How Do I Format Documents (The Easy Way with Google Docs)

Formatting documents properly isn’t just about appearance—it’s about making your content easy to read, professional, and purpose-driven. Whether you're writing a resume, a proposal, or a report, using the right formatting tools helps convey your message clearly and effectively. If you're a Google Docs user, you're in luck. Google Docs offers intuitive formatting options that can elevate any document.

Even better? Once your document is perfectly formatted, you can turn it into a form in 1 click using Formswrite.com —a website (not a plugin!) that converts your Google Docs into fillable forms. Let’s walk through how to format documents efficiently, and how to use Formswrite to take things one step further.

Step-by-Step: How to Format Documents in Google Docs

1. Set Your Page Layout

Before you begin typing, click File > Page setup . Choose your paper size (A4, Letter, etc.), orientation (Portrait or Landscape), and margins. For academic and business documents, 1-inch margins are standard.

2. Choose a Font and Size

Head to the toolbar and select a clean, professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman . Use 11 or 12 pt font for the main body and larger sizes (14–18 pt) for headings.

3. Use Headings for Structure

Highlight section titles and apply Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. from the “Styles” dropdown. This makes your document easier to navigate and helps with accessibility.

4. Align and Spacing

Click on the align button to center titles or justify your paragraphs. Then go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing to set line spacing to 1.5 or double-spaced for better readability.

5. Add Bullets and Numbering

Use bullets for lists that don’t need order, and numbered lists for steps or sequences. Click on the bullet or number icons in the toolbar to apply them.

6. Insert Tables, Charts, or Images

Click Insert > Table/Chart/Image to break up text and add visual clarity. This is great for business reports or data-driven documents.

7. Use Bold, Italics, and Underline Strategically

Apply bold to headings, italics for quotes, and underline for emphasis—but don’t overdo it. Clean formatting is professional formatting.

8. Review with “Spelling and Grammar”

Before sharing, go to Tools > Spelling and grammar to run a quick check. Clean grammar enhances credibility.

Bonus Step: Turn Your Google Doc Into a Form with Formswrite

After you’ve formatted your document, head over to Formswrite.com . Upload your Google Doc, and with one click, Formswrite transforms it into a fillable form—perfect for surveys, applications, or client intake forms.

Why Formswrite?

1. No installation required

2. It’s not a plugin —just a smart, simple website

3. Saves time and effort building forms from scratch

FAQ: Document Formatting & Formswrite

Q: What’s the best font for formal documents in Google Docs?A: Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are widely accepted professional fonts.

Q: Can I save my formatted document as a PDF?A: Yes. Go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf) to export your file.

Q: Is Formswrite free to use?A: Yes! You can start converting your Google Docs to forms right away at Formswrite.com .

Q: Do I need to install anything to use Formswrite?A: Nope. Formswrite is a website , not a plugin or extension. Just visit the site, upload your Google Doc, and click to convert.