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How to Use APA Format in Google Docs

Format any academic paper with ease

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 Research Papers in Google Docs: A Guide

Google Docs is quickly becoming an increasingly popular platform for students to create and format research papers. This comprehensive guide outlines the basic guidelines needed to effectively use Google Docs in order to complete a successful research paper, allowing students more control over their final product without sacrificing quality or accuracy of content. The article will discuss how to set up document formatting preferences within Google Docs; advice on creating a well-structured outline; tips on how best organize citations and references throughout the project; and finally include step-by-step instructions for correctly submitting your completed project into most academic databases. By following these simple steps outlined in this guide, researchers can rest assured that their finished work adheres not only their institution’s style manual requirements but also meets proper standards of quality online publication as well.

I. Introduction to Formatting Research Papers in Google Docs

Ii. understanding the basic features of a research paper, iii. setting up document layout and margins in google docs, iv. creating header with running head for page numbers.

V. Inserting Citations & Bibliographic References

VI. Utilizing Spellcheck & Autocorrect Functions

Vii. conclusion: advantages of using google docs for research papers.

Gaining the Skills for Research Paper Formatting with Google Docs As a professor, you may already have experience using Microsoft Word or other programs to write and format research papers. But what if you need to move over your documents to a cloud platform? Google Docs is an ideal option – it’s easy-to-use, free of charge and provides some formatting options that make completing any paper easier. Here are the basics for getting started with research paper format google docs.

Writing in Google Docs can feel like being stuck between two different worlds – one of traditional word processors, such as Word or OpenOffice; while another offers basic editing tools without much customization. Fortunately there’s no need to choose either: both offer features tailored specifically for academic writing projects which makes customizing each research paper simple. Through unnumbered lists, bold text headers (with HTML), footnotes/endnotes tracking changes — all easily accessible from within the program — anyone can create clear formatted papers regardless of their prior knowledge on how do I use Google Drive for my research project?

The ease of access means multiple writers can simultaneously work on sections at once! As well as collaboration becoming streamlined due to updates instantly visible across shared documents – perfect when working together with colleagues located around the globe! And if needed during those late nights spent polishing off essays before deadlines arrive… fear not — autosave ensures nothing will be lost!

Research papers can seem daunting for students who are new to the writing process. However, understanding a few basic features of these documents will help make the task much easier.

To begin with, it is important to understand that research papers should follow specific formatting guidelines – such as APA or MLA . If you’re unsure which style guide your school requires, check with your professor before beginning any work on the paper. Additionally, consider creating and using a template from Google Docs. This allows you to easily insert in-text citations and properly format headings according to whichever style guide has been assigned. Utilizing this tool not only simplifies complex elements within research papers but also ensures compliance with all applicable rules pertaining to citation requirements.

When constructing a research paper outline or table of contents for longer works, keep in mind that each section should have at least two subheadings; otherwise known as primary (or “main”) and secondary (“sub”) headings:

• Primary Headings – These include introduction, body paragraphs/sections and conclusion o Sub-Heading 1 etc…

• Secondary Headings – Usually located beneath their parent heading; provide an additional level of organization by further breaking down topics discussed within main sections into subsections: i.e., Background Information: History & Overview / Evaluation Methods / Summary & Conclusions etc…

Setting Up Document Layout and Margins in Google Docs

Google Docs provides a great set of tools for customizing the layout and margins of any document. When writing an academic paper, it’s important to follow guidelines specific to your field or discipline. With Google Docs’ intuitive user interface, setting up correctly formatted documents is easy.

To begin with, select File > Page Setup . This will bring up a menu where you can adjust margin sizes (using predefined options) as well as page orientation. To create a document following standard research paper format google docs style guide conventions—such as APA or MLA styles—you’ll need to configure top and bottom margins of at least one inch each while leaving left and right sides with 1.25 inches apiece. Additionally, be sure that the ‘orientation’ drop-down menu is set on either portrait or landscape according to your desired result before clicking ‘OK’ in order save these settings for use throughout the rest of this project!

When writing an academic paper, it is important to include a running head for page numbers. This allows readers and professors alike to navigate your paper quickly and easily without having to search for each individual page number. Fortunately, creating this header with the proper formatting can be done relatively simply within Google Docs.

Begin by opening up a new document in Google Docs or open an existing one if you are continuing on from a previous assignment. Once you have the document opened, select ‘Insert’ at the top of the window followed by selecting ‘Headers & Footer’ near the bottom of that menu list.

In Header Section:

Type in what will become your standard running header into both boxes provided – generally this includes some sort of abbreviated title followed by the current page number (example: ENGL101 Page 1). Then checkmark ‘Different First Page’ so that only applies when using multiple pages; then click anywhere else outside those text box fields to save them.

Next Under ‘Page Number’:

Choose either ‘Top Right’, ‘Bottom Center’, or any other desired option based on how far down/right you want these numbers placed before finally clicking back out again onto another area of blank space in order to save all changes made thus far!

Spellcheck and autocorrect functions are powerful tools that can save time and increase accuracy when writing. It is important for students to understand the different uses of each tool, as well as their limitations.

Spellchecking: Spellcheck will detect any misspelled words in a document or text box. By running spell check before submitting an assignment, one can quickly identify errors without needing to go through every sentence manually. A few tips on using spell checking include:
Using the correct language setting – Make sure you select the appropriate language from your program settings so that it matches your usage; otherwise, it won’t be able to recognize some words correctly.
Using Google Docs’ “Research” feature – If you’re using Google Docs for research papers (which many people do these days), then there’s a handy built-in Research function which allows you to search within documents directly from inside of the app! This saves lots of time spent switching between apps trying to find sources or facts needed for an essay.

Using Google Docs for research papers has numerous advantages that can be appreciated by any student or academic. From the convenience of real-time collaboration to a comprehensive selection of formatting tools, Google Docs provides an accessible and efficient way to write research papers.

Real-Time Collaboration: Working on a paper with others in real-time is simple when using Google Docs. Students and academics alike are able to simultaneously work together through the platform’s helpful chat feature.

Google also offers advanced features such as tracking changes, adding comments, suggesting edits, comparing documents side by side and more – making it easy for researchers to collaborate across long distances without missing out on vital information or details.

Formatting Tools & Templates: Research paper format google docs offer users access to hundreds of templates designed specifically for writing scholarly works – allowing authors greater control over their document’s visual layout. With its intuitive interface and full range of options including indenting text blocks, setting margins widths between paragraphs etc., formatting your paper takes minutes rather than hours!

Technize supported by its audience. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more .

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 write an APA format paper in Google Docs using a template or other built-in features

You can write an APA formatted paper in Google Docs using its built-in tools or a template.
The basics of APA 7 format include double-spaced lines, a running header, and a title page — all of which can be done in Google Docs.
Google Docs' templates page includes pre-made APA 6 and APA 7 documents you can use as well.

While some students write in MLA format, others write in APA format. APA — short for American Psychological Association — is a standardized format for writing academic papers, especially in the fields of sociology, psychology, and other behavioral or social sciences. It has specific rules for what your essays should look like, and how they should be structured.

APA format has changed a few times over the decades (right now we're on APA Seventh Edition, or "APA 7"), but the basics have stayed the same. And no matter which version of APA format you're using, you can set it all up using Google Docs.

Here's how to make an APA essay in Google Docs, either manually or using a template.

Quick tip: This guide focuses on the Google Docs website, not the app. While you can format an APA paper using the app, you'll have a much easier time using the website.

How to set up an APA format paper in Google Docs

Like other style guides, APA format has a variety of rules and standards. Here are the most important guidelines for structuring your paper, along with tips on how to meet those guidelines in Google Docs.

Important: Below are the standard APA 7 rules, but you should always follow your instructor's specific guidelines, even if they differ from the official rules.

The font needs to be readable and consistent.

APA isn't strict about what font you should use, or even what size it should be. It just needs to be legible, and you need to use the same font throughout your entire paper (with exceptions for figures, computer code, and footnotes). Some common choices are 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Arial, and 11-point Calibri.

You can change your font and font size using the toolbar at the top of the screen. If you're trying to change text that you've already written, just be sure to highlight it first.

Probably the most important part of an APA paper is the title page. It needs to include the paper's title in bold, your name, and your "institutional affiliation" — the school or organization that you're writing for. If you're a student, you also need to add the course number and name, your instructor's name, and the due date.

All this information should be centered in the upper-half of the first page. You can find Google Docs' alignment options in the toolbar at the top of the page. Highlight your text and select Center align in this menu to center everything.

Quick tip: If you're writing for a professional context, you'll also need to add an Author Note with your ORCiD link and any conflicts of interest at the bottom of your title page. Consult the APA handbook directly for more guidance.

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

The last section of your paper is the References page. Make sure to put it on a new page (or pages, depending on how many you have to cite).

The word "References" should be centered and bolded on the very first line of the page. You can center the words using the alignment options mentioned above, and bold it by clicking the B icon .

List all your references 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 .

Quick tip: APA requires a different style for every citation, depending on what you're referencing. For a full guide on how to write your references, check out the Purdue OWL's guide on how to write a References page .

Your citations need hanging indents, which you can make with the ruler tool. Google; William Antonelli/Insider

How to use google docs' apa format templates.

While you can format your paper manually, Google Docs also offers two different APA templates — one for APA 7, and another for APA 6. These templates will let you meet most of the APA guidelines right away, but you'll probably still need to change some of it.

To use one of these templates:

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 either Report [APA 6th ed] or Report [APA 7th ed] .

3. A page will open with an APA format 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 these templates in the mobile app by tapping the plus sign icon in the bottom-right, and then selecting Choose template .

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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.

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Academic Writing

How to Format an Essay

Last Updated: April 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Carrie Adkins, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Carrie Adkins is the cofounder of NursingClio, an open access, peer-reviewed, collaborative blog that connects historical scholarship to current issues in gender and medicine. She completed her PhD in American History at the University of Oregon in 2013. While completing her PhD, she earned numerous competitive research grants, teaching fellowships, and writing awards. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 86,461 times.

You’re opening your laptop to write an essay, knowing exactly what you want to write, but then it hits you—you don’t know how to format it! Using the correct format when writing an essay can help your paper look polished and professional while earning you full credit. There are 3 common essay formats—MLA, APA, and Chicago Style—and we’ll teach you the basics of properly formatting each in this article. So, before you shut your laptop in frustration, take a deep breath and keep reading because soon you’ll be formatting like a pro.

Setting Up Your Document

Step 1 Read over the assignment’s guidelines before you begin.

If you can’t find information on the style guide you should be following, talk to your instructor after class to discuss the assignment or send them a quick email with your questions.
If your instructor lets you pick the format of your essay, opt for the style that matches your course or degree best: MLA is best for English and humanities; APA is typically for education, psychology, and sciences; Chicago Style is common for business, history, and fine arts.

Step 2 Set your margins to 1 inch (2.5 cm) for all style guides.

Most word processors default to 1 inch (2.5 cm) margins.

Do not change the font size, style, or color throughout your essay.

Change the spacing on Google Docs by clicking on Format , and then selecting “Line spacing.”
Click on Layout in Microsoft Word, and then click the arrow at the bottom left of the “paragraph” section.

Step 6 Put the page number and your last name in the top right header for all styles.

Using the page number function will create consecutive numbering.
When using Chicago Style, don’t include a page number on your title page. The first page after the title page should be numbered starting at 2. [4] X Research source
In APA format, a running heading may be required in the left-hand header. This is a maximum of 50 characters that’s the full or abbreviated version of your essay’s title. [5] X Research source

Step 7 Use a title page with APA or Chicago Style format.

For APA formatting, place the title in bold at the center of the page 3 to 4 lines down from the top. Insert one double-spaced line under the title and type your name. Under your name, in separate centered lines, type out the name of your school, course, instructor, and assignment due date. [6] X Research source
For Chicago Style, set your cursor ⅓ of the way down the page, then type your title. In the very center of your page, put your name. Move your cursor ⅔ down the page, then write your course number, followed by your instructor’s name and paper due date on separate, double-spaced lines. [7] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source

Step 8 Create a left-handed heading for MLA Style essays.

Double-space the heading like the rest of your paper.

Writing the Essay Body

Step 1 Center the title of your paper in all style formats.

Use standard capitalization rules for your title.
Do not underline, italicize, or put quotation marks around your title, unless you include other titles of referred texts.

Step 2 Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) for all styles.

A good hook might include a quote, statistic, or rhetorical question.
For example, you might write, “Every day in the United States, accidents caused by distracted drivers kill 9 people and injure more than 1,000 others.”

Step 4 Include a thesis statement at the end of your introduction.

"Action must be taken to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving, including enacting laws against texting while driving, educating the public about the risks, and giving strong punishments to offenders."
"Although passing and enforcing new laws can be challenging, the best way to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving is to enact a law against texting, educate the public about the new law, and levy strong penalties."

Step 5 Present each of your points in 1 or more paragraphs.

Use transitions between paragraphs so your paper flows well. For example, say, “In addition to,” “Similarly,” or “On the other hand.” [12] X Research source

Step 6 Complete your essay with a conclusion.

A statement of impact might be, "Every day that distracted driving goes unaddressed, another 9 families must plan a funeral."
A call to action might read, “Fewer distracted driving accidents are possible, but only if every driver keeps their focus on the road.”

Using References

Step 1 Create parenthetical citations...

In MLA format, citations should include the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information. If the author's name appears in the sentence, use just the page number. [14] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
For APA format, include the author’s last name and the publication year. If the author’s name appears in the sentence, use just the year. [15] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
If you don’t use parenthetical or internal citations, your instructor may accuse you of plagiarizing.

Step 2 Use footnotes for citations in Chicago Style.

At the bottom of the page, include the source’s information from your bibliography page next to the footnote number. [16] X Trustworthy Source Purdue Online Writing Lab Trusted resource for writing and citation guidelines Go to source
Each footnote should be numbered consecutively.

Step 3 Center the title of your reference page.

If you’re using MLA format , this page will be titled “Works Cited.”
In APA and Chicago Style, title the page “References.”

Step 4 List your sources on the references page by author’s last name in alphabetical order.

If you have more than one work from the same author, list alphabetically following the title name for MLA and by earliest to latest publication year for APA and Chicago Style.
Double-space the references page like the rest of your paper.
Use a hanging indent of 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) if your citations are longer than one line. Press Tab to indent any lines after the first. [17] X Research source
Citations should include (when applicable) the author(s)’s name(s), title of the work, publication date and/or year, and page numbers.
Sites like Grammarly , EasyBib , and MyBib can help generate citations if you get stuck.

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How-To Geek

The beginner's guide to google docs.

Want to learn the basics to Google Docs? With this beginner's guide, you'll be able to do everything from adding a table of contents to sharing documents online in no time at all.

Quick Links

What is google docs, how to sign up for an account, how to create a blank document, how to import a microsoft word document, how to check your spelling in google docs, how to collaborate on documents with others, how to see all the recent changes to a document, how to suggest an edit to a document, how to find the word and page count, how to use google docs offline, how to add page numbers to a document, how to control margins in google docs, how to add a text box to a document, how to add a table of contents, the best google docs add-ons.

If you're just getting started with Google Docs, its extensive features and add-ons can be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you get started with this powerful alternative to Microsoft Word.

If you've heard of Google Docs before, feel free to skip ahead. If you've never heard of it before, here's a crash course on what you need to know. We'll go over the basics and get you brushed up with what Google Docs is and how you can get started right away.

Google Docs is a free, web-based word processor offered by Google as part of its complete office suite---Google Drive---to compete with Microsoft Office. The other main services included in the cloud-based suite are Sheets (Excel) and Slides (Powerpoint).

Related: What is Google Workspace, Anyway?

Google Docs is available on all devices and platforms; all you need is an internet connection and a web browser (or, in the case of mobile, the applicable apps). Google does the rest and handles the brunt of the heavy lifting while it runs the software in the cloud.

Docs supports several different file types, including .doc, .docx .txt, .rtf , and .odt, making it easy to view and convert Microsoft Office files directly from Google Drive.

And since Docs is an online word processor, you can share and collaborate with multiple people on the same document, tracking revisions, changes, and suggestions all in real time.

Have you heard enough? Let's get started.

The first thing you'll need to do before you can use Google Docs is a sign up for a Google account (an @gmail account). If you already have an account, feel free to move on to the next section. If not, we'll go over the simple way to create a Google account and get you set up with Docs.

Head over to accounts.google.com , click on "Create Account," and then "For Myself."

On the next page, you'll need to provide some information to create an account, like first and last names, username, and password.

Also, you have to verify your phone number to make sure you're an actual human and not a bot.

After you verify your phone number, the subsequent pages require you to provide a recovery email address, date of birth, and gender, as well as agreeing to the privacy statement and terms of service. Finish that, and you're the proud new owner of a Google account.

Now that you have a Google account, it's time to create your first document. Head on over to Google Docs and place the cursor on the multi-colored "+" icon in the bottom right corner.

The + turns into a blue pencil icon; click on it.

Chrome Pro Tip: If you're using Google Chrome, you can type

into the Omnibox and hit Enter to automatically create and open a new blank document.

Even if you're new to Google Docs, you might already have a collection of Microsoft Word files you'd like to be able to use. If that's the case, then you'll have to upload all your Word documents before you can view them. While it might not support some of the more advanced features and formatting of some Word documents, it works pretty well.

When you import a Word document, you can use either Google Docs or Drive to upload your files. Both methods let you drag and drop a file from your computer directly into the web browser for easy uploads. Your Drive houses all of your uploaded files, but for convenience's sake, when you head to the Docs homepage, it only shows you document-type files.

From the Google Docs homepage, click the folder icon in the top right, then click the "Upload" tab.

Once the Word file uploads, Docs opens it automatically, ready for you to start to edit, share, and collaborate.

To open a Word document that you want to edit, click the file with the blue 'W' next to the filename from your Google Docs homepage.

Click either view the Word file or edit it in Docs.

When you finish with the document, you can download your document back into DOCX, or PDF, ODT, TXT, HTML, or EPUB format. Click File > Download As then click on the desired format, and it will download directly to where files save from your browser.

Related: How to Import a Word Document into Google Docs

Now that you have a few documents, it's time to make sure your spelling and grammar are correct . Docs comes equipped with a spell-checker all ready to go for you---any time you misspell something, it underlines the error with a squiggly line, prompting you to make a change.

This should be on by default, but you can make sure in Tools > Spelling > Underline Errors.

To see spelling corrections and suggestions, right-click the word with the line underneath. Alternatively, or press Ctrl+Alt+X (Windows) or Command+Alt+X (Mac) to open the Spell Check and Grammar tool.

Another way to access the spell check is to click the icon with an A and checkmark. This enables the tool and parses your document for spelling and grammar.

Along with a spell checker, Google Docs comes loaded with a built-in dictionary and thesaurus. All you have to do is highlight a word, right-click on it, then click “Define [word].”

While this should get you started, we have a deeper dive into Docs' spelling and grammar checker if you want more info.

Related: How to Check Your Spelling in Google Docs

One of the best features of Google Docs is the ability to generate a shareable link that lets anyone with it to either view, suggest edits, or edit your document. Instead of sending a file back and forth between collaborators, you can make edits and suggestions all at once, as if you were all huddled over the same computer in real time. The only difference is that each person has their own text entry cursor to use on their personal computer.

From the document you want to share, click on the blue button "Share" to choose how and with whom you want to send a link to your file. You can enter email addresses manually or click "Get sharable link" in the top corner to hand out the invitation yourself.

From the drop-down menu, you can edit how much power the shared user(s) have over the file when you select one of these options:

Off: Sharing is disabled. If you've previously shared a link with others, it will no longer work and revokes any permissions they once had.
Anyone with the link can edit: Gives the shared users full read/write access. They still can’t delete it from your Drive, though—this is just for the contents of the file.
Anyone with the link can comment: Allows shared users to leave comments if desired—this is great for team projects.
Anyone with the link can view : Shared users can view the file, but can’t edit it in any way. This is the default action when you share a file, and the best option if you’re trying to share a file for download.

You can do a lot more with these shareable links, which also work with other Drive files and on mobile. For a deeper look at how these links work and how to generate them, check out our post .

Related: How to Create Shareable Download Links for Files on Google Drive

When you share documents with others, it's difficult to keep track of all the small changes that happen if you're not present. For that, there's revision history . Google Docs keeps track of all the changes that occur in a document and groups them into periods, keeping the clutter down. You can even revert a file to any of the previous versions listed in the history with the click of a mouse.

You can view a list of all recent changes by clicking File > Version History > See Version History.

Related: How to See Recent Changes to Your Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides File

If you're the owner of a document and would prefer for collaborators to have to suggest edits to your file (instead of directly edit them), you can set the access permission to "Suggestions." This lets others make an edit to a document without the worry of others messing about in your file. When a collaborator makes an edit, the owner receives an email notification regarding the suggested edit and can choose to keep or discard the change.

If you look up at the top right of the document window, you’ll see your current state. If you see “Suggesting” then you’re good to go. If you see “Editing” or “Viewing” then click that button and then click the “Suggesting” option.

Related: How to Suggest an Edit in Google Docs

By default, Google Docs doesn't display the word or page count, but it's easy to check them without a manual count . So, if you have a strict word limit for an assignment or like to keep track of the amount you write, you can see the details to your labors with the word count. You can even highlight text from any paragraph to check how many words there are in the selection.

To view your document's word/page count, click Tools > Word Count, or press Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows and Command+Shift+C on Mac.

You can also find the word count for a specific string of text by highlighting it, and jumping back into Tools > Word Count (or using the key combo).

Related: How to Find the Page and Word Count in Google Docs

What happens if you need to access Google Docs but don't have an internet connection? Although Google Docs is a web-based product, that doesn't mean you can't use it offline . You need to download an extension for Chrome and make sure you enable the file for offline use beforehand. Any changes you make to the file update the next time you connect to the internet.

After you download the official extension for Chrome , go to Google Docs' homepage and in the top left corner, click the Hamburger menu > Settings. Once here, toggle "Offline" to the On position, then click "OK."

To save storage space on your local machine, Google only downloads and makes the most recently accessed files available offline. To manually enable a file, click the three dots icon, then toggle "Available Offline" to On.

Related: How to Use Google Docs Offline

Page numbers are a visual tool used to show the reader what page they're currently on. They also help you organize physical sheets of paper and place them in the proper order (you know---if you print them). Google Docs doesn't automatically generate page numbers in files, you have to add them manually , but it's easy to add them to the header or footer of your document.

To add a page number to all pages, click Insert > Header & Page Number > Page Number. You’ll see a pop-up window where you can choose a page number style.

Related: How to Add Page Numbers to Google Docs

Margins are the white space that borders your document on all sides. Because margins create an invisible border, when you decrease the margin size, you increase the amount of usable space on the page. If you need to change the amount of space on the edges of all a file's pages, then you need to manage its margins with the ruler along the side and top of the document.

If you'd rather enter the margins manually, click File > Page Setup, enter the amount of white space you want to see on each side, then click "OK."

Related: How to Control Margins in Google Docs

Adding text boxes to Google Docs is a great way to highlight pertinent information and draw attention to specific elements of a document. However, to create one isn't a straightforward process and is hidden in an unlikely place: from the Drawing feature.

To access the Drawing menu, go to Insert > Drawing and click the text box icon in the menu bar.

Now, click and drag your mouse to create a text box in the space provided, and then add your desired text.

Click "Save & Close" to insert the text box into your document when finished.

Related: How to Add a Text Box in Google Docs

A table of contents is a way to show readers each topic/chapter listed in the document. This feature automatically generates one and uses links that jump to each section when clicked. So if you have a large document, this lets anyone quickly access specific parts without the need to scroll through the whole thing.

Click Insert > Table of Contents, and then click on either of the two options provided. The first option is a plain-text table of contents with numbers on the right side intended for printed documents. The second option doesn’t use page numbers but instead inserts hyperlinks that jump to the noted section for documents to view online.

Note that to create an automatically generated table of contents that links to specific sections of your document, you must format each chapter—or title—using Google Docs’ built-in header styles. This lets Docs know how to populate the table and add clickable links.

Related: How to Create a Table of Contents in Google Docs

Now that you've learned all the basics to Google Docs, you can become a true power user with the addition of add-ons. Add-ons are a lot like extensions for web browsers but are specific to Google Docs and let you gain additional features from third-party developers. You can install tools to increase productivity with additional proofreaders, document signing apps, an in-document translator, and even a rubric creator for teachers.

Related: The Best Google Docs Add-Ons

1.4 GETTING STARTED: Setting Up a Google Doc

Open a new, blank Google Doc. Tip: Sometimes it’s easiest to enter from your college Gmail account by clicking on the Google Apps icon (the nine little squares in a grid) and then Docs.
Give the document a name by clicking in the box in the upper-left hand corner. Tip: Be specific so that it is easy to find later (for example: Krause – Essay 01).

From the menu bar near the top, click Format > Line and Paragraph Spacing > Double to use double-spaced lines.

Level 8 Writing

January 13, 2022

On the next line, type the title of your essay. Use the Center Align button in the toolbar to place the text in the center of the page.
Press Enter and click the Left Align button to start the first paragraph at the left margin. Press the computer’s Tab key to indent the first line of the paragraph.

Ablebits blog
Add-ons for Google Docs
Google Docs

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.

How to change font style in Google Docs.

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.

3 ways to change the font size in Google Docs.

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.

Color and/or highlight text in Google Docs.

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.

Increase or decrease Google Docs indent directly from the menu.

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.

Adjust line and paragraph spacing in Google Docs.

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.

Custom line and paragraph spacing in Google Docs.

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.

Change the style of the lists in Google Docs.

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.

Insert table of contents in Google Docs.

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).

Update your TOC in Google Docs once changes to your headings have been made.

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.

Save the formatting of the entire Doc as your default style.

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.

Styles add-on for Google Docs with 20+ built-in and your custom style templates.

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!

Edit heading styles in Google Docs anytime.

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.

Share style templates for Google Docs with your teammates.

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 :)

Change how paragraphs & fonts look

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You can use the toolbar at the top of a document to:

Edit and format the text and paragraph spacing
Change the font and background color
Bold, italicize, underline, or strikethrough text

Format paragraphs

Change paragraph alignment.

On your computer, open a document in Google Docs .
Select the paragraph you want to change.
At the top, choose an alignment option.

Change line & paragraph spacing

Select the lines you want to change.

To change your paragraph spacing, click Single , 1.15 , 1.5 , or Double .
To change your spacing between paragraphs, click Remove space before paragraph or Add space after paragraph .
To enter a custom size, click Custom spacing . Then, enter the size of the spacing you want before and after a paragraph and click Apply .
To keep paragraph headings and text on the same page, click Keep with next .
To keep all lines of text in the same paragraph on the same page, click Keep lines together .
To prevent single lines at the beginning or end of paragraphs, click Prevent single lines .

Important : Keep with next, Keep lines together , and Prevent single lines aren't available in documents that are in pageless format. To use these features, make sure your document is in pages format .

On your computer, open a document in Google Docs .
In the window that opens, change how you want your paragraph to look.
To remove paragraph borders or color, click Reset .
When you are done, click Apply .

Format font

Select the text you want to change.
Select l owercase , UPPERCASE , or Title Case .
Highlight the text you want.
At the top, select the font you want.

After you choose a font, your new documents will use this font unless you change it again.

In some languages, you can add new fonts to your font list.

At the top, click the font name to open the font list.
At the bottom of the list, click More fonts .
Click a font to add it to your "My fonts" list.
To sort your fonts or change how they appear in your list, use the "Show" and "Sort" arrows.

Fonts are available in these languages:

Azerbaijani
Portuguese
Select the text you want to change.

Select the color you want.
On your computer, open a document in Google docs .

Delete a document
Print or change the page setup
Add headers, footers & page numbers
Crop and adjust images
Add a title, heading, or table of contents

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

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How To Make Your Essay Look Longer Without Looking Stupid

How To Make Your Essay Look Longer Without Looking Stupid

When you have to write an essay, there’s usually a required word count you have to compose. It’s not a problem when your topic is exciting, and sources are inexhaustible. Most of the time you need to write an essay on an issue that a) is boring; b) what the hell one can say about it at all.

If you are lucky to have a topic case like that, it’s OK if you’ve run out of ideas on the second page. Result: you’ve written all you had in mind and more, but your essay still doesn’t match the required volume. Well, any writing process has its circle of life, and insufficiency of words is its integral stage. The next everybody-wants-to-get-there stage is a word redundancy. It is hard to believe, but this second stage is even more agonizing and takes almost as much time as getting through the first one. One fine day you'll also get there, but for now, you need to focus on making your text grow in scope.

There are two primary ways to convince your professor that your essay meets the volume requirements. The first way is to expand your paper content to fill up your essay with the needed amount of words to make your essay longer on google docs. Plain and simple: need more words - add them. As for a second way, I wouldn’t honestly say that there is any second way because it is rather a kind of visual fraud. But for those desperate who don’t have any other option, I’ll outline technical ways to make your essay look longer.

Let’s get down to the business.

1. How to make your essay longer with words
1.1.Making essay longer: a Jedi way
1.2. Making essay longer: a trickster's way
1.3. Words and phrases to make your essay longer
2. Desperate ways to make your essay look longer
2.1. Period trick and plays with font to make essay look longer
2.2. How to change the size of margins on Google docs
3. Final touch

How to make your essay longer with words

If you decided to increase the word count of your paper, you have two options. The first one is a fair but the most time-consuming way of doing it. When you realize that your essay doesn’t meet the volume requirements, you either expand your topic or deepen your research to gain some new information to describe. I call it a Jedi way.

Another option is to water down your text a bit. What I mean is adding more words without adding any informativity. Basically, the word windiness is the eighth deadly sin for any writer, but still, the way out when you’ve written down everything you could, but it is still not enough. This is what I call a trickster’s way, and although it is not something I’m proud of, I’ve become a master of this technique. And yes, I’ll share the tricks with you. But I’m going to start from the noble methods of expanding your text. Notice, that it is the only one that can contribute to the content of your paper.

Making essay longer: a Jedi way

How To Make Your Essay Look Longer Without Looking Stupid : How to make your essay longer with words

Make sure you’ve written everything you could. First of all, you need to read carefully what you’ve already have written. Analyze the structure of your narrative. Is something missing? Maybe you can add one more argument or expand those that you’ve already provided? Think!
Make your topic broader. It is risky but sometimes the only technique to compose an essay of a required scope. So if you feel that there is nothing more to say on a topic that you’ve chosen, think of the reasonable ways to widen it. It’s OK to contact your professor and ask for her/his advice on this one.
Do more research. Yes, I know that essay isn’t a 30-page term paper on African-Americans segregation , and you aren’t obliged to fulfill any complex topic analysis and background search. Still, you have to give your professor at least something coherent. If you see that you’ve used all the sources you had and have described all the results, then keep digging. Look for some alternative points of view or factual information. Statistics, charts, case studies - anything goes.
Illustrate your points with examples and citations. Think of an example for each argument you provide. If nothing comes up, do research, ask a friend. Besides, you can use at least one juicy quote to support your statements. It can serve not only for expanding your text but as an excellent essay hook to catch your reader’s attention. Quoting is one of the rhetoric methods to prove the point, so what are you waiting for? Google the hell of it!

And that’s it. There is no other honest way to increase the number of words in your essay. Everything said below are tips on how to twist your professor around your finger.

Caution! The tips below can turn you into eternal writing bluffer!

Making essay longer: a trickster's way

A hawk-eyed professor will surely notice your efforts to increase the amount of text volume artificially. But you always can respond that it is a part of your writing style (a poor one, yes, but still). So, what to do:

Restate paragraph’s first sentence at the end of it. If possible, take opening sentence idea or concept and explain it in other words. Each of your paragraphs has a core idea, so don’t be afraid to be wordy while explaining it. If you cannot do so, rewrite the first sentence and place it at the end of the paragraph. This will add a couple of more words to the count.
Do not use contractions. Since it is academic writing, using contractions is not required, and avoiding it also adds a few characters to the total equation. As a senior student, you will be prohibited to use contractions anyway, therefore start training right now.
Spell out numbers lower than four. In case your essay is heavy with numerical data and digits, write down all the one hundred sixty-five figures as words. Don’t spell out one, two, and three as your professor will see that you’re desperate, so adopt such approach only when truly pressed into a corner.
Use vivid adjectives with more letters to them. In academic essay writing, synonymic rows are a thing to use quite often. To increase word count, use really luscious adjectives as much as you can. However, using more than five in a row will make your mark lower.
Act as a wordsmith. Where a normal person would’ve written ‘I like this painting a lot,' a wordsmith would’ve rather used ‘This splendid masterpiece of modern art touches upon my deepest emotions thanks to its delicate, gentle brushstrokes and master’s spectacular attention to the tiniest details.’ Give vent to your inner composer, write on a grand scale!
Write down your stream of thoughts. Try to take a topic you are writing on personally. Elaborate on your own attitude to the thing you write about and then set your mind free to express everything you can say on the topic. Include your associations and childhood memories.
Expand the lead-in words to phrases. I’m just going to provide you with a list for it.

Words and phrases to make your essay longer

Such words as ‘ on ’ and ‘ about ’ you can replace by the phrases:

In regards to ...

With reference to ...

On the topic of ...

Regarding the idea (that) ...

Considering the issue of ...

Peculiar details concerning the subject ...

Ways to expand your ‘ because ’:

Due to the fact that ...

Because of a fact that ...

For the reason that ...

In light of the fact that ...

Considering the fact that ...

A reasonable way to explain it is that …

For, to

In order to

For the purpose of

To make it possible

For the sake of

In the interest of

Time-pointers are your Eldorado of extra words:

Now, currently

At the present time ...

At the point of time ...

According to the current state of affairs ...

At a present situation ...

According to the situation that has developed as of today ...

For as long as I can remember

At all times

Forever and ever

On the occasion of

At the very moment when

The day the situation occurred

In the final analysis

Considering all the aforementioned arguments

After all is said and done

With regard to all said above

So, to sum up all the statements pointed out above (See? See?!), I want to ask you not to run mad after these stretching phrases. Don’t turn your text into a garbage bin.

Desperate ways to make your essay look longer

Before I start pointing out the technical ways to fool your professor, I want to warn you one more time. These are the obvious ways to cheat. Your lecturers and tutors read dozens of essays every day. They have a good eye on formatting details, and unless they had eye surgery the day before reading your essay, they would notice the fraud.

So, in case you’ve run out of any decent ideas to fill up your essay with words till the needed count, and there is nothing left to add to it, there is a trick. You can make it appear longer as a result of smart formatting. Here’s a list of gimmicks you can grab and run:

Format your heading giving each element its own line.
Think of an extended title for your paper.
Use line breaks.
Use slightly bigger line spacing (like 2.25 instead of 2).
Choose larger letter spacing.
If allowed, make keywords or even entire sentences in bold.

Period trick and plays with the font to make the essay look longer

The first coming into mind, an obvious, a bold way to visually expand your essay is to pick a slightly bigger font. In any case, don’t make it bigger on more than 1 pt. Slightly means a little bit! Like 17pt instead of 16pt.

On the screenshot is an example of how your essay will look like if you change a font from 11 pt to 12. On this fragment, it seems not like a big difference. But if you have at least 500 words essay, this trick will help you to make your essay one-page quarter longer.

Period trick and plays with the font to make the essay look longer

I’ve checked the so-called period trick a couple of times and, in my opinion, it doesn’t work at all. What am talking about? The thing is that some students believe that if you replace the periods in your text with the periods of a bigger font, it will make help your opus seem longer. Well, it won’t.

How to change the size of margins on Google Docs

One more trick to use when you have reached the bottom of your despair is increasing the margins of your document. It is easy to do in any version of Word (1997-2013), but it is a bit confusing on Google Docs. What you need to do is to find and add-ons option. Here:

Then press ‘Get add-ons’ button. You’ll see the window with add-ons available for installing. So find the one that is called Page Layout Tool. Here you are! Now you can keep cheating with the margins of your paper even on Google Docs!

As well as with the font changing, the key to a successful trick with margins is to remember the limits.

Final touch

If you have read this guide till the final thoughts, you are probably in big eternal-essay-writing trouble. But at this point, I have nothing more to tell you except to relax. If you have two more hours to make your essay longer with words, you will definitely cope with a task. If not, you can always use one of my formatting tips and hope for better.

In my turn, I hope that you will heed the pieces of advice I gave you between the lines. The main of them - don’t rely on lazy methods of extending your writing. Excuse my somewhat lecturing tone, but it all is for your sake.

P.S. If you want to see more living examples of artificial increasing of the text content, carefully revise this article. I had to use a whole bunch of techniques I’d told you about to make this article look more respectable. But let it be our little secret, ok?

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How To Make an Essay Look Longer on Google Docs? (Proven Tips)

When it comes to writing essays, length can be an important factor in quality.

Whether you’re trying to meet a minimum word count requirement or simply trying to make a good impression, it’s important to know the tricks and tips to make your essay look longer on Google Docs.

And that’s exactly what we’ll be covering in this article! We’ll look at the benefits of making an essay appear longer on Google Docs, how to increase font size and line spacing, increase margins, use longer phrases and sentences, avoid contractions and abbreviations, add detailed descriptions and examples, as well as tips for editing and proofreading.

So let’s get started!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

To make an essay look longer on Google Docs, you can use the font size and line spacing to add more content onto the page.

You can also increase the margins to add extra space for the text.

Additionally, you could add more subheadings to break up the text and make it look longer.

Finally, you could research more information and add it to the essay to make it longer.

Benefits of Making an Essay Appear Longer on Google Docs

Making an essay appear longer on Google Docs can be incredibly beneficial for students and writers alike.

There are certain instances where an essay must meet a certain length requirement and with the help of a few simple tricks, you can easily reach that minimum.

For students, making an essay appear longer on Google Docs can be the difference between passing and failing a class.

Length requirements are often set in place by schools and universities and if the essay is not long enough, it may not be accepted.

Additionally, making an essay look longer can help students to fit in more information and present a more in-depth analysis of the topic.

For writers, making an essay appear longer on Google Docs can help them to meet their publisher’s length requirements.

Often times, magazines and newspapers have a minimum word count that must be met before an article can be accepted for publication.

With the help of a few simple tricks, writers can easily make their essays appear longer and make them more likely to be accepted.

Finally, making an essay appear longer on Google Docs can also help to make the essay more engaging and interesting.

By increasing the font size, spacing between lines, and adding more detailed descriptions and examples, readers can be more captivated by the essay and its content.

In conclusion, making an essay appear longer on Google Docs can be incredibly beneficial for students, writers, and readers alike.

With a few simple tricks, you can easily make an essay look longer and more engaging, which can make all the difference in the world.

Increase Font Size & Line Spacing

Making an essay look longer on Google Docs is possible with a few simple tricks.

One of the easiest ways to create more white space on the page is by increasing the font size and line spacing.

This can be done by selecting all of the text in the document and then going to the Format tab and selecting Font.

From here, you can increase the font size and the spacing between lines.

This will create more space on the page and make your essay look longer.

Additionally, you can also increase the font size of specific words or phrases to draw attention to them and make them stand out.

This can be done by highlighting the words or phrases, clicking on the Format tab, selecting Font, and then increasing the font size.

Increase Margins

When it comes to making an essay look longer on Google Docs, one of the simplest and most effective methods is to increase the margins.

Increasing the margins can create more white space on the page and make the essay appear longer than it actually is.

For example, if you are using a single-spaced document, increasing the margins from one inch to one and a half inches can create more space on the page.

To do this, simply select the text you want to modify and click the Page Setup button in the Format menu.

From there, you can enter the desired margin size and click OK to save your changes.

You can also use the ruler at the top of the document to adjust the margins as needed.

Increasing the margins can be a great way to make an essay look longer on Google Docs.

Use Longer Phrases & Sentences

When it comes to making an essay look longer on Google Docs, using longer phrases and sentences is one of the most effective tricks.

This is because longer phrases and sentences help to fill up the page, creating more white space and making it appear as if your essay is longer than it actually is.

To use this trick, try to focus on using descriptive language and avoid overly simplistic phrases.

Additionally, you should avoid contractions and abbreviations, as these make the essay seem shorter.

Instead, use the full phrase or sentence, and add more examples and descriptions to your points.

This will make your essay look much longer and make it more interesting to read.

Avoid Contractions & Abbreviations

When youre trying to make an essay look longer on Google Docs, one of the best tricks is to avoid contractions and abbreviations.

Contractions are common in informal writing, but they can make your essay look shorter and less professional.

For example, instead of writing dont, use do not.

Abbreviations should also be avoided, but if you must use them, make sure you spell out the entire word first and then insert the abbreviation in parentheses.

This way, your readers will still be able to understand what youre saying.

Additionally, using full words and phrases will make your essay look longer.

For instance, instead of using the abbreviation etc.

, use the phrase and so forth.

This will help add length to your essay without compromising the quality of your writing.

Add Detailed Descriptions & Examples

One of the easiest ways to make an essay look longer on Google Docs is to add more detailed descriptions and examples.

Whether youre writing a persuasive argument or an informative piece, adding more detail can make a big difference.

For example, if youre writing about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you can include more concrete examples such as eating more fruits and vegetables or exercising regularly.

If youre writing about the importance of education, you can include specific examples of how education can open up opportunities or help individuals reach their goals.

Adding more examples also gives the reader a better understanding of the topic.

For example, if youre discussing the role of technology in society, providing specific examples of how technology is used in everyday life can help readers make connections and think more deeply about the topic.

Additionally, if youre writing a persuasive essay, providing real-life examples of how people have benefited from following your argument can help to illustrate your point and make it more convincing.

In addition to providing more detailed descriptions and examples, you should also make sure that your writing is clear and concise.

This means avoiding unnecessary words or phrases and using more active verbs to make your writing more engaging.

Additionally, if youre using technical terms or jargon, make sure to explain them clearly so that the reader better understands your argument.

Finally, make sure to proofread your work and double check for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

This can help make sure that your essay looks professional and well-written.

Tips for Editing & Proofreading

When it comes to making an essay look longer on Google Docs, the key is to focus on both the content and the presentation.

Editing and proofreading your work is an essential step in ensuring that your essay looks its best.

Here are some tips to help you successfully edit and proofread your work: 1.

Read your essay out loud.

Hearing your essay can help you find mistakes that you may have missed while reading silently.

Take a break between writing and editing.

It’s easy to overlook mistakes when you’re too close to the material.

Taking a break will help you come back to your work with fresh eyes.

Don’t forget to check your spelling and grammar.

Even the most experienced writers make mistakes, so it’s important to double-check your work for any errors.

Read your essay from the bottom up.

Reading your work from the last sentence to the first sentence can help you spot mistakes that you may have missed.

Have someone else read your work.

Another pair of eyes can help you catch mistakes that you may have missed.

Print out your essay and read it on paper.

Reading your work on paper can help you spot mistakes that you may have missed while reading on a computer screen.

Following these tips can help you ensure that your essay looks its best before you submit it.

With carefully crafted content and a polished presentation, you can make an essay look longer on Google Docs and increase your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can easily make an essay look longer without sacrificing quality.

Increasing font size and line spacing, increasing margins, using longer phrases and sentences, avoiding contractions and abbreviations, and adding detailed examples and descriptions can all help to create a longer essay without compromising its effectiveness.

So get out there and start making your essays look longer with Google Docs today!.

James Wilson

James Wilson has extensive knowledge in the information technology industry.His second love, besides dealing with computers, is smart home technology. He is continually updating information to better comprehend this problem and has a deep understanding of the apartment’s support system.

How to Add a Cover Page in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a cover page to your Google Docs can really give it that polished, professional look you’re aiming for. It’s a simple process that can make a world of difference to your document. Whether you’re writing an essay, creating a report, or putting together a proposal, a cover page can help you make a great first impression. So, let’s dive in and learn how to add a cover page in Google Docs.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Add a Cover Page in Google Docs

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what these steps will achieve. By following the steps outlined below, you will be able to insert a cover page that complements the content of your document and enhances its overall look.

Step 1: Open your document in Google Docs

First and foremost, you need to have your document open in Google Docs. If you haven’t already created one, now’s the time to do so.

Once you have your document open, you’re ready to start the process of adding a cover page. Remember, the cover page will be the first thing your readers see, so you’ll want to make sure it’s relevant to the content of your document.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Insert’ menu

Look at the top of your Google Docs interface. You’ll see a menu bar with various options. Click on ‘Insert’ to proceed to the next step.

The ‘Insert’ menu is where all the magic happens. It’s here that you can add all sorts of additional elements to your document, including images, tables, and, of course, cover pages.

Step 3: Select ‘Cover Page’ from the drop-down menu

After clicking on ‘Insert’, a drop-down menu will appear. Scroll down until you see ‘Cover Page’. Click on it to view the available options.

Google Docs offers a range of pre-designed cover page templates that you can choose from. Whether you want something sleek and simple or more colorful and creative, you’re likely to find a template that suits your needs.

Step 4: Choose a cover page template

Browse through the available cover page templates and select the one you like best. Click on it, and it will be automatically added to the beginning of your document.

Remember to consider the tone and purpose of your document when choosing a cover page template. You want it to reflect the content and audience of your document.

Step 5: Customize your cover page

After inserting the cover page template, you can customize it by adding your own text, images, or changing the font and color scheme.

This is your chance to make the cover page your own. Add the title of your document, your name, the date, and any other relevant information. You can also adjust the design elements to match your personal or brand style.

After completing these steps, your Google Docs document will now have a professional and visually appealing cover page that sets the tone for the rest of your content.

Tips for a Successful Cover Page in Google Docs

Keep your cover page design consistent with the content and tone of your document.
Use high-quality images or graphics to make your cover page stand out.
Make sure the text on your cover page is easy to read and not overcrowded.
Consider the color scheme of your cover page; it should complement the content, not distract from it.
Regularly save your document to avoid losing any changes you make to your cover page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use my own images on the cover page.

Yes, you can upload your own images to use on the cover page. Just click on ‘Insert’, select ‘Image’, and choose the image you’d like to upload.

Adding personalized images to your cover page can make it feel more unique and tailored to your specific project or brand.

Can I edit the cover page after I’ve added it to my document?

Absolutely, you can edit the cover page at any time. Just click on the elements you want to change and make your adjustments.

Remember, the cover page is part of your document, so you can continue to tweak it until it’s just right.

Is it possible to remove the cover page if I change my mind?

Yes, if you decide you no longer want a cover page, you can remove it by clicking on the elements of the cover page and pressing the delete key on your keyboard.

Keep in mind that once you delete the cover page, any customization you’ve done will be lost unless you’ve saved it as a template.

Does adding a cover page affect the page numbering in my document?

No, adding a cover page will not affect the page numbering. Google Docs will automatically adjust the numbering to start after the cover page.

If you want the cover page to be included in the numbering, you can manually adjust the settings in the ‘Insert’ menu under ‘Page numbers’.

Can I save my customized cover page as a template for future use?

Yes, you can save your customized cover page as a template. Simply click on ‘File’, go to ‘Save as template’, and give your template a name.

Saving your cover page as a template can be a huge time-saver, especially if you create similar documents regularly.

Open your document in Google Docs
Go to the ‘Insert’ menu
Select ‘Cover Page’ from the drop-down menu
Choose a cover page template
Customize your cover page

Well, there you have it, folks – adding a cover page in Google Docs is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s all about finding the right template that resonates with your document’s vibe and then making it your own with some personal touches. The cover page isn’t just a decorative piece; it’s your document’s first impression, a handshake with your reader, so make it count.

With the tips and FAQs we’ve covered, you should feel confident in jazzing up your Google Docs with a snazzy cover page. And remember, the more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become at customizing these templates to suit your needs. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as your documents transform from mundane to magnificent with just a few clicks. After all, who wouldn’t want their hard work to be wrapped in a cover that’s as impressive as the content within?

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.

Read his full bio here.

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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What are some best practices when it comes to copying and pasting my essay?

Jul 25, 2023 • knowledge, information.

IMAGES

Essay Format Google Docs
How to Format Your Essay in MLA Style Using Google Docs
Google Docs: MLA Format Essay (2016)
How to write an MLA format paper in Google Docs using a template or
✍️How to make a student ESSAY TEMPLATE on google docs to make your life much easier
Formatting Your Research Paper on Google Docs

VIDEO

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How to Make Google Docs Look Like a Book (2024)
10 lines on GOOGLE in English // essay on Google // google essay
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COMMENTS

How to Set up an APA Format Paper in Google Docs
Head to the Google Docs homepage and click Template gallery in the top-right. Head to your account's template gallery. Google; William Antonelli/Insider. 2. Scroll down the templates page until ...
How to Use APA Format in Google Docs
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.
PDF Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition
Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5 in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. Page numbers: Put a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page or cover page, which is page 1. Student papers do not require a running head on any page.
How to Format Essays in Google Docs & Word: How to Format Essays MLA
In this video, I show you how to format essays in Google Docs & Word and how to format essays in MLA and APA: from the basics of formatting to more detail.CO...
Formatting a Research Paper: The Google Docs Way
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 ...
PDF APA FORMATTING: GOOGLE DOCS
Go to Google Docs and instead of clicking to start a Blank document, look above to where it says Template Gallery. Click on Template Gallery, make sure that General is selected, and in the Education section, find the APA Report template. Click on that and a new Google Doc will open; the new Doc will have information already typed that you will ...
Formatting Research Papers in Google Docs: A Guide
This comprehensive guide outlines the basic guidelines needed to effectively use Google Docs in order to complete a successful research paper, allowing students more control over their final product without sacrificing quality or accuracy of content. The article will discuss how to set up document formatting preferences within Google Docs ...
How to set up an APA format of an essay 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.
How to write an APA format paper in Google Docs using a template or
You can write an APA formatted paper in Google Docs using its built-in tools or a template.; The basics of APA 7 format include double-spaced lines, a running header, and a title page — all of ...
How to write an APA format paper in Google Docs using a template or
Head to the Google Docs homepage and click Template gallery in the top-right. Head to your account's template gallery. Google; William Antonelli/Insider. 2. Scroll down the templates page until ...
How to Set up MLA Format in Google Docs
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]. Although ...
PDF MLA FORMATTING: GOOGLE DOCS
Go to Google Docs and instead of clicking to start a Blank document, look above to where it says Template Gallery. Click on Template Gallery, make sure that General is selected, and in the Education section, find the MLA Report template. Click on that and a new Google Doc will open; the new Doc will have information already typed that you will ...
How to Format an Essay: MLA, APA, & Chicago Styles
2. Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) for all styles. Whether you're writing in MLA, APA, or Chicago Style, always use a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) indent. This signals to the reader that a new paragraph is beginning. The easiest way to indent your essay is to press the tab key. 3.
The Beginner's Guide to Google Docs
To open a Word document that you want to edit, click the file with the blue 'W' next to the filename from your Google Docs homepage. Click either view the Word file or edit it in Docs. When you finish with the document, you can download your document back into DOCX, or PDF, ODT, TXT, HTML, or EPUB format. Click File > Download As then click on ...
1.4 GETTING STARTED: Setting Up a Google Doc
From the menu bar near the top, click Format > Line and Paragraph Spacing > Double to use double-spaced lines. From the menu bar near the top, click Insert > Page Numbers > upper-right picture to put page numbers in the upper right of the header of each page. Click the space before the page number and type your last name and then a space (see ...
Essay Format.doc
Also, you should always DOUBLE SPACE your essay. Just in case you forgot how: highlight the text (essay only) and while you are holding down the CTRL button press #2 on your keyboard. ... I would hate for someone to accidentally forget the rules and search for video games or look for inappropriate websites. If you do "accidentally" forget ...
How to customize Google Docs: guide on styles & formatting
Format your document: make sure titles, headings, subtitles & normal text look exactly as you need. Click on the Styles dropdown in the toolbar (with heading levels) and choose Options > Save as my default styles : You'll see the confirmation message from Google Docs that your style has been set.
Change how paragraphs & fonts look
On your computer, open a document in Google Docs. At the top, click the font name to open the font list. At the bottom of the list, click More fonts. Browse or search for new fonts. Click a font to add it to your "My fonts" list. To sort your fonts or change how they appear in your list, use the "Show" and "Sort" arrows. Click Ok.
How To Make Your Essay Look Longer Without Looking Stupid
How to change the size of margins on Google Docs. One more trick to use when you have reached the bottom of your despair is increasing the margins of your document. It is easy to do in any version of Word (1997-2013), but it is a bit confusing on Google Docs. What you need to do is to find and add-ons option. Here: Then press 'Get add-ons ...
How To Make an Essay Look Longer on Google Docs? (Proven Tips)
Short Answer. To make an essay look longer on Google Docs, you can use the font size and line spacing to add more content onto the page. You can also increase the margins to add extra space for the text. Additionally, you could add more subheadings to break up the text and make it look longer. Finally, you could research more information and ...
How to Add a Cover Page in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 2: Go to the 'Insert' menu. Look at the top of your Google Docs interface. You'll see a menu bar with various options. Click on 'Insert' to proceed to the next step. The 'Insert' menu is where all the magic happens. It's here that you can add all sorts of additional elements to your document, including images, tables, and ...
How to format your book manuscript in Google Docs
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; Author; After the title page is complete, you can work on the manuscript itself. Headers. After your title page ...
What are some best practices when it comes to copying and pasting my essay?
Some of the more common copy/paste issues may include: - When working in the personal essay, the long answer control does not recognize the Ctrl-A then Ctrl-V sequence, so you may be unable to select and replace existing text with new text using keyboard Ctrl-A/Ctrl-V. If you want to replace all the text in your answer by pasting other text in ...