Top 7 Google Docs Tips and Tricks to Use Like a Pro

Everyone loves Google Docs and uses it almost every day. Of course, Microsoft Word still remains the most feature-rich and versatile word processor. However, we like Google Docs because it loads fast, is easy to use, and the docs.new URL shortcut is great to open. Below are more Google Docs tips and tricks for you.

These little tips will help you be more productive and save time in the process. For this reason, I covered both the web and mobile application interface of the Google Docs application. Without further ado, let’s start.

1. How to Add Outlines

Outlines make it easy to navigate in long Google Docs files of several pages. First, you will enable the feature. Under the View tab, turn on Show document outline. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+A or Ctrl+Alt+H.

You should now see a sidebar with an empty Outline option. Every title you create will appear here, giving you a real-time nested overview of the Outline.

In the Google Docs mobile app, you will enable the outline feature from the menu and display it at the bottom of the screen.

Note that you can still use a header style and not include it in the outline. Just click/tap the cross icon next to the outline you want to remove.

2. How to Change Margins

Every Google Doc you open or create has default or applied margins. If you’re not happy with the way things are going, change it.

Open Google Doc and you should see a ruler with a light blue downward facing triangle at either end.

To change the margin, just drag left or right. It is the margin that determines where to start typing on the document.

You can also define default margin values ​​so you don’t have to edit it every time you create a new document. Under the File menu, select Page layout to reveal a pop-up window.

Here you can set margins for all four sides of the document and save as default. Play around with the values ​​a bit to get an idea of ​​how much margin you need.

There is currently no way to change the margins in the Google Docs mobile app. This may be due to limited screen real estate.

3. How to Delete a Page

You can add a new page in Google Docs by pressing Ctrl+Enter wherever you are on the current page. You can delete this blank page by pressing the Ctrl+Backspace keyboard shortcut.

What if the page is not blank? In this case, you will first delete all the text on that page and then delete the page itself. Press Ctrl+A and press Del to select everything on the page. You can now delete the page as shared above. Unfortunately, Google Docs doesn’t have a dedicated shortcut or button to delete occupied pages.

You can delete a page in the mobile application using the same trick. Use the back button.

4. How to Hit?

Again, as we’ve seen in other popular word processors and CMS editors like WordPress, there is no dedicated button for strikethrough or even em dash. However, there is a way. Select the text you want to cross over.

Open Text option under Format menu and you will see Strikethrough option. You can also do it using the Alt+Shift+5 keyboard option. Use the same shortcut to uninstall.

5. How to Landscape

Google Docs opens in portrait mode by default. This is standard in almost every word processor. However, landscape mode makes sense when dealing with a large picture or painting that won’t fit.

To change the orientation of the page, open the File menu and select Page setup.

This is where you can change the orientation from portrait mode to landscape mode. You can also set it as default.

You have to repeat the same steps in the Google Docs mobile app. Select Page layout from the menu and choose orientation from there.

6. How to add Page Numbers

Under Insert menu choose Title and page number, under Page number you will find four options. see them? Let me explain them quickly.

The first option is to automatically add the page numbers at the top, the second option skips the first page and starts numbering from the second page from the top, the third option automatically adds the page numbers to the bottom, and the fourth option skips the first page again and start numbering from the second but add to the bottom.

To add page numbers on mobile, tap the ‘+’ icon and select Page number. You will now see the same four options as you do in the web app.

7. How to Check Word Count

Google woke up late this time, but at least they did. Whenever you want, you can change the word count, characters, etc. Press Ctrl+Shift+C to open a pop-up window where you can see details such as:

Google Docs has a new toggle option at the bottom left for adding word count so you don’t have to press the shortcut over and over. As a word processor, this should have been taken care of long ago. You will need to change this option every time you create or even open a document.

Become a Word Master

If you know your way around, Google Docs packs a lot of punch. Of course, some options are not so obvious and others are still missing, it still works really well if you want a word processor that works everywhere, is free for life, and integrates nicely with other Google apps.

Next: Want an even better word processor? Click the link below to find out how Quip beat Google at its own game.