorporate tables to show numerical data related to your topic. 7 ) Add hyperlinks so readers can quickly access information related to topics presented in your writing. Once completed, double check links before submitting finished product – this ensures accuracy . 8 ) After these basic formatting tasks are completed , utilize ‘research tools’ feature located at top right corner : just highlight any word in article , click ‘Research Tools’ icon & relevant sources appear immediately below selection ! It ‘ s never been easier reference materials while composing one’ s own thoughts ..

By following these simple instructions found above , users should find no difficulty completing their very own professional looking research papers while utilizing only the powerful capabilities provided through google docs !

For a reader to have optimal reading comfort, customizing the document’s margins, fonts and spacing is essential. When looking at a research paper format on Google Docs for instance, we see that some of these settings are pre-configured.

• Margins: 1 inch all around
• Font: Times New Roman size 12

Spacing: Double spaced throughout; no extra spaces between paragraphs or sections. .

As you write a paper, it is important to think about how your readers will process the information. By using different styles and headings, you can help make your content easier for them to follow.

One of the most effective techniques for structuring content in research papers is through the use of Google Docs’ Research Paper Format. This format provides an outline structure which enables easy navigation between sections as well as adding visual cues that draw attention to key points or areas of interest. For example, each section heading should be bold and have its own number; subheadings within those sections can then be denoted with bullets or other symbols:

• Subheading 1
• Subheading 2

. Additionally, when introducing new topics in a paragraph, begin with an interesting sentence that captures readers’ attention so they are more likely to stay engaged throughout your writing. To further break up text-heavy material into easily digestible chunks while keeping main ideas clearly visible on the page, consider utilizing lists – both numbered and unnumbered -to present sequential steps in processes such as experiments or summarizing arguments/discussions that otherwise could become difficult for readers to understand due their lengthiness . When done correctly these features add depth and clarity allowing any reader unfamiliar with topic at hand engage quickly without becoming overwhelmed by volumes of dense textual content. Ultimately ensuring all elements work together harmoniously yields concise yet comprehensive documents; this serves not only benefit current audiences but also may create lasting impressions among future viewers who come across materials long after original authors may have forgotten how certain things were originally structured!

It’s finally time to take your hard work and turn it into something tangible. Now that you’ve finished your research paper, all that remains is to check for any errors in spelling and grammar, add the correct citations, then download/export the file as a PDF or other accepted format.

As far as checking for mistakes goes, Google Docs , Microsoft Word (or other similar applications) have spell-checkers available which can help identify misspelled words or incorrect punctuation. Once these are corrected be sure double-check with an online grammar tool such as Grammarly so no mistakes slip through the cracks. After this final step has been completed inserting citations should be easy; there are numerous citation generators available depending on what type of research paper you’re writing such as MLA 8th Edition Format Generator or APA 7th Edition Format Generator – even Google Scholar provides access to properly formatted references based on peer review articles from its database! Finally save/download your document using either a .docx (Microsoft Word), .odt (OpenOffice Writer) or .pdf(Adobe Acrobat Reader).

At the end of this article, it is hoped that readers now have a better understanding of how to format a research paper using Google Docs. With its user-friendly platform and extensive range of features, Google Docs provides an excellent platform for researching and crafting academic papers in an organized manner. As academics continue to embrace technology into their writing process, tools like Google Docs are becoming increasingly important for students hoping to take advantage of digital resources while maintaining scholarly standards. By having a comprehensive knowledge on how to use the functionality within these programs they can save time and improve productivity during all stages of the research paper drafting process.

How to Style Your Paper with APA Format in Google Docs

• Last updated November 15, 2023

If you’re a student or working in the academic field, you’re probably somewhat familiar with the APA format. However, formatting your paper according to APA guidelines can be daunting, especially if you’re using a tool like Google Docs.

But fear not! In this article, we’ll teach you how to use APA format in Google Docs and access its built-in APA templates to save you time and effort in the long run.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What Is APA Format?

APA stands for American Psychological Association. From its name, it’s easy to guess that this style has become the standard for many disciplines, including psychology, education, and social sciences.

The APA Style  is a standard format used in essays, research, and other forms of academic writing.

Related : How to Do MLA Format on Google Docs [Step-by-Step Guide]

How to Set Up APA Format in Google Docs

Before starting the writing process, it’s essential to customize the appearance of your document. This ensures that every important section in an APA-style paper is present. As of writing, APA is in its seventh edition  (APA 7). Therefore, we’ll use this version in the following guide.

Here’s how to do APA format in Google Docs.

Step 1: Configure Margin Settings

By default, a new document in Google Docs has one-inch margins on all sides. If you’ve changed your default settings at some point in the past, you’ll need to modify them for APA.

• Go to “File,” then select  “Page setup.”

• Ensure that all margins are set at 1 inch  (or in the margin size specified by your instructor).
• Click  “OK”  when done.

Step 2: Add Page Headers

• In the drop-down menu bar, select “ I nsert” > “Headers & footers” > “Header.”

• If you’re writing the paper for professional use, type the title in all caps (as a running head ). If not, skip step three.
• Highlight the page header and select  “Times New Roman,”  size 12 as the font.

• Under the Header menu, click on the “Options”  drop-down and choose “Page numbers.”

• Ensure that the value in the “Start at”  field is 1. Click on the “Apply”  button to insert the pagination.

• Place your cursor at the immediate left of the page number. Press the  “Tab”  key and/or the spacebar on your keyboard to flush the page number to the right.

Step 3: Set up the APA Format for Title Page in Google Docs

• Click on any part of your document.
• Change the font style by clicking on the “Font”  drop-down menu and selecting “Times New Roman.”

• Adjust the font size to 12 using the “Font size”  option in the Google Docs toolbar.

• Click on the “Line & paragraph spacing”  button (denoted by an up-down arrow with three horizontal lines). Select  “Double.”

• Press the  “Enter” or  “Return”  key on your keyboard three to four times.
• Click on “Align” > “Center align”  in the toolbar to flush the text to the middle of the page.

• Type your paper title and make it bold by pressing  “Ctrl” + “B”  (or “Cmd” + “B”  for Mac) on your keyboard.

• Alternatively, highlight the title and click the  “B” (Bold) button on the toolbar at the top.

• Add a new line, then type the name of the author(s) below it.
• For students : Author’s school, course number and name, name of the instructor, and assignment due date.
• For professionals : Author’s affiliation (where the research was conducted), notes from the author, and ORCiD link .

• To start a new page, select  “Insert” > “Break” > “Page break.”

Step 4: Insert an Abstract Page

An abstract page  presents the overall gist of your paper. It contains both the summary and a list of keywords related to your topic. Note that this is only important for professional papers.

To insert an abstract page, simply follow the steps below.

• On a new page after the title page, type “Abstract”  and select  “Align” > “Center align”  in the toolbar.

• Make it bold by pressing “Ctrl” + “B”  (or  “Cmd” + “B”  for Mac).
• Press “Enter”  to start a new line.
• Enable  “Left align”  and begin typing your abstract.

Step 5: Type the Full Paper Title & Start Writing

Having laid out the basic formatting of your paper, you can now begin writing your content. On the first line of a new page, you’ll have to enter the full title of your work. This should be bolded, centered, and using an APA-style title case .

When it comes to the body of your paper or dissertation, there are a few more elements to remember.

Apply the Correct Paragraph Format

When using the APA style, your paragraphs should be aligned to the left margin. Each paragraph should also start with a 0.5-inch indentation . In Google Docs, pressing the “Tab”  key on your keyboard should produce a half-inch indentation by default.

If you’re citing original text from another source with more than 40 words, you should use a “block quotation.”  This means the whole block or paragraph is indented ½ inch to the right (but remains left-aligned).

Related : Easily Insert a Google Sheet Into Google Docs [2023 Guide]

Use In-Text Citations Properly

When getting information from other references, make sure to use in-text citations. You can do this in two ways:

• (Author’s surname, publication year, and page number): This is called a parenthetical citation . You can insert it right after a quote or at the end of a sentence. The page number is important if you’re citing specific lines from another source. But you can remove it if you’re citing the summary of an entire paper.

• [Author] reported that…(Publication year): This is called a narrative citation . Here, the surname of the author is part of the paragraph itself. You only need to enclose the publication year in parentheses.

How to Format References for APA Style

You have to give credit to every source used in your APA research and paper. This allows your instructor or reader to verify whether certain information in your work is true. Therefore, you must have a References page at the end of your document.

Here’s how to set it up.

• On a new page, type the word  “References”  on the first line.
• Put it in center alignment and make it bold.

• Start a new line and input the correct format for your source type .
• After listing your references, alphabetize them based on the surnames of the authors.
• Highlight your reference list.
• Go to “Format” > “Align & indent” > “Indentation options.”

• Under “Special indent,”  select “Hanging” from the drop-down menu.
• Click on the  “Apply” button.

How to Use the APA Google Docs Templates

Given the common use of the APA format in academia, it’s common to find templates designed for it. Google Docs itself offers two variants: APA 6th Ed.  and APA 7th Ed.  (the latest edition).

Here’s how you can set them up for your use.

• Launch your browser and go to the Google Docs homepage .
• Click on “Template Gallery.”

• Under the  “Education”  category, select “Report”  with the words “APA 6th Ed.”  or “APA 7th Ed.”  below it (depending on what your instructor requires).

You can also access the templates from a blank document you created. To do this, click on “File” > “New” > “From template.”  This will redirect you to the same Template Gallery. Select any of the two APA formats to proceed.

Doing the steps above would open an APA format template in Google Docs. All you have to do is insert your content.

It’s important to note that APA formatting for professional and student papers differs slightly. This is noticeable, especially when making the APA cover page in Google Docs . These templates have parentheses that say “for professional papers”  and “for student papers.” Select what applies to you and delete the other unnecessary parts of the template.

Get Even More APA  Format Tips and Templates!

By following this guide to using APA format in Google Docs, you’ll ensure that papers meet your educational institution’s formatting requirements (while giving your work a professional and polished look).

Need more assistance with APA? Not to worry: Udemy’s got plenty of APA formatting courses  to give you a leg-up!

Looking for powerful templates to improve your work output? You can find them on our Gumroad page ! Check out our huge list of templates and get 50% off by using the code “SSP .”

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How to set up an APA format of an essay in Google Docs

Students have to deal with hundreds of writing assignments during their academic path. Such papers aim to develop undergraduates’ critical thinking, writing, formatting, and structuring abilities. Indeed, every essay has to be written according to a specific format and structure. Depending on your major, you may need to follow different formatting styles. The most prominent and used ones are MLA (Modern Language Association), Chicago, and APA (American Psychological Association). If you use Google Docs, you can find some templates to use there. However, if you want to manually set up this format, you are most welcome to read this article.

Table of Contents

APA format: Definition, Rules, and Purpose

As we already know, APA stands for American Psychological Association. It is mostly used by scholars who study Social Sciences, such as Linguistics, Criminology, Sociology, Economics, etc. Indeed, it has established rules regarding font, title, and a reference page. Even though professors may require sticking to different instructions, a standard APA paper has the following attributes:

• Double-spaced text without spaces between paragraphs
• The text follows 12 Times New Roman font (it can be replaced by any other font, such as Arial; however, Times New Roman is hardly ever replaced by other fonts)
• One-inch page margins all over the paper
• A header that includes your paper’s title and page number
• The first page, also known as the title page, comprises your credentials, the topic, and affiliation you belong to
• Body paragraphs are indented with a ½ inch
• In-text citations for direct quotes or paraphrased sentences
• The last page is called References in the APA format, where you include your sources used

Note that the default template placed in Google Docs includes units that can be redundant for your piece. That is, you may not need such sections as Methodology or Results. Either way, you are free to go to the official APA page and find out what you need.

Using The APA Template In Google Docs

In case you want to use a standard APA format in Google Docs, you have to go to Files — New — From template. When you do this, you will be redirected to a new tab where you will find the bulk of different templates. Go a little bit down, and you will see an Education section. Select an APA format, and voila.

The document will have some text just to show you how the paper should look. Some essays don’t need to have specific chapters. You are free to delete them when using this template.

How To Set Up The APA Format In Google Docs

Many people encounter problems with Google Docs. Which may have them switch to another alternative . The reason is they can’t see any templates. When using Templates , they are redirected to the page with their previously written documents. Suppose you face the same issue, no need to worry. You can create a document on your own, and we will gladly help you with that:

• Undoubtedly, a default Arial is a real pain in the neck. You always have to change it before writing an academic paper. Change it to Times New Roman 12.
• Then click Insert on the left top — Headers and footers — Header (or you can simply press Ctrl+Alt+O or Ctrl+Alt+H ).
• Again, when filling out the header, you have to change its font from Arial 11 to Times New Roman 12. Remember to write it in CAPS.
• The next thing you have to do is to set up page numbers. Go to Insert — Page numbers — Page number .
• You have to align the page number with the top-right margin. You can do that by clicking the tab or spacebar. And don’t forget to click Different first page. Your title page doesn’t have to be indicated by a page number. Don’t worry, though, as the page number will appear on subsequent pages.
• Besides, type “Running head:” before the title. Make sure the following pages have numbers and are aligned with the top-right margin.
• Click anywhere on the paper and choose Format — Line — Spacing — Double. Please note that your professor may require you to follow single line spacing. Clarify which spacing you have to stick to.
• On the title page, make sure your indicator is about mid-way down the page. Select Center Align.
• Type the document’s full title, your first and second name, and the institutional affiliation. You must write every item on separate lines.
• Finally, choose Select — Break — Page Break to start a new page.
• Again, pick Center Align and type Abstract. Alternatively, you can Align your text and line space in the toolbar at the top right of Google Docs.
• Once you do that, press Enter and select Left Align .
• Press Tab to indent the text and start a new paragraph.
• Since the Abstract has to be written on a separate page, press Enter + Ctrl to start a new one. Plus, press Tab to indicate the beginning of the paragraph.
• Repeat that when finishing your paper with a Reference page.

How To Handle Referencing in APA

Each and every academic paper needs to have credible sources to support the student’s arguments. Regardless of the formatting style, you have to give credits to academicians you refer to. To do that, you have to create a page called References. Your sources must be alphabetized by the scholar’s last name. Besides, every second line of the same reference must be indented. For example:

Gore, A. (2006). An inconvenient truth: The planetary emergency of global warming and what

we can do about it. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

Michaels, P. J., & Balling, R. C., Jr. (2000). The satanic gases: Clearing the air about global

warming. Washington, DC: Cato Institute.

Begley, S., & Murr, A. (2007, July 2). Which of these is not causing global warming? A. Sport

utility vehicles; B. Rice fields; C. Increased solar output. Newsweek, 150(2), 48-50.

How To Give Credits In Text In APA

When writing essays using APA, you also need to know how to make in-text citations. APA requires mentioning the author’s last name and the year of publication. If you insert direct quotes, you must include the page number, as well. The citation itself has to be at the end of a sentence, followed by a period. The following are in-text citations for various textual or statistical evidence:

Paying no attention to global warming, people jeopardize our future, which, in turn, may not occur (Gore, 2006).

It is not clear to what extent specimens as tools to document phonological changes can help people slow down severe effects caused by global warming (Miller-Rushing, Primack, Primack, & Mukunda, 2006, p. 1671)

Recapitulation

Writing academic essays may seem easy at first glance. Knowing a structure, you can complete the paper promptly and submit it to the teacher. But, be that as it may, the professor will likely put an unsatisfactory grade. This may occur because of the improper formatting style.

The mentioned guide goes through the most crucial aspects you have to meet to write an academic piece. Following this guideline, you will spend less time creating headers, indenting texts, and writing citations. Employ this guide daily to make your writing abilities and productivity skyrocket.

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How-To Geek

Google docs features to help you ace your college papers.

Learning about these features might turn a C paper into an A+.

Quick Links

Research with the explore feature, use the built-in dictionary, add citations and a bibliography, include footnotes, open the equation editor, take advantage of collaboration features.

Google Docs can be great for writing school essays and other projects. From citations to research to collaborating with classmates, take advantage of these helpful features for your college papers.

Related: Learn These Microsoft Word Features to Make College Easier

Just like the Researcher tool in Microsoft Word , the Explore tool in Google Docs helps you locate sources and get your research done. Select the Explore button on the bottom right of the Google Docs screen.

When the sidebar opens, enter a search term at the top. You'll see three tabs for your results. So, you can choose Web, Images, or Drive (your Google Drive) to find the item you need.

You can add a citation as a footnote or insert an image that includes a link to the source. Or, simply select a result to read up on the topic. It's easy to research your paper using Explore in Google Docs.

For correcting spelling , checking verb tense, or finding synonyms, check out the Google Docs Dictionary. You can look up any word and save yourself a trip to an online or physical dictionary.

Related: How to Check Your Spelling in Google Docs

Either select a word in your document and go to Tools > Dictionary or open the tool from the menu and enter your word into the Search box in the sidebar.

You'll see everything you need to use the word correctly, spell it right, or get another word that means the same thing.

For including your references in the text and in the form of a bibliography, Google Docs gives you the Citations feature. Go to Tools > Citations to open the Citations sidebar.

Select your writing style from APA, MLA, or Chicago in the drop-down box at the top. Then, click "Add Citation Source" to add the type and reference details for your source.

Save the citation and then insert an in-text reference easily. Hover your cursor over the source in the sidebar's list and pick "Cite."

Once you have a citation in the sidebar, you can insert a bibliography . Place your cursor where you want the list and head to the bottom of the sidebar. Choose "Insert Works Cited" or "Insert References" depending on the writing format you picked.

Google Docs automatically inserts and formats your bibliography so you can continue writing without worry.

Related: How to Automatically Insert a Bibliography in Google Docs

When you have additional details or notes you want to include but not directly in the main content, use a footnote.

Place your cursor next to the word or select the word in your text. Go to Insert > Footnote in the menu.

You'll see the footnote number where your cursor was placed, and the cursor then appears in the footnote area for you to add your text.

Add more footnotes the same way and they'll be numbered automatically per page.

If the paper you're composing is for a math class, you can use the built-in equation tool . This saves you time by providing the letters, symbols, and operators you need to enter an equation instead of hunting them down elsewhere.

Related: How to Use the Equation Editor in Google Docs

Select Insert > Equation from the menu and you'll see the Equation Editor bar at the top of your document.

Make sure your cursor is in the spot in your document where you want the equation. Then, use the drop-down boxes in the Equation Editor to select what you need for the equation. As you choose each equation element, you'll see it added to your document.

When you finish, use the X on the right side of the Equation Editor bar to close it.

If you're working on a group project with other classmates, Google Docs has the features you need to collaborate. Start by sharing the document with editing permissions and then use the following tools to work together.

Related: How to Share Documents on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Leave Comments

Select an item in your document such as a word, sentence, or image and then click the Comment icon on the top right or in the floating toolbar. Add your comment , use the @ (At) symbol to mention a specific person, and click "Comment."

Everyone with access to the document can see the comments. And as you take care of the notes or tasks, click the Resolve icon (checkmark) to keep track.

You can also use the emoji feature for quick reactions to parts of the document and the comment assignment feature to delegate tasks.

See the Version History

When several people are working on a document at the same time, it can be tough to recall who did what and when. You can select "See Version History" in the File > Version History menu to view all changes to the document.

You'll see a list of dates and names, and you can select a version to view it. This does not immediately change your current document; it's simply a way to see what's changed and by whom. If you do want to use a particular version, select the three dots to the right of it and pick "Restore this Version."

When you finish viewing the Version History, click the arrow on the top left and you'll return to the document.

Quickly Email Your Classmates

For a quick and easy way to get in touch with your classmates, you can email all collaborators for a document at once. Select File > Email from the menu and pick "Email Collaborators."

A message window opens with your collaborators already included and the name of the document as the subject line. Type your message and press "Send."

This gives you a terrific way to check in with your classmates on the project without creating a separate email in another app where you have to track down their email addresses.

For other collaboration tools, look at how to suggest an edit , or specifically, how to track changes in Google Docs .

With these Google Docs features, you can find what you need, cite your sources correctly, and work with your fellow students to create a paper that wows your professor.

Related: 7 Time-Saving Google Docs Features You Need to Know

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• Google Docs

Add citations and a bibliography

You can add citations and a bibliography to your Google Doc with these styles:

• MLA (8th ed.)
• APA (7th ed.)
• Chicago Author-Date (17th ed.)

Important: The citations tool is available in all languages, but the elements the tool generates in your document only appear in English at this time.  For example:

• A book title you enter in the citations tool appears in the language you entered it.
• The “Bibliography” heading, “edited by,” and other elements generated by the citations tool appear in English regardless of your language in Google Docs.

You can translate auto-generated elements to another language after you insert them in your document.

• In the sidebar, select your formatting style from MLA , APA , or Chicago Author-Date .

Add a citation source and related details

• In the Citations sidebar, under your selected style, click + Add citation source .
• Select your source type.
• You can use a URL to search for websites or online newspapers, or use an ISBN number to search for books.
• Recommended fields include a blue asterisk.
• To add multiple contributors, click + Contributor.
• You can indicate if a contributor is an organization, such as a company.
• Click Add citation source .

Learn more about how to add and edit sources .

Insert an in-text citation

• In the Citations sidebar, hover over the source you want to cite.
• A Cite button appears on the side of the citation source.
• The source appears in your selected style within the text of your document.
• If a “#” appears in the text of your document, delete it or replace it with the page number(s) for your citation.

Edit a citation source

• At the bottom of the sidebar, click Save source .

Delete a citation source

Insert a bibliography.

• In your document, place your cursor where you want the bibliography to appear.
• In the Citations sidebar at the bottom, click Insert bibliography. A bibliography appears in your selected style.

Related articles

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• See and use suggested content in a document
• Correct your spelling & grammar in Google Docs
• Count the words in a document
• Search and use find and replace

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

Using Google products, like Google Docs, at work or school? Try powerful tips, tutorials, and templates. Learn to work on Office files without installing Office, create dynamic project plans and team calendars, auto-organize your inbox, and more.

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Beyond words: comprehensive guide on styling text in Google Docs

In this blog post, we delve into the various techniques and features available to customize your Google Docs. Follow these tips and tricks to be well on your way to creating documents that convey your content effectively and look polished and visually captivating.

When you want to make documents look really professional and nice to read, it's super important to learn how to style the text properly. Google Docs offers a range of text formatting tools that will transform your documents from bland to outstanding. 

How to use text formatting in Google Docs

Text formatting is crucial in conveying emphasis, clarity, and structure within your documents. Google Docs provides a range of text styling options to help you achieve these objectives.

How to change font style in Google Docs

The first thing I'd recommend changing is the font style (and its size).

Picking the most suitable font size and style in Google Docs from the start will minimize the need for retroactive formatting changes along the way. You'll be able to focus on the layout and content knowing that the main visual element is already set.

Below are some other standard fonts often used in different documents.

To change font style in Google Docs, click on any font. You can quickly go through multiple fonts to see which one you like better in action. 

Once you find the ones you love, just click on them and they will appear in the list of your fonts in both the right panel and the drop-down with the available fonts.

Use these to:

• increase or decrease the current font size (or use Ctrl+Shift+. and Ctrl+Shift-. hotkeys instead)
• pick one of the predefined font sizes from the drop-down
• enter the exact size from your keyboard

Bold, italic and underline

To make your text stand out and grab attention, you can use bold formatting, and italicized or underlined text.

Tip. Besides the toolbar, there's another way to indicate a different tone for your text. You can apply these Google Docs formats using shortcuts:

• Ctrl+B for bold ( Command+B on Mac)
• Ctrl+I for italic ( Command+I on Mac)
• Ctrl+U for underline ( Command+U on Mac)

Of course, you can apply all three formatting Google Docs styles to the same piece of text or mix & match with just 2 of them.

Strikethrough

Sometimes, conveying information involves showing what has changed or is no longer valid. Strikethrough is a text formatting tool that helps you visually indicate that a particular portion of text should be disregarded. You can also use strikethrough to add a touch of humor or irony to your text.

Though there's no button for this option, you can easily apply strikethrough to a portion of text in Google Docs by using the Alt+Shift+5 shortcut. 

Text & highlight colors

To enhance the visual appeal or emphasize important points even more, don't neglect text and highlight colors. Using them strategically or creatively will make a significant difference.

Text color will change the color of letters. Highlight will color the white background behind the text. 

You can pick a hue from predefined colors or click one of the icons at the bottom of the palette:

Note. When using text and highlight colors in Google Docs, it's important to ensure adequate contrast for optimal readability. Choose such color combinations for your text that provide enough contrast between the text itself and its background to make your content easily legible.

Tip. Remember to strike a balance between creativity and readability when playing with colors. Stay consistent with your color choices to maintain a professional and organized appearance.

Style Google Docs text using the paint format tool

I cannot help but mention one small tool to work with the formatting. Instead of applying the same visuals over and over again, you can copy them from any portion of your text.

This tool acts as a formatting brush allowing you to copy the style in Google Docs, size, colors, bold/italic/underline and other formatting of one piece of text and apply it to other parts of your document:

• Format a text selection to your liking.
• Select the formatted text only.
• Click on the Paint format icon in the toolbar.
• Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to apply the formatting to.

The chosen text will adopt the formatting of the initial selection.

Tip. To apply the formatting to multiple selections, double-click the Paint format icon to keep it active until you're done.

Improve readability with line spacing and alignment

When it comes to styling documents in Google Docs, aesthetics and readability go hand in hand. Proper alignment, indentation, spacing, and effective use of lists are essential if you want to engage with your material effortlessly.

Alignment & indentation

As for indentation, it helps create a visual hierarchy. It's usually used to block quotes, bullet points, and more.

Line & paragraph spacing

Optimal line and paragraph spacing are key elements for your document's readability. Let's see how you can adjust line and paragraph spacing to prevent text from feeling cluttered or too spread out.

• The first 4 settings — single, 1.15, 1.5, double — offer various breathing rooms between the lines.
• The next two — Add/Remove space before/after paragraph — visually separate the content blocks. Use these to distinguish different sections easily.

• Keep with next and Keep lines together will make sure your paragraphs or lines are not divided into different pages.
• Add page break before , on the contrary, will move the selected block to a new page.
• Prevent single lines , well, prevents single lines at the beginning or the end of your section (paragraph) from being left out on a page. It always keeps at least two lines of text together.

Note. Some options are not available in the pageless format.

Bulleted and numbered lists

Select the text that you want to turn into a list and click either Bulleted or Numbered list icons.

Tip. Or use the shortcuts ;) Ctrl+Shift+8 for bullets, Ctrl+Shift+7 for numbers. For Mac, it's the Control key instead of Ctrl .

Tip. Press Shift+Tab to turn the sub-item into the main list item.

You'll see a window with tens of characters to choose from, including numbers, symbols from other languages, emojis, currencies, etc. Just find the one you like best for your list or draw your own symbol in a special field in the same window.

Headings & styles: enhancing Google Docs structure

Creating a well-structured Google document is essential if you want to guide your readers through your content. The tools from this section will help you achieve a clear hierarchy and visual consistency within your documents.

How to add headings in Google Docs

Headings provide a roadmap for everyone reading/working with the document, making it easier for them to navigate through.

Tip. The more heading levels you use in Google Docs, the more extra levels will be available in the dropdown.

How to edit all headings in Google Docs at once

So you added headings in your Google Docs, what's next? You will most likely want to edit them: set the proper alignment, indentation or change colors, make them bold or underlined, etc. 

Luckily, there's a smart option that lets you do that with all headings of a similar level in Google Docs in just a few clicks.

Let's suppose it's Headings 2 you'd like to format.

• Pick one heading of the 2nd level and right-click it.

Tip. This way is great to edit not just headings but the normal text as well.

Creating a table of contents

A well-organized document often includes a table of contents (TOC) that acts as a roadmap for readers. In Google Docs, you can create a table of contents that dynamically updates as you edit your content. This feature is particularly handy when your document contains several sections or subsections.

Generate TOC from headings on Google Docs

Google Docs knows how to automatically generate a table of contents based on your headings and place it whenever you need in the document:

• Make sure to add headings to your document as I described in the previous section.

Each item in the TOC will be linked to its related section (even if you pick the style that doesn't look like it contains links). 

TOC outline: same concept, different purpose

An outline in Google Docs serves a similar purpose to a table of contents: it helps you create an organized structure. The only difference is that it's located not within the pages but on the side: as part of the Google Docs interface.

Note. Both the table of contents and the outline rely on properly formatted headings on Google Docs. Ensure your headings are consistently applied for accurate results.

How to change default style in Google Docs

When customizing Google documents, you might have a specific look in mind that aligns with your brand or personal preference. Custom styles in Google Docs enable you to save your preferred formatting settings, allowing you to apply them consistently across your documents.

The standard feature lets you save only one style as your default one for all future documents:

• Format your document: make sure titles, headings, subtitles & normal text look exactly as you need.

You'll see the confirmation message from Google Docs that your style has been set. Now when you start the new document, the font, its size, color, and headings will look as you prefer from the start by default.

To apply this style to other Google documents, go to Styles > Options > Use my default styles . 

Most likely, you already see the major drawback of this instrument: you can save & use only one style at a time.

Create multiple reusable custom styles in Google Docs

If you're looking to take your document styling to the next level, the Styles add-on for Google Docs is a real game-changer. 

It empowers you to create a multitude of custom styles, save them for future use, and effortlessly apply them to your entire document or specific sections.

As a nice bonus, it goes with built-in 20+ style templates for your Google Docs to choose from.

This add-on gives you broad freedom of action:

• Create, save and reuse a multitude of different style sets. For various types of documents and needs. You can even pick the style from your document!

• Applying the styles in Google Docs with this add-on couldn't be easier. Either click the blue Apply style button at the bottom to format the entire document, or change the appearance of specific paragraphs / selected text by clicking only on the necessary heading style. Either way, it's literally just a click :)

This add-on will be your sidekick if you crave efficiency without compromising on aesthetics. To play with it around, install it from the Google Workspace Marketplace and find it under the Extensions menu in your Google Docs. 

Video: Styles add-on for Google Docs: customize your documents

Share google docs styles with teammates.

Since collaboration is at the heart of many Google Docs projects, sharing consistent styles among team members is crucial for maintaining a unified document appearance.

Fortunately, Styles add-on for Google Docs allows you to share custom styles with your teammates, ensuring everyone is on the same page in terms of document formatting.

• Use the first two to export, or save to your Drive, all or only the selected style template for Google Docs.
• Use the third one to import, or upload from Drive, a style shared with you.

Mastering text styling in Google Docs is not just about making your documents visually appealing; it's about effectively conveying your ideas and engaging your audience. 

Whether you're working on an academic paper, crafting a report or simply sharing your thoughts, understanding these styling & customization techniques will give your Google documents an edge. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating documents that convey your content effectively and look polished and visually captivating.

So, go ahead and experiment with these features — your words deserve to be noticed :)

You may also be interested in

• How to get more Google Docs templates
• All Google Docs & Google Sheets limits you need to know
• How to make a good-looking table in Google Sheets

Table of contents

I meant underline for Mac: Command-U

All fixed! Thanks for catching those mistakes, Peter!

In your change font style for Mac, italic and bold should be command-I and command-B

It Was very helpful Thank you for gather all the information together.

Appreciate your feedback! I'm glad the article is helpful :)

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How to format your book manuscript in Google Docs

Are you using Google Docs to write a book? Maybe you’re wondering how you should format your manuscript to send to a publisher or agent. If you’re new to writing, maybe you don’t know that there is a right (and a wrong) way to present your manuscript.

Never fear, I’ve got you covered. This post will show you how to set up your book professionally in Google Docs.

Personally I prefer Word for handling large documents, but there’s many reasons you might want to format your book in Google Docs , especially if you’re working across many devices. Also, it’s free!

Standard manuscript format

Firstly, it’s helpful to know the standard settings for manuscripts or short stories. This applies to any formatting regardless of the software.

• Times New Roman or Courier font (I personally prefer Times)
• Double spaced
• 1 inch margins
• First line of each paragraph hanging (indented)
• Left alignment
• Your name/story title/page number in the top right hand corner

The number one tip I can give is to double check requirements for your manuscript with the publisher before submitting – they will include these requirements with their submission guidelines. But they’re likely to be standard manuscript format.

I’m going to use text from my short story ‘Lady Loveday Investigates’ to set up the document. You can do this on an existing manuscript or on a fresh document. If you’re creating a fresh document, I’d recommend saving it as a template before adding your text, so that you can reuse it in the future.

Formatting the manuscript in Google Docs

Open up Google Docs.

Start a blank document

Rename the document. I like to make sure it is labelled with the DRAFT status, so that I know exactly what copy I’m working on.

The title page header should include:

• Address (some places no longer require this)
• Phone number
• Number of words

Double click into the top of the Google Docs page to add this information into the header. Your first page header should be different to the other pages

Centred in the middle of the page in all caps should be the:

• Title of the book

After the title page is complete, you can work on the manuscript itself.

After your title page, headers should be right aligned and include:

• Title of book
• Page numbers

Double click into the top of the Google Docs page to add this information into the header. To add page numbers, click the Options button.

This will bring up a menu where you can specify the page numbers. List the start number at 0, so that it skips the title page and your first page of text is labelled 1.

Font and paragraph styles

Change font and size.

Convert your text to the following by highlighting it and selecting

• Times New Roman
• Left aligned (not full)

Chapter headings

• Times New Roman Italic
• Center aligned

Fix your paragraph styles

To indent your text with the first line hanging, go to: Format > Align & indent > Indentation options.

In the menu, select Special indent > First line

To double space paragraphs select all and go to: Format > Line & Paragraph spacing > Double.

Once you’ve done that, you can use these styles to update the heading and paragraph styles across the board. This will fix any missed formatting, and ensure all your new text is in the right style.

Click on the style you want to update and navigate to Format > Paragraph styles > (the text style you want to update) > Update to match.

Scene breaks

Add a scene break by using a centre aligned hash (#).

Organising chapters

You can start a new chapter or section by inserting a page break. Remember to put your chapter title in Heading 2 format.

It’s really helpful to keep your chapters organised with heading styles, so that they appear in the sidebar here. While it might not seem like much now, when you’ve got 40 chapters, that navigation pane becomes very handy. It’s especially useful if you’re writing a non-fiction book with lots of sections and sub-sections. Heading styles also make it easier to export a correctly formatted e-book.

Exporting your document

From here, you can export it as a Word document (.docx) if you’re sending it to publishers, or even an EPUB format if you’re sending it to e-readers.

Now that you know how to format your manuscript correctly in Google Docs, you can be confident that your work will appear professional to editors, agents, and publishers. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer them.

10 responses to “How to format your book manuscript in Google Docs”

Shame no one offers a free basic 6×9 chapter template for formatting a normal novel in google docs, even google docs don’t offer any good templates just fancy cooured stuff and menus that no one wants, too much confusion and messy websites clogging up the internet full of adverts, no wonder etsy sellers are making a fortune selling basic templates that are impossible to find anywhere, i guess i’ll have to go back to etsy and buy one

This was so helpful. I usually write on the go and I desperately needed some direction to continue my writing. Thank you for taking the effort to post this!

No problem! Glad it could help you out. 😀

Are there folks who i can share my Google Doc book with that will format it for me for a nominal fee ? I need help

Awesome article, I’m currently working on a novel and needed the guidance!

Hi Ken, I don’t have anyone I can recommend specifically but I’m sure there are people out there.

Fab! Glad it could help!

Thank you so much, Kat for doing this. You were SO very helpful. I needed help with formatting. Your video was super easy to listen to and follow. God bless you for this!

My absolute pleasure! Glad it could help 😀

ive been a writer along time since school really and my writings evolved but i only just started using paragraphs like 3 years ago which ik is bad but i was a kid now im writing much better my only question is how do i moniterize my chapters if there 3 acts with parts in each chapter i was attempting to lesson the blow of how massive it is

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The Best Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts for Boosting Your Productivity

Knowing your way around some keyboard shortcuts —whether for Windows, macOS, or individual programs—is perhaps one of the best time-saving productivity hacks there is. You don't have to reach for the mouse or trackpad to navigate to a new place on the screen, and you don't have to hunt through menus to find options for formatting images and text: Just press the right key combination and you're done.

There aren't many places where keyboard shortcuts are as useful as they are in Google Docs. When you're head-down in a document, these quick key presses can save you a serious amount of time, added up over the course of a day—and it means your brain stays in its creative groove.

These are the most important Google Docs keyboard shortcuts you need to know about, with variations for Windows and macOS. (The macOS shortcut is usually the same as the Windows one, with the Cmd button replacing Ctrl. ) To bring up a full list of keyboard shortcuts while you're in Google Docs, hold down Ctrl or Cmd and press / (the forward slash).

Hold down Ctrl+Shift+Alt (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Option (macOS), and you can then tap Z to switch to editing, X to switch to suggesting, and C to switch to viewing in the doc.

Use Ctrl+Shift+V or Cmd+Shift+V to paste whatever text is on your clipboard, but without any of its original formatting attached—so you don't suddenly find your document layout ruined.

When you already have some text selected, keep Shift held down and you can extend your text selection by a character at a time with the Left arrow and Right arrow . Hold down Ctrl or Cmd as well, and you go a word at a time.

Highlight any text and press Ctrl+K or Cmd+K to add a link to the text. The same shortcut works for editing links. Hover over a link with the cursor to find the delete link option.

Press Ctrl+Shift+C or Cmd+Shift+C to bring up the total word count, page count, and character count. Check the box on the dialog to have these permanently displayed.

Keep Ctrl+Shift or Cmd+Shift held down on the keyboard, and you can then create a numbered list by tapping 7 , a bulleted list by tapping 8 , and a checklist by tapping 9 .

There are a few keyboard shortcuts you can use when a comment is selected: R to reply to it, J and K to move up and down through comments, E to resolve a comment, and U to exit a comment.

Google Docs has a handy tool finder that you can use to search through all of the options on the menus and in the toolbars: Hold Alt or Option then tap / (forward slash) to show it.

You probably already know that Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z can undo your last action and correct mistakes. But you can also keep tapping the shortcut to go further back, and even undo everything from the current session if needed.

Here's one that comes in handy in a variety of situations: Press Ctrl+Y or Cmd+Y to repeat the same action again, whether it's inserting a particular character or deleting a sentence.

You can bring up the find and replace dialog by pressing Ctrl+H or Cmd+Shift+H . If you just want to find something (without replacing it), then it's Ctrl+F or Cmd+F instead.

You're able to manipulate images with keyboard shortcuts too. Select an image, hold down Ctrl+Alt or Cmd+Ctrl , then tap K to make an image larger or J to make it smaller.

With text highlighted, hold down Ctrl or Cmd , then tap B for bold, I for italics, U for underline, Shift+X for strikethrough, . (period) for superscript, or , (comma) for subscript.

If you want to apply a set heading style to text in your document, hold down Ctrl+Alt or Cmd+Option , then tap a number (from 1 to 6 ) to apply that particular heading style.

Sometimes you can get your words down more quickly if you're dictating them. Press Ctrl+Shift+S or Cmd+Shift+S and the voice typing dialog should pop up onscreen. Your browser should prompt you to give Google Docs permission to use your microphone; grant that permission and you can start dictating.

You don't need to navigate around the menus to drop a page break into an open document— Ctrl+Enter or Cmd+Enter will insert one at the cursor’s current position.

Louryn Strampe

Scott Gilbertson

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