thesis template google docs

Graduate Student Success Center

Thesis and dissertation template.

The Graduate College offers a thesis/dissertation template that contains all required content and formatting. You can either write your document from within the template or apply the template’s formatting to your previously created work.

Need help working in the template? Schedule an appointment today.

Before You Begin

The first time you download the template, save the template file to your computer before you begin work on your document. This is important if you are composing your thesis/dissertation within the template or if you are copying and pasting your content into the template. You may need the original template file in the future.

Please note: We offer the Google Doc template for initial drafts of your thesis/dissertation to share easily with your committee chair. We do not accept Google Documents as the final document of your thesis/dissertation. Google Docs does not have the functionality we require for our final theses/dissertations. Please use the Google Doc template while keeping in mind that you will need to convert your document to Microsoft Word later.

Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (Word Doc) Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (LATEX) Download Thesis and Dissertation Template (Google Doc)

Word Template Last Updated: February 2021

Word Document Template Information

Download instructions.

• Download the Boise State Template from the orange callout ribbon above.
• Show the downloaded file in the Downloads folder.
• Right click and select Open
• Enable Content
• Click File > Save As and name the file, for instance, Boise_State_Template.dotm (note the extension is “.dotm”) and  Save as type:  Word Macro-Enabled Template (*.dotm) .  It is recommended locating this file on your desktop – it may come in handy if you need to reattach the template to your document in the future (see below).
• Close this file.

Working Within the Template

To work within the template, styles are applied throughout the document. These styles can be found by clicking the arrow in the lower right hand corner of the Styles section in the Home tab. To apply a style, simply highlight the text that you wish to format and click the appropriate name from the styles list.

When entering your own work into the template, be sure to apply the following styles to the appropriate parts of your document. Failure to do so will mean that your Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables will be incorrect.

• Format a Heading 1 in all caps, and centered
• Format a Heading 2 in title-caps, bold, and centered
• Format a Heading 3 in title-caps, underlined, and aligned left
• Format a Heading 4 in title-caps, underlined, and indented once
• Format a Heading 5 in title-caps, underlined and indented twice
• Figure Captions are bolded and centered in the template. They may also be justified.
• Table Captions are bolded and aligned left in the template. They may also be justified.
• Appendix Heading 2
• Appendix Heading 3

Formatting Landscape Pages

When setting pages of your document to landscape orientation to accommodate large figures or tables, you must reformat their page numbers so that they will still be visible after binding.

• Open the landscape page’s header by double-clicking within the header.
• Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. Repeat this step for the page following the landscape page.
• Delete the landscape page’s current page number.
• Click Insert → Page Number (in the Header & Footer section)→Page Margins.
• Select Landscape Page Numbers.

Note: If your other pages’ pagination disappears after inserting landscape page numbers, you likely did not turn off Link to Previous. Undo your changes to the page numbers and restart the instructions.

Replacing Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables

After your writing and editing is complete, you will need to replace the Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables.

• Right click the existing TOC, LOF, or LOT.
• Click Update Field.
• Select Update entire table and click Ok.

Note: All other lists (such as a List of Abbreviations or List of Graphs) are not updated automatically. Instead, the template includes examples of manually-created lists that can be altered to fit your needs.

Attaching the Template to a Preexisting Document. If your document is at or near completion, it may be easier for you to attach the template to your existing file than to paste your document into a new template.

Formatting Styles and Applying Styles

Before attaching the Thesis/Dissertation template to your document, you must first apply the following styles to the appropriate sections of your work. It does not matter how these styles look – when you first apply them they will not look right – only that the names of the styles match those in the following list exactly. After you have applied all the styles and attach the template the document will be formatted correctly.

These styles can be found by clicking the arrow in the lower right hand corner of the Styles section in the Home tab. Leave this menu open while you work through the document. To apply a style, simply highlight the text that you wish to format and click the appropriate name from the styles list.

Attaching Styles

• Access the Styles menu by clicking the lower-right corner of the Styles box on the Home tab in Windows. Keep this menu open on the side of your screen and apply the styles to your document as you work.
• Highlight the text you wish to format (it is often only necessary to “click in” the section you wish to format)
• Click the appropriate style from the Styles menu

Note: If the style you are looking for is not included in the list you may need to create the style (see next).

Creating Styles

Some required styles will not be listed in the premade styles, thus you will need to create them yourself.

• Highlight the text that you wish to format
• Right click the text and select Styles → Save Selection as a New Quick Style.
• Enter the appropriate style name and click OK.

Note: Remember, it does not matter how these styles look at this time, only that the style names match the names listed in the table above.

Attaching the Template

After applying styles to your document, you can attach the template, which will fix most of your document’s formatting issues.

• Download the Boise State Thesis and Dissertation Template and save it to your computer. See instructions above under “Before you Begin.”
• Open the Word document containing your thesis/dissertation, click file, click options, click add-ins, and select templates from the Manage drop down menu at the bottom of the page. Click go.
• In the Document Template section, click Attach.
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the template and select it.
• Important: Check the box labeled “Automatically update document styles.”

Adjusting Margins

• Click Ctrl+A to select the entire document.
• In the Home ribbon, click layout, click margins and select the mirror margin option that contains inside margin 1.5″, top and bottom margins 1.”

Setting Page Numbers

Be careful that you set section breaks between front matter and body text and also between portrait and landscape-oriented pages (see Manually Formatting Your Document for instructions on setting page breaks). Each has a different way of formatting their pagination.

Front Matter

•  Set a continuous section break immediately before the Heading 1 on the first page that follows your approval pages.
• Set a continuous section break immediately before the title of Chapter 1.
• Open the footer on the first page following your approval page by clicking the Footer button in the Header & Footer section of the Insert tab and selecting Edit Footer.
• Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. This step is only necessary for the first numbered page in the front matter.
• Insert page numbers. Front matter page numbers should be in lowercase Roman numerals and should be centered at the bottom of each page.
• Double-click inside the footer of the first page in Chapter 1.
• Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab. This step is only necessary for the first page in the body text.
• Delete the page numbers from the footer.
• Open the header on the same page by double-clicking inside the header.
• Deselect Link to Previous, located in the Navigation section of the Design tab.
• Insert alpha-numeric page numbers, starting with 1, into the upper right-hand corner of the pages.

Landscape Pages

• Repeat step 3 on the page following the landscape page.
• Click Insert → Page Number (in the Header & Footer section) → Page Margins.

Inserting Table of Contents and Lists of Figures or Tables

Finally, after your document’s content is complete, you will need to create the Table of Contents, List of Figures, and List of Tables.

• In the Home ribbon, select References , then select Table of Contents and choose the first option.
• To build your list of tables or figures do the following: on the Home ribbon, select references, select Insert List of Table of Figures, on the options drop down select either table captions or figure captions depending on which you are creating. You will then have to manually insert the heading.

Note: The template does not include macros for automatically generating other lists such as a List of Abbreviations or List of Graphs. However, it does include example lists that can be copied, pasted, and altered to meet your needs.

Helpful Tips

• Access the Styles menu by clicking the lower-right corner of the styles box on the Home tab in Windows. Keep this menu open on the side of your screen, or on a second screen, and apply the styles to your document as you work. To make the document styles behave, use the styles in the template. For example, for all Heading 1s, use the Heading 1 style, which will automatically insert a break and a 2 inch margin, etc. As long as the styles are used, the document should behave appropriately, and the table of contents will include the headings once updated. To modify the Table of Contents, click once to highlight the table in gray, right-click and select “Update Entire Field.”
• Show formatting marks as you work in your document.  Click on the File tab, then Options, Display, and click on the box “Show all formatting marks” and OK.

So Many Papers, so Little Time

A blog about scientific publishing and academic productivity

• Paperpile News
• Productivity
• Inspiration

6 Tips for Writing Your Thesis in Google Docs

The birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, which means it’s officially spring time. This is good news for just about everyone… except those with a looming thesis deadline.

If you’re pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD, you’re either feeling very good or very not-so-good right about now. For some of you, no words have yet made it onto the page. That’s okay! We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help.

One thing you may or may not have considered yet is where you’re going to be writing your thesis. Sure, Microsoft Word is the obvious choice. But is it the best one? There are a lot of problem with Words including feature bloat, incompatibilities between versions and operating systems and   plain old crashes . If you’ve ever considered Word to be the bane of your existence (and who hasn’t?), you may want to consider a simple cloud-based alternative like Google Docs. You’ll be able to work from anywhere, including offline, and barring circumstances of an apocalyptic proportion, you’ll never lose your work. Sounds like a win-win.

If you decide to make the Google Docs plunge for something as important as your thesis, arguably your magnum opus , here are a few tips for making the transition a success.

1. Enable Offline Access

If you chose Google Docs as your go-tool for your thesis you likely to belong to a generation who is online all time. But there are occasionally moments when you are cut off from the internet and want to work on your thesis. You can enable offline access to your Google Docs simply by checking a box in your Google Drive settings . To make all other files in your Google Drive available offline you can   set up desktop sync . Got a long flight coming up? Work on your thesis. Internet’s down at the local coffee shop? Work on your thesis. Commute by train? Work on your thesis. You get the drift. Don’t set up barriers to keep you from getting work done - take action to bring them down.

2. Decide on an Organizational Structure Ahead of Time

Lets face it: your thesis is going to be a big, unruly document. So big in fact, that it probably makes more sense to break it down in manageable chunks while you’re in the development phase. That means setting up different folders and documents based on how your thesis will be organized.

The way you do this can, and should, vary based on the needs of your project and the way that you like to write. One simple way to do it is to break up your document by section of your thesis, so that you have a Google Doc for each of the following: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, and Conclusion. Alternatively, you may also choose to keep all of your sections in one document, and take advantage of Google Doc’s new outline feature to move from place to place.

Another way to organize your documents is by theme. If you have topics that cross over sections, this may be the most sensible option. You take the big ideas out of your thesis and write about them one by one. For example, for my thesis in Education, I cover topics like Community of Inquiry, Online Learning, Personality, etc., and I make a document for each of those. When the time comes to pull them all together, I know where to find each of my arguments.

Whatever you do, it’s important to make a decision ahead of time and stick to it . This allows you to keep the same organizational structure across all of your apps. Just like you have the same days of the week across all of your calendars, having your citation management system in the same format as your Google Docs makes life infinitely simpler. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Decide on a Citation Management System

Have you kept track of your sources manually up until now? It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Your thesis will be the biggest document you’ve ever managed, and quite possibly the biggest document you ever will manage. No sane person keeps track of hundreds of sources by hand . There’s no need to make more work for yourself, and it’s just plain ludicrous if you have a looming deadline.

You have a ton of options to choose from in this arena. Whatever system you decide to work with, whether it’s a simple add-on to Google Docs or a comprehensive PDF management system, make sure it integrates with your workflow . If it’s a pain to enter data, you won’t do it, and you’ll be left with glaring gaps of information at the end of your project. Keep it simple, and keep it smart.

4. Clean up Your Digital Workspace

One of the many benefits to using Google Docs to write a thesis is that you don’t have to constantly move between windows to get things done. Most of your research is done in-browser, and your writing belongs right next to it. But with great power comes great responsibility. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by the magic of the Internet. This is why you should make every effort to keep your digital workspace as tidy as your physical one.

What does this mean? For starters, it means making an assessment of the apps and websites you regularly use to do your research, take notes, and write your thesis. Now jot down a list of these. Go into Chrome (or your preferred browser) and pin them . Pinning a tab keeps it open, neatly organized in the left of your browser window, and unclosable. So everything you need is always handy.

5. Make Use of Add-ons

A few years ago, Google Docs might have seemed like a poor-man’s Microsoft Word. But the platform has become increasingly sophisticated over the years, to the point that some now say it surpasses traditional desktop tools. What takes it to the next level? Add-ons, of course. The Google Docs add-on store is full of helpful apps for students, with more being added every day.

Some particular ones to take note of include AutoLaTeX for statistical equations and Thesaurus for when you’ve used the word “nuance” too many times. Paperpile also offers a free citation generator for Google Docs that makes it a breeze to find, cite, and style academic sources within your document.

6. Leave Time to Make it Pretty

One thing Google Docs cannot do is make a truly visually striking document. It suffers from the same limitations that all WYSIWYG editors do - it can’t be both easy to use and complicated to produce. Ever notice how the paper you converted into PDF from Microsoft Word looks nothing like the journal article you downloaded? The spacing, the balance, all the small details that go into putting together a visually appealing document are lost with WYSIWYG authoring. Google Docs is no different, and it isn’t intended to be. It’s an amazing collaborative and drafting tool. But when it comes to the final product, you can and should go the extra mile into making it look good. This is your magnum opus, remember?

There are many ways to go about this. Many scientists use the programming language LaTeX to create elegant research papers. If the idea of coding seems intimidating, look into a publishing program like Adobe InDesign . Whatever you choose, get comfortable with it before your project is done. And give yourself a solid week to turn the final product into one you’ll be proud of. Will it turn a satisfactory grade into an exemplary one? No. But will it be enough to push a “good” to a “very good”? Possibly. And that makes it worth the effort.

Are you currently writing a thesis in Google Docs? Tell us the good, the bad, and the ugly in the comments.

Brought to you by the folks at Paperpile.

We love papers so we blog about it.

What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

• The title page/cover page
• Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
• Table of contents
• List of figures /list of tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
• Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
• Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
• Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
• Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
• Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
• Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
• Meet the Dean
• Meet the Team
• Professors of the Graduate Division
• Funding Opportunities
• Alumni & Friends
• Prospective Students
• Degree Programs
• Requirements
• Admitted Students
• Admission FAQ
• Compliance/Health and Safety Information
• Tuition & Fees
• Fellowships
• Third-Party Payments
• Non-UC Visiting Grads
• Financial Support FAQ
• News & Updates
• Progress to Degree
• Enrolling at UC San Diego

Preparing to Graduate

• Policies & Procedures
• Student Academic FAQ
• Merkin Graduate Fellows Program
• Student Updates
• Health & Wellbeing
• Professional Development
• Student Spotlights
• Programs and Resources
• Postdoctoral Affairs
• Dissertation & Thesis Template

As a resource for graduate students, sample Word templates are available to assist with the initial formatting of doctoral dissertations and master's theses. Students are expected to fully format their dissertation/thesis according to the   " Preparation and Submission Manual for Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses ".

• This template is a starting point and students may have to add or remove sections/text to accurately reflect their document and adhere to all requirements in the manual.
• Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) does not provide technical support for any of the templates below.
• If using these templates, students must still refer to the formatting manual for full instructions.

The below templates are in Word. If you prefer to use LaTeX, here is a recommended unofficial template . We are not able to provide technical support for LaTeX.

Note: opening the Word template in Google Docs may cause auto-formatting features to be lost or auto-formatting features may appear differently.

A sample template of a co-author permission letter and cover letter from the committee chair can be found here . For complete information on submission of permission letters, please see this page and/or refer to the full Manual . 

Master’s Degree Thesis

Download template

Doctoral Degree Dissertation

• Degree Completion
• Dissertation & Thesis Submission
• Dissertation & Thesis Manual

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, automatically generate references for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on 8 June 2022 by Tegan George .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation, such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organisational structure of your thesis or dissertation . This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, frequently asked questions about outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• ‘Elevator pitch’ of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope, population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilising some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the ‘IS-AV’ (inanimate subject with an active verb) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The I construction

Another option is to use the ‘I’ construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and ‘I’ construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as ‘discuss’, ‘present’, ‘prove’, or ‘show’. Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract   in the table of contents.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, June 08). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 15 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/outline-thesis-dissertation/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, dissertation table of contents in word | instructions & examples, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, thesis & dissertation acknowledgements | tips & examples.

Graduate College Formatting Guide

• Page Numbers (Microsoft Word)
• Page Numbers (Google Docs)
• Page Breaks and Section Breaks
• Headings, Subheadings, and Table of Contents (Microsoft Word)
• Headings, Subheadings, and Table of Contents (Google Docs)
• Inserting Tables and Figures
• Comments and Track Changes
• References, Bibliography, Works Cited
• Landscape Pages & Special Materials

Thesis & Dissertation Templates

Please select either the Word template or the Google Docs template. It is recommended that you do not switch between Word and Google Docs but select one and use that for the entirety of the process. Comments and tracked changes are located throughout the templates to assist in completing the requirements. The other sections in this guide will provide tips to make the formatting process easier.

Already started working with the old formatting requirements? Contact [email protected] for assistance.

The current Dean of the Graduate College is Dr. Stephanie Huffman.

Microsoft Word Template

• Graduate Studies Thesis & Dissertation Word Template Use this to format your thesis/dissertation correctly when using Microsoft Word

Google Docs Template*

Make a copy of the Google Doc. It will not allow you to edit it. Do not request access, please follow the instructions below.

• Graduate Studies Thesis & Dissertation Google Docs Template Use this to format your thesis/dissertation correctly when using Google Docs

Select FILE > MAKE A COPY

From the copy document pop up: Select copy comments and suggestions

• << Previous: Home
• Next: Page Numbers (Microsoft Word) >>
• Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024 9:42 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uni.edu/grad-college-format

• Master Your Homework
• Do My Homework

Formatting a Research Paper: The Google Docs Way

As educational institutions move towards a more collaborative and technology-based approach to learning, the need for students to become familiar with the use of digital tools for completing assignments is becoming increasingly important. Google Docs is one such tool which can be used in conjunction with other software programs such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Pro to create professional quality research papers. This article provides an overview of how formatting a research paper using Google Docs can enhance student productivity while maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision. Topics discussed include setting up document features, organizing sources within the text, applying styles, formatting citations correctly according to accepted guidelines, and sharing documents securely online.

I. Introduction to Formatting a Research Paper in Google Docs

Ii. advantages of using the google suite for writing and formating papers, iii. accessing an existing document or creating a new one within the platform, iv. a step-by-step guide to formatting your research paper utilizing the features of google docs, v. customizing margins, fonts, and spacing for optimal reading comfort, vi. making use of different styles and headings to make your content easier to follow, vii. finishing touches: checking spelling & grammar; inserting citations; and exporting/downloading your finished work.

Formatting Your Research Paper in Google Docs Google Docs is a powerful and user-friendly platform for creating and formatting research papers. This guide will walk you through the steps of setting up your document to make sure that it follows all of the standard academic requirements, such as margins, font size, line spacing, title page information and more. It can also help you ensure consistency throughout your paper by utilizing its helpful features like numbered lists and bolded headings.

To get started with formatting a research paper using Google Docs first create an account if necessary. Next open or create a new document within “My Drive”. Be sure to start with the correct type; from there select either “blank” or choose one of their many templates available specifically tailored towards writing essays or scholarly work including MLA format research paper template google docs or APA style templates which include running headers & footers along with other specifications needed for college level assignments

Real Time Collaboration Google Suite’s cloud-based functionality makes it easier for students to work together on projects, even if they are located in different parts of the world. By syncing documents and allowing multiple users to access them at the same time, Google Drive facilitates collaboration that can help turn an average paper into something more impressive. And by providing a chat window within each document as well as version control capabilities—which track every change made to any part of a paper—students have unprecedented ways to communicate with each other about their written assignments.

Simple Formatting & Styling Tools For those without much experience formatting papers according to style guidelines (e.g., APA or MLA), fear not! The Google Suite offers features like Heading Styles and Line Spacing which make writing research papers simpler than ever before. Students can also use templates in applications like Google Docs , making it easy for them quickly create outlines and adhere to standard format requirements while saving valuable time on tedious tasks such as setting page margins.

• No longer do you need expert knowledge of Microsoft Word.

. Additionally, basic styling tools enable novice writers perfect their professional presentation skills by adding stylistic elements such as italics or bolds with ease . All these features come together seamlessly so that students get the most out of their writing process regardless of how familiar they are with advanced word processing software

Users of the platform can easily create a new document or access an existing one. With the help of Google Docs , users have multiple options for creating and editing their documents:

• Create from scratch, using Google’s powerful online word processor.
• Start with an existing template to get you going in the right direction.

Once they’ve chosen which type of document to work on, users are then able to customize it however they want by adding text, images, videos and other forms of media. For more advanced projects like research papers or presentations, there are plenty of tools available for formatting them according to academic standards – including predefined templates specifically designed for different types of formats such as APA or MLA. Furthermore, features like revision history and sharing capabilities make it easy to collaborate with others on projects while ensuring that everyone is working off the same version.

Creating a Research Paper Format with Google Docs Creating the perfect research paper format can be daunting. But with Google Docs, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! Here is a step-by-step guide to formatting your document using all of its features:

1) Begin by opening up an empty Document in Google Docs. 2) To ensure that you are utilizing proper research paper format, use the built in Heading styles – Heading 1 for your title; and Heading 2 and 3 for subsequent sections throughout your work. This will keep all the titles consistent throughout. 3) With text highlighted, choose whether or not you’d like it to be bolded or italicized – both options are available within Google Docs. Additionally, there are many other font sizes and colors available if desired. 4) Utilize unnumbered lists when outlining items such as points or steps within each section. 5) Insert images into documents directly from either Bing Image search results or saved pictures already uploaded onto Drive (Google’s cloud storage). You also have complete control over placement on page and size adjustments of images.. 6 ) Incorporate tables to show numerical data related to your topic. 7 ) Add hyperlinks so readers can quickly access information related to topics presented in your writing. Once completed, double check links before submitting finished product – this ensures accuracy . 8 ) After these basic formatting tasks are completed , utilize ‘research tools’ feature located at top right corner : just highlight any word in article , click ‘Research Tools’ icon & relevant sources appear immediately below selection ! It ‘ s never been easier reference materials while composing one’ s own thoughts ..

By following these simple instructions found above , users should find no difficulty completing their very own professional looking research papers while utilizing only the powerful capabilities provided through google docs !

For a reader to have optimal reading comfort, customizing the document’s margins, fonts and spacing is essential. When looking at a research paper format on Google Docs for instance, we see that some of these settings are pre-configured.

• Margins: 1 inch all around
• Font: Times New Roman size 12

Spacing: Double spaced throughout; no extra spaces between paragraphs or sections. .

As you write a paper, it is important to think about how your readers will process the information. By using different styles and headings, you can help make your content easier for them to follow.

One of the most effective techniques for structuring content in research papers is through the use of Google Docs’ Research Paper Format. This format provides an outline structure which enables easy navigation between sections as well as adding visual cues that draw attention to key points or areas of interest. For example, each section heading should be bold and have its own number; subheadings within those sections can then be denoted with bullets or other symbols:

• Subheading 1
• Subheading 2

. Additionally, when introducing new topics in a paragraph, begin with an interesting sentence that captures readers’ attention so they are more likely to stay engaged throughout your writing. To further break up text-heavy material into easily digestible chunks while keeping main ideas clearly visible on the page, consider utilizing lists – both numbered and unnumbered -to present sequential steps in processes such as experiments or summarizing arguments/discussions that otherwise could become difficult for readers to understand due their lengthiness . When done correctly these features add depth and clarity allowing any reader unfamiliar with topic at hand engage quickly without becoming overwhelmed by volumes of dense textual content. Ultimately ensuring all elements work together harmoniously yields concise yet comprehensive documents; this serves not only benefit current audiences but also may create lasting impressions among future viewers who come across materials long after original authors may have forgotten how certain things were originally structured!

It’s finally time to take your hard work and turn it into something tangible. Now that you’ve finished your research paper, all that remains is to check for any errors in spelling and grammar, add the correct citations, then download/export the file as a PDF or other accepted format.

As far as checking for mistakes goes, Google Docs , Microsoft Word (or other similar applications) have spell-checkers available which can help identify misspelled words or incorrect punctuation. Once these are corrected be sure double-check with an online grammar tool such as Grammarly so no mistakes slip through the cracks. After this final step has been completed inserting citations should be easy; there are numerous citation generators available depending on what type of research paper you’re writing such as MLA 8th Edition Format Generator or APA 7th Edition Format Generator – even Google Scholar provides access to properly formatted references based on peer review articles from its database! Finally save/download your document using either a .docx (Microsoft Word), .odt (OpenOffice Writer) or .pdf(Adobe Acrobat Reader).

At the end of this article, it is hoped that readers now have a better understanding of how to format a research paper using Google Docs. With its user-friendly platform and extensive range of features, Google Docs provides an excellent platform for researching and crafting academic papers in an organized manner. As academics continue to embrace technology into their writing process, tools like Google Docs are becoming increasingly important for students hoping to take advantage of digital resources while maintaining scholarly standards. By having a comprehensive knowledge on how to use the functionality within these programs they can save time and improve productivity during all stages of the research paper drafting process.

Generate accurate MLA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• MLA format for academic papers and essays

MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template

Published on December 11, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on March 5, 2024 by Jack Caulfield.

The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for creating MLA citations and formatting academic papers. This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time.

Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document:

• Times New Roman 12
• 1″ page margins
• Double line spacing
• ½” indent for new paragraphs
• Title case capitalization for headings

For accurate citations, you can use our free MLA Citation Generator .

Download Word template Open Google Docs template

(To use the Google Docs template, copy the file to your Drive by clicking on ‘file’ > ‘Make a copy’)

Table of contents

How to set up mla format in google docs, header and title, running head, works cited page, creating mla style citations, headings and subheadings, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about mla format.

The header in MLA format is left-aligned on the first page of your paper. It includes

• Your full name
• Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
• The course name or number
• The due date of the assignment

After the MLA header, press ENTER once and type your paper title. Center the title and don’t forget to apply title-case capitalization. Read our article on writing strong titles that are informative, striking and appropriate.

For a paper with multiple authors, it’s better to use a separate title page instead.

At the top of every page, including the first page, you need to include your last name and the page number. This is called the “running head.” Follow these steps to set up the MLA running head in your Word or Google Docs document:

• Double-click at the top of a page
• Type your last name
• Insert automatic page numbering
• Align the content to the right

The running head should look like this:

The Works Cited list is included on a separate page at the end of your paper. You list all the sources you referenced in your paper in alphabetical order. Don’t include sources that weren’t cited in the paper, except potentially in an MLA annotated bibliography assignment.

Place the title “Works Cited” in the center at the top of the page. After the title, press ENTER once and insert your MLA references.

If a reference entry is longer than one line, each line after the first should be indented ½ inch (called a hanging indent ). All entries are double spaced, just like the rest of the text.

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Prefer to cite your sources manually? Use the interactive example below to see what the Works Cited entry and MLA in-text citation look like for different source types.

Headings and subheadings are not mandatory, but they can help you organize and structure your paper, especially in longer assignments.

MLA has only a few formatting requirements for headings. They should

• Be written in title case
• Be left-aligned
• Not end in a period

We recommend keeping the font and size the same as the body text and applying title case capitalization. In general, boldface indicates greater prominence, while italics are appropriate for subordinate headings.

Chapter Title

Section Heading

Tip: Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word allow you to create heading levels that help you to keep your headings consistent.

Tables and other illustrations (referred to as “figures”) should be placed as close to the relevant part of text as possible. MLA also provides guidelines for presenting them.

MLA format for tables

Tables are labeled and numbered, along with a descriptive title. The label and title are placed above the table on separate lines; the label and number appear in bold.

A caption providing information about the source appears below the table; you don’t need one if the table is your own work.

Below this, any explanatory notes appear, marked on the relevant part of the table with a superscript letter. The first line of each note is indented; your word processor should apply this formatting automatically.

Just like in the rest of the paper, the text is double spaced and you should use title case capitalization for the title (but not for the caption or notes).

MLA format for figures

Figures (any image included in your paper that isn’t a table) are also labeled and numbered, but here, this is integrated into the caption below the image. The caption in this case is also centered.

The label “Figure” is abbreviated to “Fig.” and followed by the figure number and a period. The rest of the caption gives either full source information, or (as in the example here) just basic descriptive information about the image (author, title, publication year).

Source information in table and figure captions

If the caption of your table or figure includes full source information and that source is not otherwise cited in the text, you don’t need to include it in your Works Cited list.

Give full source information in a caption in the same format as you would in the Works Cited list, but without inverting the author name (i.e. John Smith, not Smith, John).

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Apply double line spacing
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, March 05). MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template. Scribbr. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/formatting/

Is this article helpful?

Raimo Streefkerk

Other students also liked, creating an mla header, block quoting in mla style, how to format your mla works cited page, what is your plagiarism score.

All Formats

Table of Contents

Report template bundle, 8 steps to write a research report, step 1: select the research topic, step 2: write down the thesis statement, step 3: do your research, step 4: provide a good outline, step 5: make the rough draft, step 6: provide an introduction, step 7: provide the conclusion, step 8: proofread then submit, 17+ research report templates, 1. academic research report template, 2. free investment research report template, 3. free corporate research report template, 4. free company research report template, 5. research report executive summary template, 6. 2nd grade market research report template, 7. formal business research report template, 8. research report with cover paper template, 9. history research analysis report notes, 10. free university student short research report, 11. 4th grade high school one page research report, 12. 5th grade thesis research report outline, 13. free scientific article research report template, 14. college research report with executive summary, 15. primary health research report with introduction, 16. middle school students research report, 17. elementary school research report, 18. apa style for writing research report, report templates, 17+ research report templates in google docs | word | pages | pdf | xls.

A simple report is mainly required to present data for a particular audience and intent in a structured style. A report of the research is a paper created by an advisor or strategist who is a component of the equity study group. Such kinds of reports may concentrate on a particular inventory or industry sector, a monetary, product, or fixed-income tool, or a geographic region or nation. From an APA college scientific article to short middle grade history notes, we have a variety of templates for all levels of school like high school , elementary, 5th grade, 4th grade, or 2nd grade. A student has all the options in making a one-page or a formal amount of research report with the executive summary. Research report templates are used to make these kinds of reports.

• Google Docs

• Apple Pages

More in Report Templates

Market research report template, basic university report template, formal research paper template, research project report template, email marketing research on open rates by industry template, research on external vendor rewards offerings hr template, digital marketing agency annual employee engagement and satisfaction report hr template, recruitment roi research hr template, industrial research project report template.

• How to Create a Financial Audit Report [10+ Templates to Download]
• 40+ Monthly Management Report Templates in PDF | Google Docs | Excel | Apple Pages
• 25+ Non Conformance Report Templates – PDF, Docs, Word, Pages
• 19+ Event Report Templates – Word, PDF, Docs, Pages
• 34+ Report Card Templates- Word, Docs, PDF, Pages
• 23+ Sample Inspection Report Templates- Docs, Word, Pages
• 36+ Weekly Activity Report Templates – PDF, Docs
• 10+ Free Audit Findings Report Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 10+ Audit Exception Report Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 11+ Audit Committee Report Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 6+ Logistics Audit Report Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 11+ Logistic Report Templates in PDF
• 8+ Logistics Monthly Report Templates in PDF | MS Word
• 17+ Internship Student Report Templates
• 64+ Monthly Report Samples

File Formats

Word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates.

• All categories
• Newsletters
• Restaurant menus
• All Formats
• Google Docs
• Google Drawings
• Google Sheets
• Google Slides

Free Google Docs templates, Slides and Sheets to elevate your work

• Amazon product
• Award certificates
• Business cards
• Business plans
• Business proposals
• Certificates
• Class schedules
• Classroom announcements
• Classroom decors
• Cover letters
• Education presentations
• Facebook Cover
• Facebook Posts
• Family Tree
• Funeral Programs
• Instagram Posts
• Instagram Stories
• Invitations
• Lesson plans
• Letterheads
• Photo Albums
• Press Releases
• Project management
• YouTube Thumbnail

Popular Templates

Elegant Newspaper

Old Times Newspaper

Vintage Newspaper

Fake News Newspaper

CityNews Newspaper

Disease Brochure

Budgets templates.

Professional Construction Budget

Monthly Budget

School Budget

Non Profit Budget

Yearly Church Budget

Charity Event Budget

Itinerary templates.

7 Days Itinerary

Green Tropical Adventure Itinerary

Cute Travel Itinerary

Sunny Itinerary

Powdery Honeymoon Itinerary

White Travel Itinerary

Lesson plans templates.

Standard Lesson Plan

Marble Lesson Plan

Green Floral Lesson Plan

Light Floral Lesson Plan

Amazing Lesson Plan

Single Subject Lesson Plan

Calendars templates.

Yellow Project Calendar

White Classic Calendar

Calendar 2021

Blue Calendar

Content Calendar 2024

Colorful Calendar 2024

Newspapers templates.

Old Black Newspaper

Gotham Newspaper

Film Photography Newspaper

Latest templates.

Printable Monthly Budget Tracker

Simple Vacation Itinerary

Professional Resume & CV

Airbnb Welcome Book

Simple Note Paper

Minimalistic Monthly Budget

Modern Yearly Calendar

Simple Travel Itinerary

Vintage Headline Newspaper

Vacation Planning Itinerary

Classroom News Newspaper

Professional Travel Itinerary

Breaking News Newspaper

Blank Itinerary

Elegant Travel Itinerary

Monthly Budget Calculator

Wedding Program Newspaper

Syllabus Newspaper

Do you need to promote your company using one of the google templates? Well, you are in the right place. TheGoodocs provides you with a gallery of free documents of different types and purposes. Using the website, you can download any design and edit that to your liking. You can adjust each layout in a few minutes using google documents. You no longer need to pay for the professional design of templates. These products are completely free for everybody. We are expanding our collection of Google Drive templates every day. Therefore, you can find something special for personal or commercial use. Interested? Let's discuss our offer in detail.

Benefits Of Thegoodocs.com

Google documents are an important tool for promotion in real life or on a social media page. You can either print a template or use its electronic version. As you can guess, it helps people remember your company by looking at a specific design. Well, TheGoodocs is not a pioneer in creating Gdoc templates. However, we work hard to ensure the highest quality of designs. Let's learn the benefits of our company:

• Professional composition. We have a team of designers who work on creating and improving our themes in the Google Doc program. That is why everybody can find the idea they need;
• Simplicity and malleability. You can edit each design using google documents. Keep in mind that you do not need to have special training or read instructions;
• Ideas for all purposes. Whether you need a certificate, invitation, or resume template – our collection covers each purpose. At the moment, we have templates in 12 categories;
• An ability to edit freebies. You can edit and print our Google Docs themes. That way, you can use them as leaflets for promoting a company;
• Lack of fees of any type. We do not charge you for using our service, downloading, or editing google templates. You are welcome to use our service free of charge.

Why Do We Offer Free Templates?

We have just started creating great google templates online. That is why we need to develop the project and attract potential users. We want to earn your trust so that you can recommend our company to your friends. To put it another way, we seek to build a strong reputation by providing you with high-quality templates. Of course, we are going to expand the range of our services soon. Then, we will add premium content that allows you to increase the profit of your company. However, we aim to provide our clients with beneficial discounts. We offer you favorable conditions for cooperation. You can download and edit our ideas free of charge. If you are satisfied with our services, you can specify a link to our website. It helps us develop the project and expand the range of free services.

Get A Free Google Template Right Now

You are welcome to download and print any of our custom templates. Just choose the design you like and edit that using google documents. It will take you a few minutes even if you are a dummy. Also, you can contact us via the mailbox to talk about cooperation or ask for help. Do not hesitate to get a professional Google template for your public account right now. Our options are free so you do not have to worry about the price. We are working hard to satisfy your needs – and we will be happy if you share the link to our service.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Filter by Keywords

10 Free Editable Google Docs Templates 

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

April 10, 2024

Putting together a document—writing, editing, and formatting it till it reads just fine—shouldn’t have to be a struggle.

That’s what Google Docs templates are for. These templates let you create everything from stunning resumes to detailed project plans in no time. 

But there’s more to it than that. 

These free Google Docs templates make you more efficient and creative.  They help you save time and effort by simplifying the document creation process. 

Templates also help you maintain consistency and professional design across all your documents. With a vast template gallery at your disposal (and a good tool to keep it in one place), you are only a few clicks away from boosting your productivity in the Google Workspace.

Benefits of Using Google Docs Templates

1. project proposal template, 2. infographic resume templates, 3. simple monthly budget template, 4. your project schedule, 5. editable to-do list planner, limitations of using google docs templates, clickup’s edge over google docs, 1. clickup product brief document template, 2. clickup company processes document template, 3. clickup product requirements doc template, 4. clickup project documentation template, 5. clickup plan of record template, 6. clickup business audit doc template, 7. clickup team docs template, 8. clickup process plan template, 9. clickup class notes template, 10. clickup report cover template, unlock superior productivity with clickup: transform your document and project management.

Google Docs templates offer convenience and simplicity. Here’s why incorporating free templates into your document creation process can be a transformative move:

1. Time-saving

Create Google documents with pre-designed templates . Whether drafting a business plan or compiling a report, templates cut down on setup time, letting you focus on the content.

2. Consistency and professionalism

Every document you produce with Google templates follows a uniform format, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance. This consistency is crucial for businesses aiming to maintain a strong brand identity across their communication.

3. Ease of use

Templates are designed to be simple to use. Even without specialized formatting skills, you can create and edit documents that look professionally crafted, making them accessible to everyone.

4. Collaboration-friendly

Unlike Microsoft Word, Google Docs excels in enabling real-time collaboration. Team members can share and edit templates in Google Docs simultaneously, facilitating seamless teamwork and feedback.

Read More: Microsoft Word vs. Google Docs

5. Versatility and customization

There’s a template for almost every need, from resume templates to project proposals. With the ability to customize these templates, you can tailor them to your specific requirements, including adding column headers or cover letters.

6. Accessibility

Being cloud-based, Google Docs templates are available anytime, anywhere through your Google workspace. All you need is an internet connection, making it easy to work on the go or from different devices.

Using Google Docs templates is the first step toward optimizing your document workflow. They not only make your work easier but also elevate the quality of your output, setting a solid foundation for productivity and success.

5 Free Google Docs Templates

There is an array of Google Docs templates available to meet various needs. 

Here are five free templates that stand out for their utility and design, perfect for giving your projects and tasks a head start:

Crafting a project proposal requires a clear structure to outline your ideas, objectives, and strategies. 

This Project Proposal Template by Template.net provides a professional framework to present your proposal in the best light. Perfect for securing approval and funding.

The editable template is available in Google Docs, Word, and PDF formats.

Stand out in the job market with an infographic resume that visually showcases your skills and experiences engagingly. 

Superside’s Infographic Resume Templates are designed to catch the eye of recruiters and highlight your strengths. They are specially created for use in Google Docs.

Keep your finances in check with a simple monthly budget template. 

Organize your income and expenses to track your financial health and plan ahead effectively. The Simple Monthly Budget Google Docs Template is ideal for personal and household budgeting.

Available for use in Google Docs, it is also compatible with Google Slides.

A well-defined project schedule is crucial for the success of any project. 

This Project Schedule Template from GooDocs allows you to outline phases, tasks, and deadlines, ensuring your project stays on track from start to finish. It is editable and printable, and can also be used with Word. 

Stay organized and on top of your tasks with an editable To-do List Planner from Template.net. Prioritize your daily activities and tick off completed items for a satisfying overview of your productivity. The template is compatible with Google Docs, Word, PDF, and Apple Pages.

Each free Google Docs template is designed to simplify your work, enhance organization, and promote a higher standard of professionalism in your documents. 

Whether you’re managing finances, planning projects, or making a statement with your resume, these templates offer a solid foundation to jump-start your efforts.

While Google Docs templates are great for quick document creation, they have limitations. 

Recognizing these constraints is crucial for users requiring more flexibility and functionality in their document management. 

Here are some limitations you need to be aware of:

• Customization restrictions: Although Google Docs templates offer a degree of customization, users may hit a ceiling when tailoring the templates to fit specific branding or design requirements. The customization options are not as extensive as some may need for their custom templates
• Generic designs: While professionally designed, the templates can feel generic because they are created to suit a wide audience. This may lead to documents that lack a unique identity, which can be a drawback for businesses looking to stand out
• Limited template variety: Despite a decent selection of templates, there might not be a perfect fit for every niche or specialized project. Users with unique or advanced needs may need help finding a template that aligns with their specific requirements.
• Dependence on Internet connectivity: Google Docs operates primarily in the cloud, requiring a stable Internet connection to access the templates library. This dependency can be a hindrance in areas with poor connectivity or when working offline
• Performance issues with large documents: When working with large documents or those with complex formatting, users might experience lag or decreased performance, affecting productivity and user experience

Recognizing these limitations helps evaluate whether Google Docs templates are the right fit or if your projects might benefit from exploring more versatile and robust alternatives.

Related: Google Docs hacks

10 Alternative Google Docs Templates

The limitations of Google Docs templates underscore the importance of using a platform that offers extensive custom templates for various needs. 

ClickUp not only provides an alternative to Google Docs but also enhances the document creation experience with advanced project management features, customizable templates , and AI-powered assistance. 

ClickUp is the superior choice for improving productivity and integrating seamlessly into teams’ workflows. From SOP templates to product requirements document templates , a rich library of templates ensures that the right tools are available for each project.

ClickUp has several benefits over Google Docs. Here are some of them:

• Unmatched customization: Tailor every document to meet your project’s unique needs, branding, and identity far beyond the capabilities of Google Docs
• Wide range of templates: ClickUp’s diverse templates cater to various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your project requirements
• Seamless project management integration: Incorporate document creation with ClickUp’s robust project management tools for a smooth transition from planning to execution
• Reliable offline access: Work without an internet connection and sync your changes once online, ensuring continuous productivity
• Scalability for any project size: ClickUp is designed to handle documents of any size and complexity without compromising performance

ClickUp also provides you with a capable document editor, ClickUp Docs , aided by the AI assistant, ClickUp Brain . 

ClickUp Docs can create project plans, wikis, meeting notes, reports, and more. You can also link your Docs to tasks, dashboards, and goals to keep your work organized and connected.

ClickUp Brain offers three AI-powered tools:  AI Knowledge Manager, AI Project Manager, and AI Writer for Work . These can help you with document creation and much more in various ways.

• AI Knowledge Manager : You can ask questions and get contextual answers from your docs, tasks, and projects. For example, you can ask, “What is the status of the marketing campaign?” or “Who is responsible for the design brief?” and get instant, accurate answers from ClickUp Brain
• AI Project Manager : You can automate and manage your work with AI updates and status reports. For example, you can ask ClickUp Brain to create a project timeline, a project brief, or a project RACI for your document
• AI Writer for Work : You can perfect your writing with role-based AI prompts and templates. For example, you can ask ClickUp Brain to write a promotion email, a meeting agenda, a blog outline, or an SEO strategy for your document

Using ClickUp Docs and ClickUp Brain together allows you to create high-quality documents faster and easier while staying on top of your work and collaborating with your team.

Now that you understand the benefits of ClickUp’s documentation templates let’s explore the 10 best document creation templates available on ClickUp.

ClickUp’s Product Brief Document Template streamlines the product development process, enabling teams to outline objectives, scope, and milestones in a structured manner. 

For instance, a tech startup outlining a new app development project can use this template to clearly define the app’s purpose, target audience, key features, and project milestones, ensuring all team members are aligned right from the beginning.

With ClickUp’s Company Processes Document Template , documenting company processes becomes straightforward, with predefined sections for objectives, procedures, and roles. 

This facilitates easier documentation and sharing, directly linking processes to tasks and workflows for improved operational efficiency.

An example would be an HR department documenting onboarding procedures for new employees. The template organizes each process step, from orientation to training, making it easily accessible and implementable by the team.

Google Docs can list product requirements, but ClickUp’s Product Requirements Doc Template provides a structured format that encourages detailed descriptions, priority settings, and direct linking to related tasks and projects. 

With ClickUp Brain, users can leverage AI to fill in complex requirement details, making the document more informative and insightful. For instance, for a software development team planning a new feature release, this template ensures all technical and user experience requirements are described and prioritized for focused development efforts.

Organize your project documentation with predefined sections tailored for goals, timelines, stakeholders, and more with ClickUp’s Project Documentation Template . 

The direct integration with project tasks and schedules ensures your documentation remains relevant and up-to-date, a crucial factor for project success.

For instance, a marketing agency managing a large-scale advertising campaign. 

The template allows for documenting campaign goals, budgets, timelines, and deliverables, providing a central reference point for the team and stakeholders.

Adapt and evolve your project plans with a dynamic template like the ClickUp Plan of Record Template that allows for real-time updates and dependency tracking. 

This living document approach ensures your project plan remains accurate and actionable throughout the project lifecycle.

For instance, a construction company tracking the progress of a building project. 

This dynamic template allows for updates as the project evolves, ensuring that changes in scope, timeline, or resources are accurately reflected and communicated.

Structure audit findings and plan corrective actions within a comprehensive workflow using the ClickUp Business Audit Doc Template . 

This template documents findings and tracks and manages the implementation of corrective actions for better accountability and follow-through.

Centralize team information, notes, and resources in a structured, collaborative environment with the ClickUp Team Docs Template . This template encourages real-time contributions and updates from team members, supported by ClickUp’s project management ecosystem.

For instance, a project team can compile resources, meeting notes, and project updates in one centralized document. This facilitates easy access to information and ensures that all team members are informed and engaged.

Detail each step of your process plans with clarity, assigning responsibilities and deadlines through ClickUp’s Process Plan Template . The integration with ClickUp Tasks ensures that every step is actionable and trackable, improving workflow efficiency.

For instance, take a manufacturing unit documenting the assembly line process for a new product. The template breaks down each step of the process, assigning responsibilities and deadlines to ensure efficient production flow.

Transform how you take and organize class notes with ClickUp’s Class Notes Template . With capabilities for categorizing notes and embedding multimedia resources, this template helps you study better with well-organized notes.

For instance, college students collaborating on study notes for a final exam will find this template especially helpful. This template allows for organized note-taking and sharing. Including relevant images, diagrams, and links to study materials improves the retention of information.

Create professional and consistent report covers with advanced customization options with ClickUp’s Report Cover Template . 

ClickUp Brain can suggest designs and content, ensuring your reports are visually appealing and reflect your brand’s identity.

A consulting firm preparing a market analysis report for a client can create a report cover that is professionally designed and on-brand, making a strong first impression on the client.

In a challenging work environment, you need modern tools to keep up with the demands of the job.

ClickUp’s suite of templates goes beyond the basic functionalities offered by Google Docs. Our robust platform integrates advanced document management with comprehensive project management tools.

Whether you’re launching a new product, managing a complex project, or aiming to optimize your daily tasks, ClickUp presents a customized solution to boost your efficiency and drive success. 

ClickUp transforms the way you work. It adapts to meet your needs and scales with you. 

Don’t let the limitations of traditional document management tools hold you back. Discover the power of ClickUp to revolutionize your workflow, enhance team collaboration, and achieve unparalleled productivity. Sign up to ClickUp today.

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

Receive the latest WriteClick Newsletter updates.

Thanks for subscribing to our blog!

Please enter a valid email

• Free training & 24-hour support
• Serious about security & privacy
• 99.99% uptime the last 12 months