How To Change the Page Size in Google Docs Fast & Easy!

How To Change the Page Size in Google Docs – Have you ever worked on a document in Google Docs, but then you realized the page size doesn’t fit your needs? Yeah, me too! One time, I spent an hour formatting my report, yet I forgot to check the page size, so it ended up in Letter size instead of A4—which was a complete disaster when printing! 😅

But don’t worry, because changing the page size in Google Docs is super easy. So, let me guide you step by step, and you won’t suffer the same fate. Just grab your coffee, and let’s get started! ☕

Why Changing the Page Size Matters

Since different documents have different requirements, adjusting the page size in Google Docs is crucial:

• Printing Compatibility, because some printers prefer specific sizes.
• Professional Formatting, since resumes, reports, or eBooks require different sizes.
• Better Readability, as adjusting the page size makes a document look cleaner and easier to read.

So, let’s get to the fun part! 🎉

How to Change the Page Size in Google Docs

1. Accessing Page Setup

First things first, you need to find the Page setup menu, so here’s how:

1. Open Google Docs, and then check if you’re on the right document.
2. Click File, and then look at the drop-down menu.
3. Scroll down, and then select Page setup.

Boom! Now you’re inside the settings, so let’s move on! 🚀

2. Changing the Page Size in Google Docs

Once inside Page setup, you’ll see a section labeled Paper size, so this is where the magic happens. ✨

1. Click the Paper size dropdown, and then browse the available options.
2. Choose your desired size, such as Letter, A4, A3, or Tabloid.
3. Click OK, and then your document will instantly update.

Super easy, right? But wait, because what if you need a custom page size? Let’s talk about that next.

3. Customizing Page Size (For Special Needs)

Since standard sizes don’t always work, you can follow these steps:

• Google Docs doesn’t allow custom dimensions directly, but here’s a workaround:
  1. Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac), and then open Print settings.
  2. Click More settings, and then find Paper size.
  3. Manually enter your desired width and height, so it fits your needs.
  4. Click Print to PDF, and then save it in the new size.

Yep, it’s a sneaky trick, but it works every time! 🕵️‍♂️

Adjusting Other Page Settings

Since we’re already tweaking the page size, we might as well perfect the formatting, so here are some additional settings:

1. Setting Custom Margins

• In Page setup, find the Margins section, and then check the default values.
• Enter your preferred top, bottom, left, and right margins, so your layout stays neat.
• Click OK, and then enjoy your custom margins.

2. Changing Page Orientation

• Go to File, and then select Page setup.
• Choose either Portrait (vertical) or Landscape (horizontal), depending on your needs.
• Hit OK, and then your page orientation will instantly update.

3. Changing Page Color

• While in Page setup, click Page color, and then browse the options.
• Choose a color that matches your document’s theme, and then apply it.
• Click OK, and then admire the new look.

This is great if you’re making brochures, presentations, or creative projects, because colors add a nice touch! 🎨

Applying Page Size to the Whole Document or Specific Sections

Since changes apply to the entire document by default, you might want to adjust only a single section:

• Select the text you want to modify, and then open Page setup.
• Adjust the settings, and then choose Apply to selected content.
• Click OK, and then your selected section will have a different format.

Boom! Now you have different sections with different formats, so this trick is super useful for books, reports, and multi-layout documents. 📚

Saving and Setting Default Page Size

Since you don’t want to repeat these steps every time, just set your preferred page size as default!

1. Open Page setup, and then check if everything is set correctly.
2. Select your desired page size, and then confirm the settings.
3. Click Set as default, and then make sure to save it.
4. Hit OK, and then every new document will use your chosen settings.

No more wasted time, because now your settings are saved! ⏳

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t the Page Size Change?

Since things don’t always go as expected, here are some quick fixes:

• Page size doesn’t update?, so try refreshing Google Docs.
• Print preview shows a different size?, and then check your printer settings.
• Can’t find Page setup?, because you might be using the mobile version instead of the desktop version.

Also Read: Protect Excel Sheet from Editing – Easy & Quick Guide!

FAQs About Changing Page Size in Google Docs

1. Can I set a custom page size in Google Docs?

Since Google Docs doesn’t allow custom sizes directly, you can adjust it in Print settings, and then use the Print to PDF trick.

2. Will changing page size affect formatting?

Yes! Because text realignment, spacing changes, and margin adjustments will happen.

3. How do I make A4 the default page size in Google Docs?

Since you need A4 for most documents, go to Page setup, select A4, and then click Set as default.

4. Why does my document look different when I print?

Since printers have default settings, check if your printer’s paper size matches your document’s settings.

5. Can I change the page size in Google Docs on mobile?

No, because Page setup isn’t available on mobile, so you need to switch to a desktop.