How to Change Margins in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you change the margins in Google Docs?
Click File › Page setup, make sure Pages is selected at the top, enter your margins, and click OK. Click Set as default to use them for new documents too. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then P M.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Layout › Margins. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Click File › Page setup.
- At the top of the dialog, select Pages.
- Enter the margins you want. Orientation, paper size and page color are set here too.
- Click OK, or Set as default to use the same settings for new documents.
Page settings aren't available in pageless documents.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs has no shortcut for this.
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 P, then M. ShortieCuts runs “Margins”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt PSZ | SizeLayout key-tips |
| Alt FT | Page SetupFile key-tips |
| Alt GPC | Page ColorDesign key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Margins is Alt, P, M on Word's Layout tab. In ShortieCuts it opens Google's Page setup, where margins live; Alt, P, S, Z (Size) and Alt, G, P, C (Page Color) open the same box.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H7U | Change Case |
| Alt HN | Numbered ListBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 7 |
| Alt FEP | Download as PDF or Word |
| Alt HE | Clear FormattingBuilt-in: Ctrl + \ or Ctrl + Space |
| Alt H9 | ChecklistBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 9 |
| Alt ST1 | Table of Contents |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to change the margins in Google Docs?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs doesn't include one. Click File › Page setup, make sure Pages is selected at the top, enter your margins, and click OK. Click Set as default to use them for new documents too. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then P, then M.
Does Alt + P + M work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + P + M there won't change the margins. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then P, then M, and ShortieCuts runs its "Margins" command.
How do I change the margins in Google Docs on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then P, then M.
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.