How to Find and Replace in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you find and replace text in Google Docs?
Press Ctrl + H (⌘ + Shift + H on Mac), or click Edit › Find and replace. Enter the word and its replacement, then click Replace or Replace all. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H R.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Replace. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Find and replace | Ctrl+H | ⌘+Shift+H |
| Find | Ctrl+F | ⌘+F |
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
- Click Edit › Find and replace.
- Type the word to find and the word to replace it with.
- Click Replace for the highlighted match, or Replace all.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, then R. ShortieCuts runs “Replace”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt HFD | FindHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Replace is Alt, H, R on Word's Home tab. On Windows, Ctrl + H already matches Word; on a Mac, Option, H, R saves remembering ⌘ + Shift + H.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HE | Clear FormattingBuilt-in: Ctrl + \ or Ctrl + Space |
| Alt HU | Bullet PointsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Alt PBN | Section Break |
| Alt HFP | Paint FormatBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + C |
| Alt HN | Numbered ListBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 7 |
| Alt PM | Margins |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to find and replace text in Google Docs?
Find and replace: Ctrl + H on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + H on Mac. Find: Ctrl + F on Windows; ⌘ + F on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + R work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + R there won't find and replace text. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then R, and ShortieCuts runs its "Replace" command.
How do I find and replace text in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Shift + H (Find and replace). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then R.
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.