How to Format Docs Like a Book (In Google Docs)

Formatting your Google Docs like a book can elevate your writing presentation—whether you're drafting a novel, an eBook, or even a business report. Book-style formatting improves readability, structure, and makes publishing easier. Fortunately, Google Docs offers the essential features you need to create polished, book-like documents without complex software.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to format your Google Docs like a book in a few easy steps. Plus, if you ever want to turn that document into a fillable form, we’ll show you how to do that in one click using Formswrite.com —a powerful tool that converts your Google Docs into interactive forms. No plugin needed—just the website!

How to Format Docs Like a Book in Google Docs

1. Set the Page Size and Orientation

To mimic book dimensions:

1. Go to File > Page Setup .

2. Change orientation to Portrait .

3. Set paper size to 6” x 9” or A5 (standard book sizes).

4. Adjust margins to 1 inch or customize for binding.

2. Choose a Readable Font and Size

Books generally use serif fonts for readability:

1. Use Times New Roman , Georgia , or Garamond .

2. Set the font size to 12 pt for body text.

3. Add Title Page and Sections

A title page gives your document a professional look:

1. Center-align the title and author name.

2. Insert a page break afterward via Insert > Break > Page Break .

3. Continue with a copyright page, dedication, or table of contents.

4. Apply Heading Styles for Structure

Using heading styles helps with navigation and consistency:

1. Highlight chapter titles and apply Heading 1 .

2. Use Heading 2 or 3 for sub-sections.

3. This also enables automatic generation of a Table of Contents.

5. Insert Page Numbers

1. Go to Insert > Page Numbers .

2. Choose location (bottom-right is most common).

3. Skip numbering the title page by checking “Different first page.”

6. Justify Your Text

1. Select all text with Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on Mac).

2. Click Format > Align & Indent > Justified .

3. This gives your document a clean, book-like appearance.

7. Add Line Spacing and Paragraph Style

1. Go to Format > Line & Paragraph Spacing .

2. Choose 1.15 or 1.5 spacing for comfortable reading.

3. Set spacing after paragraphs to 6 pt for visual separation.

8. Convert Your Book into a Form with Formswrite

Once your book-formatted Google Doc is ready, turn it into a fillable form using Formswrite.com :

1. Visit the site and upload your Google Doc.

2. In just 1 click , Formswrite will transform your content into an interactive Google Form.

3. Great for quizzes, surveys, book feedback forms, and more.

4. No plugin required —it’s a lightweight, web-based solution.

FAQ: Formatting Google Docs Like a Book

Q: Can I add a table of contents in book format? Yes. Use Insert > Table of Contents after applying heading styles to generate a clickable TOC.

Q: Is Google Docs good enough to format an entire book? Absolutely! For digital books and drafts, Google Docs is excellent. For professional publishing, you may export to PDF or use other formatting software afterward.

Q: Can I collaborate with others on a book in Google Docs? Yes. Google Docs allows real-time collaboration with comments and suggestions, perfect for co-authors or editors.

Q: What is Formswrite and how does it help? Formswrite.com is a website (not a plugin) that lets you convert your Google Docs into fillable forms with one click. It’s ideal for creating interactive versions of your document, like forms, applications, or feedback surveys.