How to Format a Book in Google Docs for Printing When it comes to self-publishing, one of the most crucial steps is formatting your book for print. But what if you don’t have access to expensive software like Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Word? Don’t worry—you can format your book in Google Docs for printing, and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re preparing for print on demand (POD) services like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or another platform, Google Docs is a great and cost-effective tool for getting your book print-ready.
Are you currently writing a book and looking for an easier way to design an outline or format your manuscript? You might think that only premium software offers the features you need. But here’s the good news—you’re not alone in feeling that way, and you don’t need expensive tools to get the job done.
Many writers don’t realize that Google Docs offers a free, accessible platform with templates that can simplify book formatting. Not only can you create a custom book template, but Google Docs also provides easy-to-use options for formatting your manuscript, including the ability to create booklets or brochures.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of using Google Docs to format your book. By following this guide, you’ll be able to streamline your writing and formatting process—plus, you’ll learn how to prepare your manuscript for printing with ease.
Step 1: Set Your Page Size and Margins
Before you start writing or editing your book in Google Docs, the first thing you need to do is set the correct page size and margins to match the printing specifications of your chosen platform.
- Page size: Most books use the 6″ x 9″ trim size for paperback prints, but some platforms may have different dimensions (such as 5.5″ x 8.5″ or 8.5″ x 11″). Check your print provider’s requirements and adjust accordingly.
How to change page size:
- Go to File > Page setup.
- Choose your preferred paper size under the “Paper size” dropdown.
- Margins: To avoid text being cut off in the binding, you’ll need to set wider margins. Typically, a 1-inch margin on all sides works well for most books. However, your inside margin (also known as the gutter) may need to be wider, especially for thicker books.
How to adjust margins:
- In the Page setup menu, select Margins and set them to 1 inch on all sides, and adjust the gutter to 0.75 inches or higher, depending on your book’s thickness.
Step 2: Add Page Numbers and Headers/Footers
Page numbers are crucial for any print book. They help readers keep track of their place in the book and add a professional touch. You can add page numbers in Google Docs easily by following these steps:
- How to add page numbers:
- Go to Insert > Page numbers.
- Select where you want the page number to appear (top or bottom of the page).
You can also add a header with the book title or author name, or a footer for the page number on every page.
- How to add a header or footer:
- Go to Insert > Header & page number.
- Choose Header or Footer based on where you want the text to appear.
Step 3: Set Up Paragraph Styles
Consistency is key to a professional-looking book. You’ll need to define paragraph styles for headings, subheadings, body text, and captions. This will ensure that your formatting is uniform throughout the book.
- How to set paragraph styles:
- Highlight the text you want to format (e.g., the first heading or body paragraph).
- Use the Styles toolbar at the top to assign the text as a Heading 1, Heading 2, or body text.
- After formatting a paragraph, click the Format > Paragraph styles menu, and select Update ‘Heading 1’ to match (or the appropriate style) to maintain uniformity.
Step 4: Add Chapter Breaks and Create a Table of Contents
A well-organized table of contents (TOC) is essential, especially for books with multiple chapters or sections.
- How to create chapter breaks: Use the Page Break function to start each new chapter on a fresh page. To do this:
- Place your cursor at the end of the chapter.
- Go to Insert > Break > Page break.
- How to add a table of contents:
- After creating your chapters with Heading 1 and Heading 2 styles, go to the beginning of your document.
- Click Insert > Table of contents.
- Choose between a links-based or text-based table.
Step 5: Formatting Images and Graphics
If your book includes images, illustrations, or graphics, make sure they are placed correctly and look crisp.
- How to insert images:
- Go to Insert > Image.
- Upload the image from your device or Google Drive.
You can resize and align your images using the formatting options provided in Google Docs to ensure they fit neatly within your book layout.
- Image Resolution: To ensure your images print clearly, they should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI. Avoid low-resolution images that may appear blurry when printed.
Step 6: Export to PDF for Printing
Once your book is formatted to perfection, it’s time to export it as a PDF to ensure that the formatting remains intact when printed.
- How to export as PDF:
- Go to File > Download.
- Select PDF Document (.pdf).
This PDF file will be print-ready, ensuring that your margins, page numbers, and overall design remain intact when sent to your printing provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Google Docs for professional book formatting?
Yes, Google Docs can be used for basic book formatting and is especially ideal for authors on a budget. However, for more complex designs, consider using professional software.
2. What page size should I choose for print?
Most print-on-demand platforms use a 6″ x 9″ trim size, but you should always check the requirements of the specific platform you plan to use.
3. How do I handle a book with many images?
Insert high-resolution images (300 DPI) and make sure they are properly sized and placed using the image formatting options in Google Docs.
4. Do I need to include page numbers in my book?
Yes, page numbers are essential for printed books, especially for readability and organization.
5. How can I create a table of contents in Google Docs?
Use the Heading styles to format chapters and sections, then insert a Table of Contents under the Insert tab.
6. Can I print directly from Google Docs?
While you can print directly from Google Docs, it’s recommended to export your file as a PDF to ensure consistent formatting across printing platforms.
Conclusion
Formatting a book in Google Docs for printing doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare your manuscript for professional print, whether you’re using Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or any other print-on-demand service. With the right settings, proper paragraph styles, and a polished layout, your book will look just as professional as those formatted with high-end software.