Google Docs is a popular Microsoft Word alternative offering various features to help users create and edit documents quickly and efficiently. One such feature is the document outline, crucial in organizing and navigating lengthy documents. This article will guide you on how to use document outline in Google Docs.
The Google Docs outline feature is a table of contents for your document. It enhances the document’s structure and navigation, making it easier to view, organize, and edit. With this out of the way, let’s begin by enabling outlines in Google Docs.
How to Enable Document Outline in Google Docs
Enabling document outlines in Google Docs is straightforward. Moreover, there are keyboard shortcuts to turn the option on and off quickly. Let’s begin with Google Docs on the desktop.
On Windows PC or Mac
Step 1: Go to Google Docs from your preferred browser. Navigate to the document you want to enable outline for.
Step 2: In the document, go to View on the toolbar. From the drop-down menu, select Show outline.
Note: Alternatively, hold Ctrl + Alt and press A + H to show or hide the outline on Windows. On Mac, hold Control + Command and press A + H.
Doing this will show the document outline on the left side of your document. Click on it to see the document’s Summary and Outline (headings). If you are on mobile and want to view the same, continue reading.
On Google Docs Mobile App
Step 1: Launch the Google Docs app on your Android or iOS device. Navigate to the document you want to enable the outline for.
Step 2: Once in the document, tap on the three-dot icon in the top right corner and choose Document outline from the drop-down.
The document’s outline will open on the bottom sheet for a quick view. You can tap on the cross (X) to close it.
Depending on the type of document, you may or may not see the outline, and you may wonder how Google Docs populates the outline for a document and how you can make an outline in Google Docs. Well, keep reading.
Also Read: How to email a Google Doc on desktop or mobile
How to Add Headings to Make an Outline in Google Docs
To populate the outline of a document, you must add appropriate segmentation such as titles, headings, and subheadings when writing. The outline will auto-populate for you to see and move around.
Let’s understand how to add headings to Google Docs documents.
On Desktop
Step 1: Go to Google Docs from your preferred browser and open the desired document.
Step 2: Once in the document, click on the Normal text drop-down menu in the toolbar and select your desired heading.
Note: Only Titles and Headings (1, 2, and 3) appear in the document outline if selected. You won’t see Subtitles in the outline.
Step 3: Now, type the heading and press Enter. You will see the same Title and Heading appear in the outline.
Additionally, you can quickly remove any heading or subheading from the document outline by clicking the cross (X) icon next to each heading or subheading.
That’s about it. You have successfully created and added headings to the outline. If you want to do the same using mobile, continue reading.
Also Read: Best ways to double underline text in Google Docs
On Google Docs Mobile App
Step 1: Launch the Google Docs app on your Android or iOS device and open the preferred document.
Step 2: Tap on the pen icon to enter Editing mode.
Step 3: Once in the document, enter the heading or subheading, long-press it to highlight, and tap on the Format icon in the top navigation bar.
Step 4: In the bottom sheet, tap Style and choose a heading format.
You will have to do the same for each heading and subheading in the document to segment the content to make it easy and readable. Now that we have added the heads and subheads to the document, continue with the below steps.
Step 4: Tap on the three-dot icon in the top right corner and choose Document outline from the drop-down menu.
There you go. You will see the document outline on the bottom sheet.
You can tap on the headings or subheadings to skip to the respective sections. You can also remove the heading or subheadings from the outline; continue with the below steps.
Step 5: Tap on the three-dot icon next to the heading or subheading and select ‘Remove from the outline’ from the option.
Once done with the changes and are satisfied with the outline, tap on the cross (X) to close the bottom sheet.
FAQs on Using the Document Outline in Google Docs
1. Does the outline update automatically when I edit my document?
Yes, the outline updates automatically when you edit your document. If you add or remove headings, the outline will reflect those changes in real-time.
2. Does the outline work with documents created in offline mode?
Yes, the Document Outline works with documents created in offline mode. However, changes made while offline will sync with the outline when you are online.
Improve Document Accessibility
The Document Outline is a valuable tool for both writers and readers. Now that you know how to use document outline in Google Docs, you can create well-structured documents, enhancing the overall reading and editing experience. You may also want to read how to do a hanging indent on Google Docs.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
