# How To Change Margins in Google Docs | Capterra > Some use cases require the adjustment of document margins. Here is when and how to change margins in Google Docs. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-change-margins-in-google-docs --- IT & Software Development # How To Change Margins in Google Docs By Krista Hillis Krista Hillis Krista Hillis is a writer specializing in business, health, and psychology. She is a frequent contributor to trusted business resources including Capterra. [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/krista-hillis-guest-contributor/) Published September 26, 2023 4 min read Table of Contents - [What are margins on Google Docs?](#what-are-margins-on-google-docs) - [Why is it important to change margins?](#why-is-it-important-to-change-margins) - [How to change margins in Google Docs](#how-to-change-margins-in-google-docs) ## Learn how to change margins in Google Docs with this guide. Although pre-set margins in Google Docs work for most daily business operations, you may require unique formatting to meet internal or third-party requirements. By adjusting the margins in Google Docs, you can feel confident with polished, professional documents and marketing materials. Whether you're designing an employee handbook, a technical manual, or project reports, knowing how to change margins in Google Docs is a valuable skill. ## What are margins on Google Docs? A margin is the space between a document's content and the page's edges. In [Google Docs](https://www.capterra.com/p/160756/Google-Docs/), default margins are one inch, but you can adjust the formatting as needed.  Margin changes depend on the use case and are often a key consideration when creating any bound document, contract, or lease. To allow for binding, you must set the left-side margins to as much as two inches. If you plan to print double-sided content, you may need to define margins on all four sides of the document.  **Please note**: While Google Docs doesn't have the built-in "mirror margins" feature you may know from [Microsoft Word](https://www.capterra.com/p/227146/Microsoft-Word/), you can create the appearance of mirrored margins using the methods listed below.[\[1\]](#sources) ## Why is it important to change margins? There are several reasons why you'd want to change Google Docs margins: - To make text look visually pleasing, professional, and engaging.  - To ensure the text and margins are appropriate for the project application or book size. For example, the text could be challenging to read if you [publish a book](https://www.capterra.com/publishing-and-subscriptions-software/shortlist/) or manual with small margins, but it can also look odd if the margins are too big. Selecting the most appropriate margin is critical for the final draft.  - To meet compliance requirements concerning legal documents, sales and marketing materials, handbooks, manuals, or RFP responses. ## How to change margins in Google Docs To edit margins in Google Docs, choose between two primary methods and consider your device type.  ### Using the ruler The ruler is the quickest and easiest option when learning how to edit margins in Google Docs. _Image of the ruler in Google Docs (Source: Author)_ If you don't see the ruler, proceed with the following steps: 1. Click "View" in the menu bar.  2. Select "Show ruler" from the dropdown menu. _Click “View” and select “Show ruler” (Source: Author)_ Here are some considerations: - To the left, you'll see a blue line with a triangle—to the right, a blue triangle. That blue line is the first line indent that works for hanging indents, among other features. You don't need to worry about the blue line for setting margins.  - You use the blue triangles to make left-page and right-page indents. Click and drag those triangles to your desired position. _Click and drag the blue triangles to make indents (Source: Author)_ ### Using the page setup option If you require more fine-tuning, adjust margins using page setup. 1\. Click "File" in the menu bar, and select "Page setup" from the dropdown menu. _Click “File” and select “Page setup” (Source: Author)_ 2\. The page setup window allows you to adjust values in the "Margins" boxes. Make the desired changes and press "OK." _Adjust values in the page setup window (Source: Author)_ ### On iPhone If you are working in Google Docs on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps on how to edit margins in Google Docs: 1. Click the Google Docs icon to open the app.  2. Open an existing document or create a new one.  3. Tap the "Edit" (pencil) icon at the bottom right-hand corner.  4. Tap the "Menu" (three-dot) icon in the upper-right corner.  5. Select "Page setup," followed by "Margins."[\[2\]](#sources) **Please note**: You will have four options to choose from—Default, Narrow, Wide, or Custom. Select the best option for your application and tap "Apply." - Default: One-inch margin on each side - Narrow: Half-inch margin on each side - Wide: Two-inch margin on each side ### On Android It's not as easy to adjust margins in the Google Docs app if you own an [Android device](https://www.capterra.com/p/228982/Android-11/reviews/). However, you can access other editing features to modify the document's appearance. Options include the orientation, page size, and color.  1. Open the Google Docs app to select an existing document.  2. Tap the "Edit" button (the pencil icon) and then the dotted icon (three dots) to display formatting options.  3. Navigate to the "Page setup" menu to display a dialog box. There, select from three options—Paper size, Orientation, and Page color. 4. Select "Orientation" and choose from one of two menus—Portrait or Landscape.  5. Select your preference concerning page formatting and paper sizes. Leverage the power of Google Docs Google Docs is a powerful online word processor that can help you complete many everyday business tasks. With ample sharing options, real-time collaboration features, secure storage, and app integration, it is the perfect tool in your arsenal.  Now that you know how to adjust margins on Google Docs, check out these Capterra resources to discover more: - [Google Docs Reviews 2023](https://www.capterra.com/p/160756/Google-Docs/reviews/) - [Compare Google Docs vs. SmartDocs 2023](https://www.capterra.com/compare/143966-160756/SmartDocs-for-Microsoft-Word-vs-Google-Docs) * * * Sources 1. [Google Docs Editors Help](https://support.google.com/docs/thread/182930904/google-docs-i-could-not-find-facility-of-mirror-margins-for-both-side-pages-print?hl=en), Google 2. [How to Change Margins in Google Docs](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-change-margins-in-google-docs), Indeed * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Krista Hillis](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/krista-hillis-guest-contributor/) Krista Hillis is a writer specializing in business, health, and psychology. She is a frequent contributor to trusted business resources including Capterra. ### RELATED READING - [How AI Scheduling Software Helps Restaurants Reduce Overtime and Boost Staff Satisfaction](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-employee-scheduling-software-for-restaurants/) - [Why Use Accounting Software? 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