I once totally messed up the margins on my resume. I didn’t even notice until I printed it out and saw the text pushed awkwardly to the very edges. Too late to fix it before the interview. That’s when I realized adjusting margins in Google Docs isn’t just some boring detail, it actually matters. Whether it's for school, work, or anything you're printing, margins make a difference. So in this guide, I’ll show you how to adjust margins in Google Docs using the simple fixes I’ve figured out.
How to Change Margins in Google Docs Using Page Setup
If you need a reliable way to get clean, professional formatting, here’s how to change page margins in Google Docs step by step using the Page Setup tool. It’s great when you're preparing academic work or formal reports. I’ve used it myself while submitting assignments and even job applications because it helps me make sure everything fits the required format. Whether it’s meeting the exact requirement of your professor or avoiding awkward-looking print, this method keeps things clean and professional.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: First, open Google Docs.
Step 2: Now find the file icon. It’s usually right next to the sort options in the top-left corner.
Step 3: Click on the Upload option. You’ll find it all the way to the right. Then click Browse and select the file you want to adjust the margins for.
Step 4: Click on File in the top menu and scroll down until you see Page setup.
Step 5: After clicking Page setup, you’ll see boxes for Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins. Type in your custom values and hit OK. Just like that, your margins are updated.
How to Change Margins in Google Docs Using the Ruler
I usually use this method when I’m in a rush and just want to change the margins quickly or make small adjustments so the layout looks more balanced. It’s honestly the easiest way to eyeball the spacing and fix things on the go.It’s especially useful when you want to know how to adjust left and right margins in Google Docs for printing without opening the full Page Setup menu.You can literally see the text shift as you drag the ruler, which makes it great for fine-tuning without worrying about numbers. If you're looking for a quick and visual way on how to adjust margins in Google Docs, this is the method I personally go for.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open your file on Google Docs (just like I showed you above).
Step 2: At the top, click on View and make sure the Show ruler is checked. If it’s already visible, you’re good to go.
Step 3: Look for the light blue markers on the ruler. These are your left and right margin handles. The ruler is right below the toolbar, the one that shows font style, size, bold, and other formatting options.
Step 4: Click and drag those blue markers to adjust the margins. You’ll notice the text shifting in real time.
Step 5: Once it looks good to you, release the mouse. The new margins will apply instantly.
How to Change Margins in Google Docs on the Mobile App (iPhone Only)
Figuring out how to set custom margins in Google Docs on desktop and mobile is easier than you'd think, at least if you're using an iPhone or desktop. Android still doesn't support it fully though.I remember once trying to fix the margins on my phone right before submitting an assignment, only to find out I couldn’t do it on my Android. That’s when I realized Google Docs only allows iPhone users to adjust margins through the app. So if you're wondering how to adjust margins in Google Docs while you're on the go, this method will only work on iOS for now. Android users can switch to Pageless view to remove page breaks, but there’s no direct way to set custom margins.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open the Google Docs app on your iPhone and open the file you want to adjust.
Step 2: Tap the three dots that you’ll find on the top right corner to open the menu.
Step 3: Now once you have opened the menu, scroll down and tap on Page setup.
Step 4: After doing that, tap Margins and now you’ll have options which you can pick from: Default, Narrow, Wide, or Custom.
Step 5: I usually go with Custom when I want full control. Just type in your own margin values and that’s it, your layout is updated instantly.
How to Set the Margins in WPS Writer – An Easier Option
If you're like me who tends to forget things really fast and can’t remember where the Page Layout option is in Google Docs, or if you're just not great at guessing margins by eye, then WPS Writer is the easier and better option for you. The Page Layout tab is right there on the toolbar, so you don’t have to worry about remembering where it went. The interface is super straightforward. You don’t need to click through a bunch of menus or buttons. Just click on Page Layout, and on the left, you’ll see the Margins option along with tools to customize your page margins exactly how you want.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open your document in WPS Writer by clicking the Open icon and selecting the file where you want to adjust the margins.
Step 2: Click on the Page Layout tab from the top toolbar. It’s right there in front of you, super easy to spot.
Step 3: On the far left, you’ll see the Margins button. Go ahead and click it.
Step 4: Once you click the Margins icon, you’ll see preset options like Normal or Narrow. If you want to set your own, either click Custom Margins from that list or use the boxes right next to the icon to adjust top, bottom, left, and right values.
Boost Your Work with WPS Office
I’ll be honest, I’ve used Google Docs for years, but lately I’ve been using WPS Office way more. It just makes everything simpler, especially when I’m jumping between documents, slides, and spreadsheets without having to open three separate apps which, as a university student, you know is super important and useful.
WPS Office gives you all the tools you actually need:
Writer for word processing
Presentation for slides
Spreadsheet for data and tables
PDF for reading and editing documents
I do most of my editing in the Writer tool now, especially when I’m working on university assignments or anything that needs to look clean and professional. The layout is super neat, and I don’t have to worry about format issues when saving as .docx or PDF. And WPS Writer has adapted to the evolving technology by integrating AI tools which are really helpful.
WPS also includes powerful AI Features:
AI Resume Assistant: This feature helped me clean up my resume in minutes, and the formatting suggestions were actually helpful.
AI Spell & Grammar Check: This feature goes beyond basic corrections. It even helps rephrase your sentences for better clarity.
Academic Writing Support: If you're a student or researcher like me, the AI Academic Writing Assistant is a gem. It gives you structure and tone suggestions for research papers.
AI Slides Creator: I also love the AI Slides Creator, especially when I need to create a clean presentation quickly for my university work. You just type in a topic, and it builds a presentation from scratch.
Smart PDF Tools: As someone who works with a lot of reading materials, the Smart PDF tools in WPS save me tons of time. You can summarize or extract the important stuff instantly.
AI Writing Assistant: I’ve had moments where I just couldn’t figure out how to start a report or even draft a simple blog. WPS’s AI Writing Assistant helps you generate well-written content from just a prompt. Whether it’s for articles, reports, or storytelling, it gets the job done.
And if you ever get stuck choosing a browser to use WPS smoothly, this article helped me switch and optimize mine in minutes.
FAQs
1. What is the standard margin size in Google Docs?
The default margin setting in Google Docs is 1 inch on all four sides: top, bottom, left, and right. This works fine for most academic and professional documents, especially if you're following typical formatting rules like MLA, APA, or Chicago.
2. Can I apply different margins to individual pages in Google Docs?
Unfortunately, no. Google Docs applies one margin setup to the entire document. So if you’re trying to format just one section differently, like a cover page or appendix, you’ll have to get a little creative. You can either use section breaks or copy that part into a separate do
3. Why can’t I change margins in the Google Docs Android app?
Right now, custom margin settings are only available on iOS. If you’re using an Android device, Google Docs won’t let you manually tweak margins. The best you can do is switch to Pageless view to remove page breaks, but you won’t get those precise margin controls like you do on iPhone or desktop.
4. Why choose WPS Writer over Google Docs?
If you’re anything like me and you forget where things are buried in menus, WPS Writer feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a lot more intuitive, especially for formatting. Everything is easier to find and tweak, even on mobile. Plus, it works fully offline which is a life saver when Wi-Fi is acting up. You also get access to handy AI tools that take the pain out of editing, presenting, or even writing a paper from scratch.
Summary
If you don’t want to miss out on a good job opportunity like I did just because your margins were off, then it’s time to actually learn how to adjust margins in Google Docs. If your document’s layout looks weird when printed or shared, trust me, it leaves an impression. Page Setup, the Ruler, and even the mobile app each have their use cases, but they’re not always foolproof. Personally, I’ve found WPS Writer to be the most straightforward option when I need quick, reliable formatting, especially across both desktop and mobile.
