Making a section title bigger or bold doesn't give it a heading style in Google Docs. You need the paragraph-style controls for that. Here's how to add a heading on your computer or phone, then adjust its appearance to suit your document.
Add a heading with the desktop toolbar
On a computer, start with the toolbar's paragraph-style dropdown.
- 1.Select the text you want to use as a heading.
- 2.Click Normal text in the toolbar.
- 3.Choose Heading 1, Heading 2, or another heading level.
When bigger text still isn't a heading
Changing the font size or making text bold changes its appearance without assigning a heading style.
Select the text you want to turn into a heading.
Choose Format > Paragraph styles > Heading 1 > Apply ‘Heading 1’.
For another level, choose its matching heading and apply command in the same menu. Google Docs supports six levels, from Heading 1 through Heading 6.
Headings on Android, iPhone, and iPad
The mobile app's Style controls turn your text into a heading.
Open your document in the Google Docs app.
Enter editing mode on Android, or tap Edit on iPhone or iPad if the document isn't already open for editing.
Select your heading text.
Tap Format.
Open the TEXT tab.
Tap Style.
Choose a level from Heading 1 through Heading 6.
Use keyboard shortcuts for repeated headings
Formatting several section titles on a computer? Use a shortcut, with the number selecting the heading level.
Place your cursor in the paragraph you want to format, or select its text.
On Windows or ChromeOS, press Ctrl+Alt+1 for Heading 1, or use Ctrl+Alt+2 through Ctrl+Alt+6 for the other levels.
On a Mac, press Command+Option+1 for Heading 1, substituting a number from 2 through 6 for another level. If that doesn't apply the heading, try Control+Command with the same number, or use the shortcut Google Docs shows for that level in the Format > Paragraph styles menu.
Shortcut availability depends on your language and keyboard layout. If a combination doesn't work, choose the heading level from the toolbar's Normal text dropdown.
Make heading styles match your document
You don't have to stick with the default appearance. Customize any of the six heading levels to reuse its look throughout your document. Updating a style also changes existing text that uses it.
Select text with the appearance you want for your heading.
Choose Format > Paragraph styles > your heading level > Update ‘Heading’ to match.
Apply that heading level to your other section titles using the toolbar's style dropdown.
To save the customized styles, choose Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.
To reuse them, choose Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Use my default styles.
If a section title still doesn't match, select that title.
Then try explicitly applying the customized level through Format > Paragraph styles > Heading 1 > Apply ‘Heading 1’, substituting the level you customized.
Turn Markdown into headings
Markdown turns typed or pasted heading syntax into desktop headings.
Open Tools > Preferences.
Turn on Enable Markdown.
At the start of a paragraph, type one to six # characters, followed by a space and your heading text. For example, ## Background creates Heading 2.
To use pasted Markdown instead, copy text containing heading lines such as # Introduction or ## Background.
Right-click the insertion point in your document.
Select Paste from Markdown.
If a heading is missing from the outline
Removing a heading from the document outline removes its outline entry, so it needs to be restored there.
Select the heading in your document.
Right-click it.
Choose Add to document outline.
That restores the outline entry. To assign a heading style to new text, use the toolbar's Normal text dropdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose a heading style before typing?
Yes. On a computer, choose a heading level from the toolbar's Normal text dropdown before typing your heading.
Is a heading the same as a page header?
No. A heading gives a section of your document structure. A repeating page header is a separate feature under Insert > Page elements > Header.
Can I add a heading using a connected keyboard on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Select the target text or paragraph. On Android, press Ctrl+Alt+1 through Ctrl+Alt+6. On iPhone or iPad with a compatible keyboard, press Command+Option+1 through Command+Option+6. The number selects the heading level. Shortcut availability depends on your language and keyboard layout.
Does saving default styles automatically create headings?
No. Default styles control appearance. You still need to apply a heading level to each paragraph you want to use as a heading.