How to Center or Align Text in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you center or align text in Google Docs?
Select the text and press Ctrl + Shift + E to center it, or Ctrl + Shift + L, R or J for left, right or justified (⌘ instead of Ctrl on Mac). The menu route is Format › Align & indent. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H A C.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Center. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Center align | Ctrl+Shift+E | ⌘+Shift+E |
| Left align | Ctrl+Shift+L | ⌘+Shift+L |
| Right align | Ctrl+Shift+R | ⌘+Shift+R |
| Justify | Ctrl+Shift+J | ⌘+Shift+J |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
Using the Menus
- Select the paragraphs you want to change.
- Click Format › Align & indent, or the Align button in the toolbar.
- Choose Left, Centered, Right or Justified.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Select the text, or click into the paragraph.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, A, then C. ShortieCuts runs “Center”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt HAL | Align LeftHome key-tips |
| Alt HAR | Align RightHome key-tips |
| Alt HAJ | JustifyHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Word users have two habits here: Ctrl + E, L, R and J, and the Home-tab key-tips Alt, H, A, C, L, R or J. Google Docs adds Shift to the first; ShortieCuts makes the second work as-is.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H7U | Change Case |
| Alt NB | Page BreakBuilt-in: Ctrl + Enter |
| Alt SF | FootnoteBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + F |
| Alt HE | Clear FormattingBuilt-in: Ctrl + \ or Ctrl + Space |
| Alt PBN | Section Break |
| Alt RW | Word CountBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + C |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to center or align text in Google Docs?
Center align: Ctrl + Shift + E on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + E on Mac. Left align: Ctrl + Shift + L on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + L on Mac. Right align: Ctrl + Shift + R on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + R on Mac. Justify: Ctrl + Shift + J on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + J on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + A + C work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + A + C there won't center or align text. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then A, then C, and ShortieCuts runs its "Center" command.
How do I center or align text in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Shift + E (Center align). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then A, then C.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.