Do you need to rotate the text in your Google Docs document? It’s not as simple as you might think, but this guide will explain how.
Need to write documents fast—and for free? You must use Google Docs.
While it’s not as feature-packed as Microsoft Word, there’s still a lot you can do in a Google Docs document. However, one feature you may not know how to use is text rotation.
If you want to know how to rotate text in Google Docs, it’s still possible (if you know where to look). This guide will show you how.
How to Rotate Text in Google Docs Using the Drawing Tool
If you want to rotate text in Google Docs (instead of basic vertical text), then you should use drawing tools.
Here’s how it works:
- Open your document.
- Move your cursor to where you want the rotated text to appear.
- Click Insert > Image > New.
- Click on Writing column tool.
- Pull out the text box and enter your text.
- Using your mouse, select resize box icon around the text box.
- Drag the icon to the left until the text box is wider than your text.
- Click and hold on the dot at the top of the text box.
- You can now rotate your text by moving this point left or right.
- When you are happy with how your text is positioned, remove the period. Your text will now be rotated.
- Once you are satisfied with the text, click Save and close.
- Your image will now appear in your document.
- Click on your image to access the wrapping options. This allows you to decide if you want your text to appear.
- The default setting is in-line, which treats your image like any other piece of text, meaning you can’t drag it to reposition it.
- Choose Text Wrap if you want to be able to drag rotated text around and position it between words.
- You can also choose Behind Text or In Front of Text if you want the rotated text to appear behind or before the rest of the text.
You can now reposition the text as needed by dragging it around the page. If you want to change the angle of the text, double-click it to open the Drawing tool again.
How to Create Vertical Text in Google Docs Using the Drawing Tool
If you want to create vertical text in Google Docs, you can also use the drawing tools to achieve this.
To create vertical text in Google Docs using the Drawing tool:
- Move your cursor where you want the text to appear.
- Click Insert > Image > New.
- Click on Writing column tool.
- Pull out the text box and enter your text.
- Now click and hold on the dot on the right side of the text box.
- Drag this point to the left until your text box is only one letter wide.
- When you are satisfied with your text, click Save and close.
- Your text will now be inserted into your document.
How to Create Vertical Text in Google Docs Using Tables
The Drawing Tool is the only way to change text on the sides, but it’s not the only way to make text vertical. You can also achieve the same result using tables.
Here’s how:
- Count the number of characters you want for your text, including spaces.
- Click Insert > Table.
- Pull out a box that is 1 column wide and has the same number of rows as the characters you counted in step one.
- Type one character (or space) in each row of your table.
- Click and hold on the right edge of your desk.
- Drag the edge to the left until your table is one character wide.
- Click anywhere in your table, then click Format > Table > Table Properties.
- Click Color and set Table Limit to zero.
- This will remove the border from your table.
Doing More in Google Docs
Google Docs is not a no-frills app it might seem at first glance. The more you dive in, the more features you’ll find. If you want to play text in Google Docs, for example, follow our steps above to get the job done.
For example, you can compare documents in Google Docs using the handy built-in tools. You can insert and edit charts in Google Docs, and if you’re working remotely, you can even use Google Docs offline.
