Small caps in Google Docs can add a touch of professionalism to your document, making it stand out from standard text. Whether it’s for a heading, emphasis, or stylistic choice, small caps are easy to apply when you know how. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of using small caps in Google Docs.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Use Small Caps Google Docs
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand that small caps are a formatting style where lowercase letters appear as smaller versions of uppercase letters. This can add a level of formality or emphasis to your text. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Select the Text
Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to change to small caps.
Once you’ve selected the text, it’s ready for formatting. Make sure you only select the text you want in small caps, as any additional text will also change.
Step 2: Open the Font Menu
Go to the toolbar and click on ‘Format’, then hover over ‘Text’ and select ‘Capitalization’.
The ‘Capitalization’ submenu provides different options for text transformation, which includes the small caps feature.
Step 3: Choose ‘Small Caps’
From the ‘Capitalization’ menu, click on ‘Small Caps’ to apply it to your selected text.
Your selected text will immediately transform into small caps. You can click anywhere outside the text or hit ‘Escape’ to exit the formatting mode.
After completing these steps, your text will now be in small caps. This can help differentiate sections of your document or add a stylistic flair to titles and headings.
Tips for Using Small Caps Google Docs
- Always preview your document after applying small caps to ensure it looks as intended.
- If you’re using small caps for headings, consider applying the same formatting to all headings for consistency.
- Remember that small caps can affect readability, so use them sparingly and thoughtfully.
- Small caps can be combined with other formatting options, like bold or italics, for added emphasis.
- If you change your mind, you can easily undo the small caps by selecting the text and following the same steps to uncheck the ‘Small Caps’ option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use small caps in Google Docs on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use small caps in the Google Docs app on your mobile device by selecting the text and accessing the formatting options.
Do small caps work with all fonts in Google Docs?
Most fonts in Google Docs support small caps, but some specialty fonts may not. It’s best to test the font you plan to use beforehand.
Is there a shortcut to apply small caps in Google Docs?
Unfortunately, there’s no direct keyboard shortcut to apply small caps in Google Docs. You’ll need to use the menu options as described.
Can I apply small caps to an entire document at once?
Yes, you can apply small caps to an entire document by pressing Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) to select all text, then following the steps to apply small caps.
Will small caps formatting be preserved if I download the document as a PDF?
Yes, when you download your Google Docs document as a PDF, the small caps formatting will be preserved.
Summary
- Select the text you want to format.
- Open the ‘Format’ menu, hover over ‘Text’, and click on ‘Capitalization’.
- Choose ‘Small Caps’ from the menu to apply the formatting.
Conclusion
Mastering small caps in Google Docs is a breeze once you know the steps. From adding emphasis to your text to creating uniform headings, small caps can elevate the look of your document with just a few clicks. Remember to use them judiciously, as they can affect the readability of your text if overused. Whether you’re drafting a formal report, crafting a resume, or designing a creative project, small caps are a versatile tool in your Google Docs arsenal. Go on, give it a try, and watch your documents transform with this subtle yet impactful touch!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.