How to Format and Structure Your Google Docs Document

ByJim Miller

Formatting and structuring your Google Docs document is essential for creating an organized and visually appealing document. Whether you're using Google Docs on your mobile device or computer, adding and removing headings can help you create a clear and concise structure. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of adding and removing headings in Google Docs on Android, iPhone, iPad, and PC.

Add Headings in Google Docs on Mobile Devices

To add headings in Google Docs on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the Google Docs app on your mobile device.
  2. Edit the document by tapping on the “Edit” button.
  3. Select the text that you want to make a heading.
  4. Tap on the “Format” icon at the top.
  5. Go to the “Text” tab and choose a heading style from the list.
  6. Tap on the checkmark icon to save.

Remove Headings in Google Docs on Mobile Devices

If you want to remove a heading in Google Docs on your mobile device, here's what you need to do:

  1. With the document in editing mode, select the text from which you want to remove the heading.
  2. Tap on the “Format” icon at the top.
  3. Under the “Text” tab, choose “Normal text” to remove the heading.

Add Headings in Google Docs on PC

On your computer, you have multiple ways to add headings, titles, and subtitles to your Google Docs document. Here are three methods you can use:

Method 1: Using the Menu Bar

  1. In your document, select the text that you want to make a heading.
  2. Look for the “Style drop-down box” in the menu bar and click on it.
  3. Choose the heading style you want to apply to your text.

Method 2: Using the Format Option

  1. Select the text you want to convert into a heading.
  2. Click on “Format” in the top bar.
  3. Go to “Paragraph styles” and choose the heading you want to use.

Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Docs also allows you to add headings using keyboard shortcuts. Here are the shortcuts you can use:

  • Heading 1: Ctrl + Alt + 1
  • Heading 2: Ctrl + Alt + 2
  • Heading 3: Ctrl + Alt + 3
  • Heading 4: Ctrl + Alt + 4
  • Heading 5: Ctrl + Alt + 5
  • Heading 6: Ctrl + Alt + 6

Remove Headings in Google Docs on PC

To remove a heading in Google Docs on your PC, follow these steps:

  1. Select the text you want to remove the heading from.
  2. Click on the “Heading” drop-down box in the menu bar.
  3. Click on “Normal text” to convert the heading into regular text.

Use Custom Style Headings

If you want to apply a custom style to all the headings in your document, here's what you can do:

  1. Add a regular heading to your document.
  2. Format the heading according to your preference.
  3. Click on the “Style drop-down box” and choose “Update Heading 1 to match”. This will apply the new style to all existing headings.

Use Custom Style Headings Across Documents

You can save a custom heading style and use it across multiple documents. Here's how:

  1. Create a custom heading style and apply it to your current document.
  2. Click on the “Style drop-down box” and go to “Options > Save as my default style”.
  3. Open the second document where you want to use the same heading style.
  4. Go to the “Style drop-down box” and select “Options > Use my default styles”.

Create Outline and Table of Contents Using Headings

Headings not only help in formatting the text but can also be used to create outlines and tables of contents for your document. To view an outline, add headings to your document and enable the “Show document outline” option in the “View” menu. You can also create a table of contents by going to “Insert > Table of contents” and choosing the desired style.

Format Google Docs

In addition to adding and removing headings, you can also format your Google Docs document in various ways. You can layer and group images, put text over images, and even add watermarks to make your document stand out.

By following these tips and techniques, you can effectively format and structure your Google Docs document, making it easier to read and navigate. Start organizing your document today and create professional-looking documents effortlessly.