Google Docs is a popular alternative to Microsoft Word and offers a variety of features to help users create and edit documents quickly and efficiently. One such feature is the document outline, which is crucial for organizing and navigating long documents. This article will guide you on how to use the document outline in Google Docs.
The Google Docs outline feature is a table of contents for your document. It enhances the structure and navigation of your document, making it easier to view, organize, and edit. Now that you've done that, let's get started enabling outlines in Google Docs.
How to enable document outline in Google Docs
Enabling document outlines in Google Docs is simple. Furthermore, there are keyboard shortcuts to quickly turn the option on and off. Let's get started using Google Docs on the desktop.
On a Windows or Mac computer
Step 1: Go to Google Docs From your favorite browser, navigate to the document for which you want to enable an outline.
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 then press A+H.
Doing so will display the document outline on the left side of the document. Click it to see the document summary and outline (headings). If you're on mobile and want to view it, read on.
On the Google Docs mobile app
Step 1: Launch the Google Docs app on your Android or iOS device. Go to the document for which you want to enable an outline.
Step 2: Once you're in the document, tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner and choose Document Layout from the drop-down menu.
The document outline will open on the bottom sheet for a quick view. You can click the cross (X) to close it.
Depending on the type of document, you may or may not see an outline, and you may wonder how Google Docs fills in a document's outline and how you can create an outline in Google Docs. Well, keep reading.
Advice: How to email a Google Doc on desktop or mobile
How to Add Headings to Create an Outline in Google Docs
To fill out your document outline, add appropriate headings, titles, and subheadings as you type. The outline will automatically fill in so you can see and navigate.
Let's understand how to add headings to Google Docs.
on the desktop
Step 1: Go to Google Docs From your favorite browser and open the document Required.
Step 2: Once you are in the document, click the drop-down menu. Plain text In the toolbar, select Required address.
Note: Headings and headings (1, 2, and 3) only appear in the document outline if they are selected. You will not see translations in the outline.
Step 3: Now, type the address 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 your document outline by clicking the (X) icon next to each heading or subheading.
That's all. You've successfully created and added headings to your outline. If you want to do the same on mobile, read on.
It is important to know: The Best Ways to Double Underline Text in Google Docs
On the Google Docs mobile app
Step 1: Launch an app Google Docs On your Android or iOS device and open Preferred Document.
Step 2: Click on pen icon To enter وضع التحرير.
Step 3: Once you're in the document, enter the title or subtitle, long-press it to select it, and then tap Format icon In the top navigation bar.
Step 4: On the bottom sheet, press the pattern Choose the title format.
You'll need to do the same for each heading and subheading in your document to break up the content for easier, more readable text. Now that you've added headings and subheadings to your document, continue with the next steps.
Step 4: Click on the icon Three point In the upper right corner and choose Document outline from the dropdown menu.
There you go. You'll see the document outline on the bottom sheet.
You can click on headings or subheadings to jump to the relevant sections. You can also remove a heading or subheadings from the outline; follow the steps below.
Step 5: Click on the icon Three point Next to the title or subtitle and select “Remove from outline” of option.
Once you have finished making changes and are satisfied with the outline, click the cross (X) to close the bottom sheet.
Frequently asked questions about using document outline in Google Docs
Q1. Does the outline update automatically when I edit my document?
The answer: Yes, the outline updates automatically when you edit your document. If you add or remove headings, the outline will reflect these changes in real time.
Q2. Does the outline work with documents created offline?
The answer: Yes, the document outline works with documents created offline. However, changes made offline will be synced to the outline when you're online.
Improve document accessibility
Document outlines are a valuable tool for both writers and readers. Now that you know how to use document outlines in Google Docs, you can create well-organized documents, enhancing your overall reading and editing experience. You may also want to read How to create a hanging indent in Google Docs.
