Using and Modifying Styles

Many types of papers require the use of headings. Headings can help you keep your paper organized. Using the built-in styles in Google Docs makes it easier for you to apply and change headings and it also makes your document more accessible. You can also use the styles feature to make your table of contents.

Creating Styles

Step 1: Highlight the text that you want to turn into a heading. Adjust the formatting to match your preferred style. APA wants Heading 1 to be centered and bolded as is depicted in the screenshot below.

Step 2: Click on the "Normal text" drop down and hover over the correct heading number. In this case, this is the main heading, so choose Heading 1.

Step 3: Choose "Update [Heading 1] to match." The Heading 1 format now matches your preferred style.

Normal text column selected, with a red circle around Heading 1 and another around Update Heading 1 to match

Using Styles

Once Heading 1 has been set, choose "Apply Heading 1" for future headings of that same level.

Under "Normal text" column, choose Heading 1 and then "Apply Heading 1"

Using Styles for a Table of Contents

Step 1: Use the styles feature to indicate which of your headings are using a Heading 1 style, which are using the Heading 2 style, etc.

Step 2: Put your cursor where you'd like your table of contents to appear. Hint: this is typically on a separate page between the cover page and the body of your paper.

Step 3: Under the Insert heading, choose Table of Contents.

Screenshot of Google doc with red circles around Insert, Table of contents, and one of the three Table of contents options

Google docs will use the organizational structure outlined by the styles feature to create your table of contents.

Example of a table of contents with Heading 1 bolded and left aligned, while Heading 2 is indented and unbolded.