How to Add Headings in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you apply a heading in Google Docs?
Select the text and press Ctrl + Alt + 1 to 6 for Heading 1 to 6 (⌘ + Option + 1 to 6 on Mac). Ctrl + Alt + 0 turns it back into normal text. The menu route is Format › Paragraph styles. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H L 1.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Heading 1. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Heading 1 to 6 | Ctrl+Alt+1–6 | ⌘+Option+1–6 |
| Normal text | Ctrl+Alt+0 | ⌘+Option+0 |
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 text you want to change.
- Click Format › Paragraph styles.
- Choose Normal text, Title, Subtitle or Heading 1 to 6, then click Apply.
The Styles box in the toolbar does the same. Headings are also what a table of contents links to.
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, L, then 1. ShortieCuts runs “Heading 1”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt HL2 | Heading 2Home key-tips |
| Alt HL3 | Heading 3Home key-tips |
| Alt HL4 | Heading 4Home key-tips |
| Alt HL5 | Heading 5Home key-tips |
| Alt HL6 | Heading 6Home key-tips |
| Alt HLN | Normal TextHome key-tips |
| Alt HLT | TitleHome key-tips |
| Alt HLS | SubtitleHome key-tips |
| Alt HLL | Styles MenuHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Word users know Ctrl + Alt + 1 to 3 for headings, and those keys already work in Google Docs on Windows. Alt, H, L opens styles the way Word's Home-tab key-tip does, and ShortieCuts adds Title and Subtitle (Alt, H, L, T and S).
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HU | Bullet PointsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Alt NB | Page BreakBuilt-in: Ctrl + Enter |
| Alt ST1 | Table of Contents |
| Alt HN | Numbered ListBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 7 |
| Alt PBN | Section Break |
| Alt SF | FootnoteBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + F |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to apply a heading in Google Docs?
Heading 1 to 6: Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 on Windows; ⌘ + Option + 1–6 on Mac. Normal text: Ctrl + Alt + 0 on Windows; ⌘ + Option + 0 on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + L + 1 work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + L + 1 there won't apply a heading. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then L, then 1, and ShortieCuts runs its "Heading 1" command.
How do I apply a heading in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Option + 1–6 (Heading 1 to 6). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then L, then 1.
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.