Create your first document in Google Docs (2024)

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Next: Document sharing basics in Google Docs

Create your first document in Google Docs (1)

Create your first document in Google Docs (2)On this page

  • Create or import a document
  • Update a document


Create your first document in Google Docs (3)

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Create or import a document

Create your first document in Google Docs (4)

Create and name your document

  1. On your computer, open a Google Docs, Sheets, Slides,Formsor Vids home screen.
  2. Click Create Create your first document in Google Docs (5).

You can also:

  • Create a file from template
  • Use a template in Google Vids

At the top of the page, click Untitled document andenter a new title.

Import and convert an existing document

Converting your file from another program creates a copy of your original file in a Docs, Sheets, or Slides format. You can then edit the file in your browser.

If you have existingfiles, you can import and convert them to Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

  1. Go to Drive.
  2. ClickNewCreate your first document in Google Docs (6)File Upload.
  3. Choose thefile you want to import from your computer to add it to Drive.
  4. In the Upload complete window, click Show file location Create your first document in Google Docs (7).
  5. Right-click the file and select Open withCreate your first document in Google Docs (8)Google Docs/Sheets/Slides.

Have a Microsoft file?

If you've already stored Microsoft files in Drive, you can also update them without converting them.

Create your first document in Google Docs (9)

Update a document

Create your first document in Google Docs (10)

Add or edit text

Just click in the page and start typing.

Create your first document in Google Docs (11)

Format your document

Depending on what you want to change, choose an option:

  • To customize margins, page color, and orientation, click FileCreate your first document in Google Docs (12)Page setup.
  • To customize text, images, tables, and more, use the toolbar options.

Note: Some options only appear for certain types of content, such as tables or images.

Create your first document in Google Docs (13)Create your first document in Google Docs (14)Create your first document in Google Docs (15) Undo or redo your last changes or print your document.
Create your first document in Google Docs (16) Check spelling and grammar.
Create your first document in Google Docs (17) Copy formatting from any text and apply it to another selection of text.
Normal textCreate your first document in Google Docs (18) | ArialCreate your first document in Google Docs (19) | 10Create your first document in Google Docs (20) Change the style, font, or font size.
Create your first document in Google Docs (21)Create your first document in Google Docs (22)Create your first document in Google Docs (23)Create your first document in Google Docs (24) Make text bold, in italics, or underlined or change the text color.
Create your first document in Google Docs (25) Add or change the text highlight color.
Create your first document in Google Docs (26)Create your first document in Google Docs (27)Create your first document in Google Docs (28) Insert a link, comment, or image.
Create your first document in Google Docs (29) Change the text alignment.
Create your first document in Google Docs (30) Change the line spacing or add a checklist, bullets, or numbers.
Create your first document in Google Docs (31) Change the text indentation.
Create your first document in Google Docs (32) Remove text formatting.
Table and image options
Create your first document in Google Docs (33) Add background color to a table or change the border color, width, or style.
Create your first document in Google Docs (34) Crop an image.
Image options… Change the color, transparency, brightness, or contrast.
Replace imageCreate your first document in Google Docs (35) Replace an existing image with a new one.

Add pictures, links, tables, and more

The Insert menu lets you add different features to your document. Here are the highlights:

Image—Insert an image from your computer, the web, Drive, and more.

Table—Select the number of columns and rows to create a table.

Drawing—Create shapes, pictures, and diagrams right in your document.

Link—Add a link to another page or to a header or bookmark in the same document.

Bookmark—Add shortcuts to specific places within your document.

Table of contents—Create an auto-generated table of contents that links to each heading in your document that has a heading style applied.

Create your first document in Google Docs (36)

Print your document from Chrome browser

  1. On your computer, open a document in Google Docs.
  2. Click File Create your first document in Google Docs (37) Print.
  3. In the window that opens, choose your print settings.
  4. Click Print.

Use Gemini to create & update content

Create your first document in Google Docs (38)

You can use this feature only if your organization supports it. For help, contact youradministrator.Gemini forGoogle Workspaceis available when your Google account language is set to an English dialect. Additionally, some features are available in Spanish and Portuguese. Learn more aboutlanguage availability.

UseGemini forGoogle Workspaceto create placeholder content you can refine and update.

  1. On your computer, openaGoogle Doc file.
  2. In the document, click where you want to write.
  3. On the left, click Help me write Create your first document in Google Docs (39).
    Create your first document in Google Docs (40)
  4. Enter a prompt that contains your instructions. For example:

    Imagine you are the lead on a project. Write an update to your executive leadership team on [Project X]. Include the current status for each business function and next steps. Use a formal, brief tone.

  5. Click Create.
  6. Review the response.
  7. (Optional) Click Refine then choose how you want Geminito change the content.
  8. When you're finished, click Insert.

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Google, Google Workspace, and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company and product names are trademarks of the companieswith which they are associated.

Next: Document sharing basics in Google Docs

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