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Google Docs Tips and Tricks: Settings

Tips and tricks to help you format your papers in Google Docs

Google Docs

Google Docs is Google’s online document program. It's free, and all it requires is a Google account. Because the document is online, it doesn’t take up any space on your computer. Google Docs are saved automatically to your Google Drive account. If you want to work on your paper in a different program later on, click on the File tab, choose Download As, and choose the appropriate file type.

 

 

Naming Google Docs

Naming your Document

To give your paper a file name, click on the words Untitled document located at the top of the page, and type in the name of your paper.

 

Font and Paragraph Settings

Font Settings

Font settings are located in the Font section of the Home Tab. When choosing your font, each name is written in that font, so you know what it looks like. Your font size is located right next to it. Most professors state that you must use size 12.

 

Paragraph Settings

Next to the font section is the Paragraph section.

  • On the top row is the Bullets and Numbering options. Clicking the dropdowns will allow you to choose how you want them to look. To go to the next level of the list, you can hit “Enter” and then “Tab” or use the Decrease Indent and Increase Indent options to the right.
  • Paragraph Alignments are located on the bottom row of the Paragraph section. Most of your papers will be set to Left Align, though titles are usually Center.
  • Line Spacing is located right next to the paragraph types. Unless stated otherwise, use 2.0 which is double spaced.

 

Ask a Librarian!

Ask A Librarian

Email Shake Library at libref@vinu.edu.

Call the Library Information Desk at 812-888-4165.

NEW: Text Shake Library at 888-993-8468 (VINU)

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Hanging Indents?

Hanging Indents?

Hanging indent is the paragraph format that both MLA and APA have you use for your citation list. To set hanging indents, click on the Format tab, then click Align & Indent, then Indentation Options, and click on the Special dropdown and choose Hanging.

 

 

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