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How to Change the Default Formatting Settings in Google Docs
Use existing content as a template for changes to default settings
By James Marshall James Marshall Writer James Marshall is a pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting. He is also skilled with Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 27, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Google Apps Docs Sheets Slides What to Know
Format the text how you like it, highlight the text, then go to Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update "Normal text" to match.Save your new default settings: Select Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.Reset to the Google Docs original styles: Select Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Reset styles. This article explains how to change the default settings in Google Docs for formatting. Instructions apply to the desktop version of Google Docs. Changing Default Formatting in Google Docs
After you change the defaults, all documents you create thereafter will reflect these settings. You can still change the formatting of any individual element within a document, of course, but the default format provides a consistent starting point. To change the default settings for Normal text in Google Docs, follow these steps: Open a document. Highlight the text you want to change. Lifewire In the bar above the text, select the font, font size, paragraph spacing, text color, background color, or any other aspect you'd like to change. Select Format. Lifewire Select Paragraph styles. Click Normal text. Choose Update "Normal text" to match. Lifewire Click Format. Click Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles. Lifewire You also can change the default format settings for other elements such as headings, titles, borders, and shading using the same process. Instead of choosing Format > Paragraph styles, select the formatting option you'd like to set in place of paragraph styles. Update the style to match the selected text and save as your default styles, and these styles will be applied to every document you create from now on. If you'd like to reset to Google Docs' original styles, select Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Reset styles. Why Change the Default Formatting in Google Docs
When you create a document in Google Docs, the default settings such as font style, line spacing, and background color are applied automatically to the document. Changing any of these elements for part or all of your document on a case-by-case basis is easy enough—but if you consistently use the same settings across most or all of your Google docs, you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble by changing the default document settings. Lifewire / Marina Li Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use APA Format in Google Docs How to Change a Google Docs Background to a Picture How to Do a Block Quote in Google Docs How to Allow Access to Google Docs How to Add a Border in Google Docs How to Make a Checklist in Google Docs How to Open Google Docs How to Email a Google Doc How to Unshare a Google Doc How to Check for Plagiarism in Google Docs How to Use Text Boxes in Microsoft Word How to Add a Hyperlink in a Google Doc How to Make a Brochure in Microsoft Word How to Alphabetize in Google Docs How to Make a Timeline on Google Slides How to Transfer Ownership of a Google Doc Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies