How to Enter Full Screen in Chrome

You have a few different ways to enter full screen in the Google Chrome web browser.

Use the Chrome Menu

Chrome gives you a built-in feature for entering full screen mode that you can use on both Windows and Mac.

Select the Customize and Control Google Chrome icon (three dots) near the top right of the browser window.

Next to Zoom, choose the Full Screen Mode button (empty square).

You should then see Chrome fill your entire screen.

Use the Full Screen or Maximize Button

Windows and Mac each provide a full screen, or maximize, button in your application windows. You can then enter full screen mode with a single click.

On Windows, the Maximize button (square) is in the top-right corner. You can also right-click the top bar and choose Maximize. Note that this option keeps the Task Bar in view.

On Mac, the Enter Full Screen button (green with diagonal arrows) is on the top left. You can also hold the button and choose Enter Full Screen in the drop-down menu.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut

If you like using keyboard shortcuts to perform actions, you can use one to enter full screen mode in Chrome as well.

• On Windows, use the F11 key.
• On Mac, use the key combination Control + Command + F or Fn + F.

Use the Mac Menu Bar

On Mac, you have one additional way to enter full screen mode in Chrome. Go to the menu bar and select View > Enter Full Screen.

How to Exit Full Screen in Chrome

Just like entering full screen mode in Chrome, you can exit it a variety of ways on Windows and Mac.

Use the Chrome Menu

Select the three dots near the top right of the Chrome window and choose the Exit Full Screen Mode icon next to Zoom.

Note: If you don’t see the Chrome toolbar in full screen mode on Windows, move your cursor to the top and select the X when it appears at the top of the screen.

Use the Exit Full Screen Mode Button

On Windows, use the Restore Down button (square) on the top right or right-click the top bar and pick Minimize.

On Mac, use the Exit Full Screen button (green) on the top left or hold the button and choose Exit Full Screen.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut or the Menu Bar

You can use the same keyboard shortcut to exit full screen in Google Chrome as you do to enter it.

• On Windows, use the F11 key.
• On Mac, use the key combination Control + Command + F or Fn + F.

Additionally, you can select View > Exit Full Screen in the Mac menu bar.

Entering and exiting full screen mode in the Chrome browser is simple enough and with various ways to do it, you can use whichever method is quickest or easiest for you.

For more, look at our list of ways to customize Google Chrome.

Some reasons for loading Google Chat properly are that your web browser’s JavaScript feature is disabled, your browser app is outdated, your login session for the site has a problem, your browser extensions are faulty, and more.

Fix Your Internet Connection Problems

The most common reason you can’t access Google Chat is that your internet connection isn’t working. The connection may have suddenly stopped working, causing you to be unable to load your site.

In this case, check your network connection’s status by opening a new tab in your web browser and launching a non-Google Chat site. If your browser doesn’t load the site, your internet connection is the culprit.

You can try to fix your connection issues by restarting your router. If that doesn’t work, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help.

Hard-Refresh Google Chat’s Site in Your Web Browser

If your internet connection is working, the next fix to apply is to hard-reload the Google Chat site in your web browser. Doing so overrides your browser’s saved cache content, allowing you to load the site from scratch. This helps fix the issue if a bad cache caused it.

You can hard-refresh a site in your web browser by pressing and holding down the Shift button and selecting the refresh icon beside the address bar.

You should be able to access your site and the site’s chat features when hard-refresh is finished.

Enable JavaScript in Your Web Browser

One reason Google Chat fails to load is that your web browser’s JavaScript option is turned off. Many sites rely on this technology to function, and these sites can’t work correctly if the feature is disabled in your browser.

Luckily, it’s easy to turn on the feature in your various web browsers. We’ll show you how.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select Privacy and security in the left sidebar and Site settings on the right pane.
3. Scroll down and choose JavaScript.
4. Select Sites can use Javascript to turn on the feature.

5. Open Google Chat in your browser.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox, enter the following in the address bar, and press Enter:
   about:config
2. Select Accept the Risk and Continue.
3. Type the following in the search box and press Enter:
   javascript.enabled
4. Select the toggle next to that entry and ensure the value says true. This indicates the feature is enabled.

5. Access Google Chat in your browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Launch Edge, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select Cookies and site permissions in the left sidebar.
3. Choose JavaScript on the right pane.
4. Enable the Allowed (recommended) option at the top.

5. Open Google Chat in your web browser.

Update Your Web Browser and Use Google Chat

Outdated web browser versions are often the reason you can’t access your sites. You may be using an old version of a browser on your computer. This version may likely have many bugs, causing the sites to be unable to load correctly.

In this case, you can update your web browser to fix your issue.

Google Chrome

1. Select the three dots in Chrome’s top-right corner and choose Help > About Google Chrome.

2. Let Chrome check for and install the latest updates.
3. Restart your browser to bring your updates into effect.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Select the three horizontal lines in Firefox’s top-right corner and choose Help > About Firefox.

2. Allow the browser to find and install the latest updates.
3. Close and reopen your browser to bring your changes into effect.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.

2. Wait for Edge to find and install the latest updates.
3. Restart your browser when the updates are installed.

Sign Out and Back Into Your Google Account on the Chat Site

Sometimes, an issue with your login session causes your site not to load. This may be why you can’t access Google Chat in your browser. You can try to fix that issue by logging out and back into your account on the site.

1. Open Google Chat in your browser. Use Google.com if the Chat site doesn’t open.
2. Select your profile icon in the site’s top-right corner.
3. Choose Sign out or Sign out of all accounts, depending on how many accounts you’ve linked to your browser.

4. Relaunch Google Chat and sign back into your account.

Clear Google Chat’s Cookies and Site Data in Your Web Browser

Your web browser saves cookies and various other items when you access a site. When you have trouble loading a site, it’s a good idea to clear this saved content to possibly fix your issue.

Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chat in your browser.
2. Select the padlock icon beside the address bar and choose Site settings.
3. Select Clear data to clear the site’s data in your browser.

4. Launch Google Chat in a new tab.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Access Google Chat in your Firefox browser.
2. Select the padlock icon to the left of the address bar and choose Clear cookies and site data.

3. Select Remove in the prompt to delete the site’s saved data in your browser.
4. Open Google Chat in a new Firefox tab.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select Cookies and site permissions on the left and Manage and delete cookies and site data on the right.
3. Select See all cookies and site data.
4. Type chat.google.com in the Search cookies box, select Remove all shown, and choose Clear in the prompt. Repeat this step by searching google.com.

5. Access Google Chat and log in to your account.

Turn Off Your Web Browser Extensions

If you still get an “Unable to connect to chat” error on Google Chat, an extension installed in your web browser may be causing the issue. Sometimes, your browser extensions get corrupted or become broken for various reasons, causing your sites not to load correctly.

You can verify and fix that by turning off all your browser extensions and re-enabling one extension at a time to find the culprit. You can then remove the culprit item to resolve your issue.

Google Chrome

1. Select Chrome’s three dots in the top-right corner and choose Extensions > Manage Extensions.
2. Disable the toggles for all your extensions.

3. Access the Google Chat site. If the site loads, re-enable one extension at a time to find the culprit. Then, remove the faulty extension.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Select Firefox’s three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and choose Add-ons and themes.
2. Turn off the toggles for all your add-ons.

3. Open Google Chat in your browser. If the site opens, re-activate one add-on at a time to find the faulty one. Then, remove the faulty add-on from your browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Extensions > Manage extensions.
2. Deactivate all your installed extensions.

3. Launch the Google Chat site. If the site opens, re-enable one extension at a time to find the broken one. Then, remove the broken extension from your browser.

Troubleshooting Google Chat App’s Issues to Resume Your Online Conversations

Google Chat’s access errors prevent you from loading and replying to your online chat messages. If your issues persist and you can’t access the site, the methods offered above should help you fix your problem. These solutions fix the very items that may be causing your error, letting you regain access to your favorite chat platform.

Once dubbed the “multi-send” feature, mail merge in Gmail lets you insert Google Contacts or a mailing list from Google Sheets. Then, personalize your email message with merge tags, include unique unsubscribe links, and enjoy a simple bulk email process using your favorite email application.

About Mail Merge in Gmail

Let’s take a look at the Google account requirements, sending limits, and other details surrounding mail merge in Gmail.

• Mail merge is available to Google Workspace subscribers including Workspace Individual, Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus, and Education Standard and Plus.
• Supported Google Workspace accounts have a daily limit of 2,000 outgoing emails. With mail merge, you’re allowed to email up to 1,500 recipients which leaves you 500 for other emails.
• You can only add one recipient to the CC or BCC field using mail merge. Just keep in mind that this sends an email to that address for each recipient in the To field. For example, if you send a mail merge to 100 recipients, the address in the CC field receives 100 copies of that email.
• You can include attachments using mail merge; however, this counts toward your storage space. For instance, if you send a 1MB attachment to 100 recipients, you’ll use 100MB of space.
• Each message contains a unique auto-generated Unsubscribe link at the bottom in case that particular recipient no longer wants to receive your emails.
• If a recipient has previously unsubscribed from your messages and you include them in a mail merge, you’ll see a notification after you send the email with the number of recipients who won’t receive the message.
• You cannot use mail merge for replies or forwards or when you schedule emails or use confidential mode.

How to Add Recipients to Mail Merge in Gmail

While you can select the recipients for your email after you compose your message, it’s best to select them beforehand when using mail merge. This then prompts you with the available merge tags to personalize the message.

Add Recipients From Google Contacts

To get started using your Google Contacts as recipients, follow these steps.

1. Choose Compose on the top left to create a new email. Use the Show main menu icon (three lines) if you don’t see Compose.

2. In the Compose window, select the Use mail merge icon (contact symbol) on the far right of the To field and check the box for Mail Merge.

3. You can then begin typing the names of your recipients and select them from the suggestions or select the To link and choose recipients from the Select Contacts window.

Add Recipients From Google Sheets

To insert recipients from Google Sheets, begin by making sure your sheet is set up correctly.

• All recipient information must be on the first tab of the spreadsheet.
• Each recipient and their details must be in a separate row.
• Use text-only column headers to designate the merge tags. If a header contains a special character, the merge tag is identified by the column letter instead, for example, @A for column A.

If your sheet is ready to go, choose Compose on the top left in Gmail to create the message.

1. Select the Use mail merge icon on the far right of the To field and check the box for Mail Merge. Then, select Add from a spreadsheet.

2. In the window that appears, use the Google Drive tabs at the top to locate and choose the Google Sheet. Then, select the Insert button on the bottom right.

3. In the subsequent window, use the drop-down boxes to choose the column names containing the recipients’ details for the merge tags. Note that you may only see drop-down boxes for Email, First Name, and Last Name; however, you will see merge tags available in the email for the other details in your sheet.

4. Select Finish and you’ll return to the Compose window with the name of the sheet in the To field.

Tip: If your recipient list is in Excel, look at ways to convert the Excel file to Google Sheets for the mail merge.

How to Use Merge Tags in Your Email

Once you have your recipients added to the mail merge, you’ll have the merge tags available to use.

As of this writing:

• If you add recipients from Google Contacts, you can use tags for first, last, or full name as well as email address.

• If you add recipients from Google Sheets, you can use tags for the column headers in your spreadsheet.

Add a Merge Tag

To add a tag to your email, type the @ (At) symbol with the tag name or select the tag from the drop-down list that appears.

You can add the tags to most anyplace in your message except for the email subject line and within hyperlinked text.

Preview a Merge Tag

If you’re curious how the details display after inserting a merge tag, you can easily see a preview.

1. Hover over a merge tag in your message and select Preview.

2. You’ll then see a window appear showing each recipient and their corresponding detail for that tag. If you have many recipients, you can use the Search at the top to find them.

3. Select OK when you finish, and you’ll return to the Compose window.

Include a Default Value for a Merge Tag

You can also set default values to the merge tags. This is helpful if a recipient is missing the detail you’re trying to add. For example, if you insert the First Name merge tag and a recipient doesn’t have a first name listed, you can use a default word or phrase instead.

To add a default value, hover over the merge tag in your email and choose Set default value.

Add the word or phrase in the box that appears and select Save.

For any recipient missing the information, the merge tag in the email will be replaced with the default value.

Preview and Send Your Email

When you finish creating your mail merge in Gmail, you’ll be able to preview the email before you send it. This allows you to see the email as your recipients will so that if you need to make any changes, you can do so before hitting the Send button.

1. When you’re ready, select Continue at the bottom of the Compose window.

2. You’ll see a pop-up message with brief details about junk mail when sending mass emails. Select Learn more for additional information and then Got it to continue.

3. Next, you’ll see another pop-up window showing you the number of recipients you’re sending the email to and an option to see a preview. Select Send preview.

You’ll receive an email labeled “Test message” to your inbox within a few minutes. The merge tags will be populated with the first recipient on your list or the default value if applicable.

Once you review the preview, you can return to the Compose window to make any adjustments you like. When you’re ready to send the email, follow these same steps and choose Send all in the Ready to Send window.

You can find the mail merge emails you send in your Sent folder like any other email sent.

Make Emails Easy With Gmail Mail Merge

When you need to send a newsletter, announcement, or other email to a mass, remember the mail merge functionality in Gmail. With the ability to insert contacts from Google Sheets, use merge fields for personalized emails, and preview the message before you send it, all without a third-party mail merge add-on, the process couldn’t be easier.

For related tutorials with other apps, look at how to create a mail merge in Microsoft Word for printed messages rather than email marketing.

Using Google Workspace, you can transcribe Google Meet calls into Google Docs easily. From there, simply open the document, download it, or share it with those who couldn’t attend.

About Google Meet Transcriptions

Before you get started with transcriptions in Google Meet, please review the following requirements and details.

• You must have a supported Google Workspace edition: Business Standard or Plus, Enterprise, Teaching and Learning Upgrade, or Education Plus.
• You can only use the feature in Google Meet on your desktop or computer, not the mobile app.
• The transcription feature is enabled in Google Workspace by default; however, you’ll need to start it for each meeting (described below).
• To allow others to use the transcription feature, you must turn on Google Drive and grant permission to create new files in Drive for those users. Sign into the Google Admin console and go to Apps > Google Workspace> Drive and Docs to review or enable these settings.

• Transcriptions automatically save to the Meet Recordings folder in Google Drive, so you must have enough available storage space in Drive for the transcriptions.
• The meeting organizer, transcription initiator, and meeting hosts automatically have access to edit the transcription document. However, if the meeting has fewer than 200 invitees, everyone has Edit access.

Start Transcription During a Google Meet Meeting

When you’re ready to transcribe a meeting in Google Meet, it takes only a few steps to start. You might also consider letting your participants know before the meeting begins that you’ll be transcribing it.

1. Select the Activities icon (shapes) in the lower right corner and pick Transcripts in the sidebar that displays.

2. Choose Start transcription on the subsequent screen.

3. Read the details in the pop-up window regarding notifying participants that you’re transcribing the meeting and select Start to continue.

4. When your participants land on the screen to join the meeting, they’ll see a message that the call is being transcribed.

5. Additionally, everyone should see the Transcription icon on the top left of the meeting window.

To stop the transcription at any time during the meeting, select the Activities > Transcripts and choose Stop transcription.

You do not have to stop the transcription when the meeting ends. You can simply leave the meeting as normal and the transcript saves automatically.

Access Google Meet Transcripts

You have a few different ways to access the Google Meet transcript. You can open it using the email link, calendar event, or directly in Google Drive or Google Docs.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• In most cases, you can access the transcript within a few hours after the meeting ends; however, it can take up to 24 hours.
• Remember that the transcript is computer generated, so you may see minor errors.

Access the Transcript Via Email

After the meeting, you’ll receive an email to your connected Gmail account with the transcript as will the host, co-host, and transcript initiator. You can then either select the attachment or the link to open the transcript in Google Docs.

Access the Transcript in Google Calendar

If the meeting was organized using Google Calendar, the transcript is conveniently attached to the calendar event with the same name as the event.

If you select the meeting on the main Google Calendar page, you’ll see the transcript in the Attachments section.

If you open the event detail page, you’ll see the transcript attached to the Description section.

Choose the attachment to open the transcript in Google Docs.

Note: For recurring meetings, the transcription is attached to the calendar event each time.

Access the Transcript in Google Drive

You can also visit Google Drive to open the transcript document. If you didn’t organize the meeting through Google Calendar, the file name will be the meeting code with the date and time.

When you sign into Google Drive, you may see the transcript in the Suggested section at the top of My Drive.

Alternatively, open the Meet Recordings folder and select the transcript to open it in Google Docs.

You can also use the Search feature or one of these ways to find a file in Google Drive.

Access the Transcript in Google Docs

Finally, you’ll see the transcript right in Google Docs and can open it from there too.

Sign into Google Docs and you’ll see the transcript at the top when you sort by date.

If you prefer, you can use the Search box at the top. Enter “transcript” and choose the document from the results.

Disable Transcriptions in Google Workspace

If you want to disable the transcription feature later, you can turn it off if you have any of the supported Google Workspace plans except for Business Standard.

Sign into the Google Admin console and go to Apps > Google Workspace > Google Meet.

Open the Meet video settings and select Meeting transcripts to turn off the feature.

When you want to log everything said during a meeting, keep in mind that you can transcribe Google Meet calls into Google Docs in just a few steps. The transcribed file makes an excellent reference for everyone.

For more, look at how to record a Google Meet.

1. Use Your Phone as Virtual Remote

The Google Home app has a built-in virtual Chromecast remote control. Use the Google Home app to navigate your Chromecast if the physical remote isn’t working.

Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast and follow the steps below.

1. Install Google Home on your Android or iOS smartphone and sign into the Google account linked to your Chromecast.
2. The app should automatically detect your Chromecast if it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Head to the Devices tab and select your Chromecast.

Tap the Add button to manually link your Chromecast if the Google Home app doesn’t detect it automatically.

3. Tap Remote (iOS) or Open remote (Android) to launch the Chromecast virtual remote.

The Google Home app will display the virtual remote control on your phone screen.

You can customize the virtual remote to use Swipe or D-pad navigation control. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select Swipe control or D-pad control.

2. Check Battery Status or Replace Batteries

Your Chromecast remote won’t work if its batteries are dead or inserted incorrectly. Check the battery level of your Voice Remote in the settings menu.

Open the virtual Chromecast remote in the Google Home app and follow the steps below.

1. Select your profile picture/icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.

2. Choose Remotes & Accessories.

3. Check the Battery level of your Chromecast Remote in the “Chromecast Voice Remote” section. Reinsert or change your Chromecast Remote batteries if the battery level/status isn’t “Good.”

Open your Voice Remote’s back cover and check that the batteries are secure and fitted correctly. Align the battery polarities—positive(+) and negative(-) sides—in line with the inscription in the battery compartment. The LED light on the Chromecast Voice Remote should pulse twice when you reinsert the batteries.

Insert two new 1.5 Volts AAA alkaline batteries in your Voice Remote if the LED light doesn’t flash. Ensure you replace both batteries, not one—the issue might persist if you mix old and new batteries.

3. Update Your Chromecast Remote

The Chromecast Voice Remote might malfunction if its firmware needs to be updated. Use the Google Home app virtual remote to check if there’s an update available for your remote.

1. Select your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.

2. Choose Remotes & Accessories.

3. If there’s an “Update available” message below your Chromecast Remote, select the remote to install the update.

4. Select Remote update to proceed.

5. Select Continue to start the remote software update.

6. Updating the remote unpairs it from your Chromecast. Select Connect after the update to re-pair the remote.

7. Select Yes to continue.

4. Reset or Re-Pair Your Chromecast Remote

Resetting your Chromecast’s remote can get it working correctly again. Follow the steps below to reset a Chromecast Voice Remote to factory default.

1. Open the remote’s back cover, remove both batteries, and wait five minutes.
2. Press and hold the Home button on the remote.

3. Reinsert both batteries in the remote while holding the Home button. The remote’s LED light will come on and stay solid.
4. Release the Home button when the LED light starts flashing/pulsing.

The remorse should automatically pair with your Chromecast after the reset. If it doesn’t, or the LED light keeps flashing, pair the remote manually using the virtual remote in the Google Home app.

5. Go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Pair remote or accessory.

6. Press and hold the Home and Back buttons on your Chromecast Voice Remote. That’ll put the remote in pairing mode and make it discoverable.

7. Select the remote when it appears on your TV screen.

5. Reboot Your Chromecast

Performing a system reboot can fix glitches with your Chromecast and Chromecast Voice Remote. You can reboot your Chromecast from the Google TV settings or by reconnecting the streaming device to its power source.

Reboot Chromecast from the Settings Menu

1. Select your profile picture/icon in the top-right corner of your screen and select Settings.

2. Choose System on the sidebar and select Restart.

3. Select Restart again on the confirmation pop-up to reboot your Chromecast device.

Perform a Hard Reboot

Unplug your Chromecast from its power source, wait 1-2 minutes, and reconnect the power cable.

Update your Chromecast’s software if the remote still malfunctions after the reboot.

6. Update Your Chromecast

Google recommends installing updates to your Chromecast to enjoy the latest features and troubleshoot system glitches.

Use the virtual remote in the Google Home app to update your Chromecast software to the latest version.

1. Select your profile icon on your Chromecast Home Screen and select Settings.
2. Select System on the sidebar.
3. Next, select About.
4. Select System update and wait while your Chromecast scans for available updates.

5. You’ll see a “System update ready” message if there’s an update for your device. Select Install to start the software update process.

6. Select Restart now to install the update.

Perform a factory reset if the remote still doesn’t work after updating your Chromecast’s software.

7. Reset Your Chromecast

Factory resetting your Chromecast deletes downloaded apps, files, settings, and accounts. We recommend resetting your Chromecast only when the troubleshooting fixes above fail to fix the remote malfunction.

You can reset your Chromecast from the Google Home app or with the physical button on the streaming device.

Factory Reset Chromecast Using Virtual Remote

Open the virtual Chromecast remote in the Google Home app and follow the step below.

1. Select your profile picture in the top corner and select Settings.
2. Go to System > About and select Factory reset.

3. Select Factory reset on the confirmation page to proceed.

Factory Reset Chromecast Using Physical Button

Keep your Chromecast plugged into its power source and turned on. Hold down the physical button at the back of the streaming device.

Release the button when the LED blinks yellow and then turns solid white. Your Chromecast should restart and automatically pair with the remote after the factory reset.

Fix Google Chromecast Remote

Contact Google Support if your Chromecast Voice Remote doesn’t work after trying all the recommendations above. You’ll get a replacement Voice Remote if the one you have has a factory defect. You can also purchase a replacement remote from Google Store or Amazon for $19.99.

Instead of hassling with add-ons or third-party apps, you can improve your workflow when creating various types of documents with the Variable Smart Chip functionality.

Note: As of this writing, the Variable Smart Chip is available to Google Workspace Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofit customers. Hopefully, Google will bring the feature to personal Google accounts at some point.

About Variable Smart Chips

As mentioned, the Variable Smart Chip is a text placeholder that you can insert in your document. This is ideal for text you want someone else to add like first or last name, address, or phone number. You can also use Variables for things you need to add but are waiting for like a product title, date, or website address.

Whether you use Variables for yourself or another you’re sharing with, they allow you to create your document and add those items later.

Once you add a Variable, you can assign its value, the text, at any time. Then, every spot you use the Variable in the document updates with that value.

Let’s look at how to insert and use Variables in Google Docs with a couple of examples.

How to Insert a Variable Smart Chip

To add a Variable Smart Chip to your document, follow these simple steps.

1. Place your cursor where you want it and then do one of the following:
2. Select Insert > Smart chips and choose Variables in the pop-out menu.
3. Type the @ (At) symbol and choose Variable from the drop-down menu.

4. In the small window that appears, select Insert new variable.

5. Give your Variable a name in the subsequent pop-up window. You can also use the default naming convention, Variable 1, Variable 2, and so on. Select Create.

6. You’ll then see the Variable with its name in your document and in the Variables sidebar that opens on the right.

You can add more Variables for other items to your document the same way. Just keep in mind that the additional Variables should be used for different items. For example, you can create one Variable for name and a second Variable for address.

Reuse a Variable Smart Chip

The purpose of the Variable is to place it in your document where you need it and then update it with its value when you’re ready.

To insert the same Variable in another location, do one of the following:

• Select Insert > Smart chips, choose Variables, and pick the Variable name from the pop-up list.
• Type the @ (At) symbol, choose Variable, and pick the Variable name from the pop-up list.
• Open the Variables sidebar, hover over the Variable you want to use, and select Insert.

Assign a Value to a Variable

Once you add a Variable to your document, you can assign its value at any time. The value is the text you want to use. You can do this in the Variable itself or in the sidebar.

Add Text Using the Variable

To assign a value to the Variable in-place, select the Variable and enter the text you want to use. This automatically saves the value to that Variable.

Add Text Using the Sidebar

To assign a value in the Variables sidebar, either select the Variable and use the Open in sidebar icon in the toolbar that appears or go to Tools > Variables in the menu.

Select No value below the Variable name. You’ll see the Variable in your document empty and ready for you to enter the text. Once you do, use Enter or Return to save it.

After you assign a value to your Variable, you’ll see this update in every location you place the Variable in your document, which is the intent of the Smart Chip.

Rename a Variable

Because the default names for Variables are not obvious, you may want to give them more meaningful names. This is especially helpful if you create several Variables for your document.

Open the Variables sidebar, hover your cursor over the Variable you want to rename, and select the Edit name icon (pencil).

When the rename pop-up appears, give it a new name and select Save.

You’ll then see the updated name in the sidebar, list of variables to insert, and inside the Variable itself until you assign its value.

Remove a Variable

If you decide you no longer want to use a Variable, you can delete it. Keep in mind that this will remove the Variable, and its value if assigned, from every location in your document.

Open the Variables sidebar, hover your cursor over the Variable you want to remove, and select the Delete variable definition icon (trash can).

In the confirmation pop-up, select Delete to remove the Variable.

Example Uses for Variables in Google Docs

If you’re wondering how to use Variables for your own purposes, we have a couple of examples.

Marketing Copy

Here, we’re creating a document for our client’s new product. We don’t have the product name or the website address yet, so we insert Variables for those two items instead. With the Variables sidebar open, you can see them with blue borders throughout the text.

Once our client provides us these details, we simply assign the values to the Variables and our document automatically updates. Those variables then display the text and gray borders.

When you close the Variables sidebar, you’ll notice those Variables look just like the rest of the text without any borders.

Shared Documents

In this next example, we have a document we want someone else to complete with their details. We set up Variables for first name, last name, address, phone number, and date.

When we share the document, the recipient simply selects each Variable and enters their information. The Variables that are used more than once update automatically.

We then have our completed document where the Variables appear like any other text.

Note: If you share a document using Variables with more than one person, the assigned values will update with each change. To avoid this, you may ask each of your recipients to make a copy for their changes.

Save Time, Minimize Errors, and Organize

Google has introduced several new Smart Chips in the last year since the introduction of the Smart Canvas feature. You can add a calendar event using a Date chip, link to a file name with the File chip, and include contact details with the People chip.

Now, you can save time from typing the same text over and over as well as reduce the risk of typos and organize your document using the Variable Smart Chip in Google Docs. Keep this handy feature in mind for your next document.

For more ways to save time in Google apps, look at how to use a drop-down list in Google Sheets.

Here, we’ll walk through several cool Google Sheets features that might just become your fast favorites. Head to Google Sheets, sign in with your Google account, and try out some of these hidden gems.

1. Extract Data From a Smart Chip

If you’ve taken advantage of the Smart Chips in Google’s apps, then you’ll be happy to know you can do even more with them. After you insert a Smart Chip, you can extract data from it and place it in your sheet, making chips even more useful.

You can currently extract data from People, File, and Calendar Event Smart Chips. This includes name and email, owner and filename, and summary and location.

1. After you insert a Smart Chip, hover your cursor over it, select it, or right-click. Then, choose Data extractions.

2. When the sidebar opens, use the Extract tab to mark the checkboxes for those items you want to extract.

3. Use the Extract to field to enter or select the sheet location where you want the data.

4. Pick Extract and you’ll see your data display in your selected location.

If you need to refresh the extracted data, you can use the Refresh & manage tab in the sidebar.

2. Create a QR Code

QR codes are popular ways to share information, direct people to your website, and even provide discounts. By creating your own QR code in Google Sheets without add-ons or third-party tools, you or your collaborators can quickly take action.

To make the QR code, you’ll use the Google Sheets IMAGE function and a link to Google’s root URL: https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?.

Here, we’ll link to the website in cell A1 using the formula below. Place the formula in the cell where you want the QR code.

=IMAGE(“https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=500×500&cht=qr&chl=”&ENCODEURL(A1))

Use the following arguments to build your formula:

• CHS argument: Define the dimensions of the QR code in pixels (chs=500×500).
• CHT argument: Specify a QR code (cht=qr).
• CHL argument: Choose the URL data (chl=”&ENCODEURL(A1)).

Then, use the ampersand operator (&) to connect the arguments.

Once you see the code, you may need to resize the row and/or column to view its full size. Then, scan the QR code to make sure it works as you expect.

You can also use optional arguments for encoding the data in a particular way or assigning a correction level. For more on these arguments, check out the Google Charts Infographics reference page for QR codes.

3. Insert a Drop-Down List

Drop-down lists are terrific tools for data entry. By selecting an item from a list, you can make sure you’re entering the data you want and can reduce errors at the same time.

Since the introduction of drop-down lists in Sheets, the feature has been enhanced to give you a simpler way to create and manage these helpful lists.

1. Insert a drop-down list by doing one of the following:
2. Select Insert > Dropdown from the menu.
3. Right-click and choose Dropdown.
4. Type the @ (At) symbol and choose Dropdowns in the Components section.

5. You’ll then see the Data Validation Rules sidebar open. Enter the location for the list in the Apply to range box and confirm that Dropdown is selected in the Criteria drop-down menu.

6. Then, add your list items in the Option boxes and optionally select colors for them to the left.

7. To display help text, pick the action for invalid data, or choose the display style, expand the Advanced Options section.

8. When you finish, select Done. Then, use your new drop-down list to enter data in your sheet.

4. Validate an Email Address

When you have a spreadsheet that contains email addresses, whether Gmail, Outlook, or something else, you may want to make sure they’re valid. While Sheets doesn’t show you if an address is legitimate, it does show you if it’s formatted correctly with the @ (At) symbol and a domain.

1. Select the cell(s) you want to check and go to Data > Data validation in the menu.

2. When the Data Validation Rules sidebar opens, select Add rule, confirm or adjust the cells in the Apply to range field, and choose Text is valid email in the Criteria drop-down box.

3. Optionally select the Advanced Options such as showing help text, displaying a warning, or rejecting the input. Pick Done to save and apply the validation rule.

You can then test the validation and options by entering an invalid email address.

5. Make a Custom Function

Are you a fan of using functions and formulas in Google Sheets? If so, why not create your own? Using the Custom Function feature, you can set up your own function and reuse it whenever you like.

1. Select Data > Named functions from the menu.

2. In the Named Functions sidebar that opens, use Add new function at the bottom to create your custom function. You can also look at an example, watch the demonstration, or find out more about the feature.

3. Enter the function name, description, and optionally argument placeholders. Enter the formula you want to use to define the function and select Next.

4. Check out the Function preview and either select Back to make changes or Create to save the new function. Notice you can also add optional arguments if necessary.

5. You’ll then see the function in the sidebar list. Enter it into a cell in your sheet to test it out.

If you need to make edits, reopen the Named Functions sidebar, select the three dots to the right of the function, and pick Edit.

6. Use a Slicer to Filter a Chart

Charts give you handy and effective ways to display your data. Using a slicer, you can filter the data that displays in the chart. This is convenient for reviewing specific portions of the chart data when needed.

Insert a Slicer

After you insert your chart, select it and go to Data > Add a slicer in the menu.

When the sidebar opens, open the Data tab, confirm the Data Range at the top, and then pick the Column to use for the filter.

You’ll see the slicer appear as a black rounded rectangle which you can move or resize as you please.

Use a Slicer

Once you have your slicer, select the Filter button on the left or drop-down arrow on the right. Then, select the data you want to see in the chart which places checkmarks next to those items.

Select OK and you’ll see your chart update immediately.

To return your chart to the original view showing all data, open the filter and pick Select all > OK.

7. Quickly Calculate Data

Sometimes you want to see a quick calculation without adding a formula to your sheet. In Google Sheets, you can simply select the values and then choose a calculation to view without any extra work.

1. Select the data you want to calculate and then look on the bottom right of the tab row. You’ll see the calculation menu in green which contains the Sum of your data.

2. Open that menu and choose the calculation you want to perform. You’ll see the new result in that menu.

3. You can also simply open the menu to see all available calculations in real-time.

If you decide to include the calculation in your sheet, keep the cell selected and choose Explore to the right of the sheet tabs.

When the sidebar opens, drag the calculation you want to use to a cell in your sheet.

8. Explore Ways to Present Your Data

Maybe you have data in your spreadsheet but aren’t sure of the best way to display or analyze it. With the Explore feature, you can see various quick ways to present your data, review details about it, and ask questions.

Select your data and pick Explore on the bottom right.

When the Explore sidebar opens, you’ll see options for your data. Type a question in the Answers section, apply color using the Formatting section, or insert a chart from the Analysis section.

After you finish, simply use the X on the top right of the sidebar to close it.

9. Request Sheet Approvals

If you use a Google Workspace account for business or education, check out the Approvals feature. With it, you can request approvals from others and keep track of what’s approved and what isn’t.

Go to File and select Approvals.

When the Approvals sidebar opens, choose Make a request.

In the pop-up window, add those you want to approve your request and optionally a message. You can also include a due date, allow the approvers to edit the sheet, or lock the file before sending your request for approval. Choose Send request when you finish.

If you haven’t shared the document with the approvers already, you’ll be asked to do so and assign the permissions.

You can then view the status by returning to the Approvals sidebar.

10. Set Up a Custom Date and Time Format

While Google Sheets provides many different ways to format your dates and times, maybe you want something in particular. You can create your own date and time format with the structure, colors, and style you want.

1. Select the cell(s) containing the date or time and go to Format > Number > Custom date and time. Alternatively, you can select the More Formats option in the toolbar and pick Custom date and time.

2. When the window opens, you’ll see the current format for your date and/or time. Select an existing element at the top to change the format or delete it.

3. To add a different element, select the arrow on the right side and choose one from the list. You can then format that element using its arrow.

4. When you finish, select Apply to use the custom date and time format and you should see your sheet update.

With these Google Sheets features, you can do even more with your data. Be sure to try one or more and see which come in handy for you.

For related tutorials, look at how to find duplicates in Google Sheets using the conditional formatting options.

Luckily, Google Play makes it easy to pause or cancel subscriptions, and this tutorial will walk you through the process. You’ll also learn how to request refunds for subscriptions on Google Play.

How to Cancel Google Play Subscriptions

If you’ve decided to discontinue a Google Play subscription permanently, just deleting the relevant app from your Android phone won’t suffice. Instead, you must visit Google Play’s Subscriptions management console and cancel the subscription.

Note: Despite canceling a subscription, you’ll have access to paid content until the end of the current billing period. For example, if you cancel halfway through a yearly subscription, you still have six months of access.

To cancel a subscription to Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile picture on the top right of the screen.
2. Select Payments & subscriptions. If you have multiple Google Accounts on your Android, tap the email address at the top and pick the correct account.
3. Tap Subscriptions.

4. Tap the subscription you want to cancel under the Active section.
5. Tap Cancel subscription.

6. Provide a reason and tap Continue.
7. Tap Cancel subscription again as confirmation.

If you change your mind and want to re-subscribe before or after the subscription expires:

1. Re-visit the Subscriptions management console and tap the subscription you want to re-subscribe.
2. Tap Resubscribe.
3. Review the subscription information and tap Resubscribe again to confirm.

How to Pause Subscriptions on Google Play

At times, you may want to temporarily halt a Google Play subscription without canceling it entirely. Pausing a subscription allows you to suspend payments for a specified period.

To pause a subscription on Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile picture on the top right of the screen.
2. Select Payments & subscriptions.
3. Tap Subscriptions.

4. Tap the subscription you want to pause under the Active section.
5. Set the pause length.
6. Tap Confirm.

To restart the subscription before it automatically resumes:

1. Re-visit the Subscriptions management console and tap the subscription you want to resume.
2. Tap Resume.
3. Review the payment information and Resume again as confirmation.

How to Receive Refunds for Google Play Subscriptions

There are circumstances where you want a refund for a Google Play subscription. For example, it could be an accidental purchase, issues with the app or service, false advertising, etc.

Requesting a refund for a Google Play subscription depends on whether it’s been less or more than 48 hours since purchase.

• You can request a refund from Google if it’s been less than 48 hours since you subscribed to the app or service.
• You must contact the app developer for a refund if it’s been more than 48 hours since you subscribed to the app or service.

Before 48 Hours—Contact Google

To request a refund from Google:

1. Open Google Chrome on your Android phone and visit the Request your Google Play refund page.
2. Select Yes to confirm you’re signed in with the Google Account used to make the purchase, and tap Continue. If not, select No and log in with the correct account.

3. Select the subscription you want to receive a refund for and tap Continue.
4. Pick a reason for the refund and tap Continue. It’s best to be accurate with your selection—e.g., choosing I purchased this by accident may not work in your favor if you used the app several times before initiating your refund request.
5. Tap Continue.
6. Review your details and tap Request refund.

Refund requests take up to four days to process. You’ll receive an email if Google decides to approve or decline the refund. Visit the Check your Google Play refund status page to check the request’s status. If you receive a refund, the amount will be credited to the payment method you used to make the subscription—Google Play balance, credit card, etc.

After 48 Hours—Contact the Developer

To contact the developer for a refund, you must:

1. Open the Google Play Store and visit the app’s store page.
2. Scroll down and expand the Developer contact section.
3. Reach out to the developer with the contact information.

How to Pause, Cancel, and Refund Subscriptions on Non-Android Devices

If you do not have access to your Android phone, don’t worry. You can pause, cancel, or refund subscriptions on any non-Android device via the web version of the Google Play Store. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Google Play website and sign in with your Google Account credentials.
2. Select your profile picture on the top-right corner and choose Payments & subscriptions.

3. Switch to the Subscriptions tab.
4. Tap Manage next to the subscription you want to pause or cancel.

5. Select Cancel subscription or Pause payments.

If you want to initiate a refund for a subscription:

• Visit the Request your Google Play refund page if it’s been less than 48 hours since making your payment.
• Contact the developer—you can find the contact information on the app’s store page—to request a refund after 48 hours.

Take Control of Your Google Play Subscriptions

Knowing how to manage your Google Play subscriptions is essential to tailoring the digital experience on your Android device. Whether you want to pause a subscription, cancel it permanently, restart a paused or canceled subscription, or seek a refund when necessary, you have the power to take control.

With two ways to switch your rows and columns, you can use whichever is most comfortable for you. This includes the Paste Special feature and the TRANSPOSE function. If you’re ready to go, here’s how to use transpose in Google Sheets.

Convert Rows and Columns With Paste Special

A quick way to convert rows and columns is using the Paste Special feature in Google Sheets. With it, you simply copy the data and then paste it as transposed.

The nice thing about using this option is that if you have formatting like bold text or a fill color in your cells, that formatting applies to the pasted cells.

1. Start by selecting the data you want to transpose. For example, we’ll convert our column of cities to a row.

2. Copy the data by doing one of the following:

• Select Edit > Copy from the menu.
• Right-click and choose Copy.
• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac.

3. Go to the cell where you want to paste the data, making sure you have enough space so that you don’t overwrite existing data.
4. Either select Edit > Paste Special or right-click and move to Paste Special. Then, pick Transposed in the pop-out menu.

You should then see your selected cells pasted.

If you want to remove the original data after you paste it, you can delete it like any other data in your sheet.

Convert Rows and Columns With the TRANSPOSE Function

If you’re accustomed to using Google Sheets formulas, you can convert your rows or columns using the TRANSPOSE function and a simple formula.

Keep in mind that unlike the Paste Special feature above, existing text or cell formatting does not apply when you use the TRANSPOSE function.

The syntax for the formula is TRANSPOSE(range) with just one required argument for the range of cells you want to switch.

Go to the cell where you want the data transposed, making sure you have adequate space. Then, enter the following formula replacing the cell range with your own:

=TRANSPOSE(A2:G3)

Press Enter or Return and you should see your transposed data.

Again, you delete the original dataset after you use the TRANSPOSE formula to convert it if you like.

Convert Rows and Columns on Mobile

If you’re working with Google Sheets on your Android or iOS device, you can convert rows and columns there as well. While you can use the Paste Special feature or the TRANSPOSE function on Android, you can currently only use the function on iPhone.

Transpose on Android

To switch rows or columns on Android, open your Google Sheet and follow these simple steps to use Paste Special.

1. Select the cells you want to transpose. You can drag through them using the blue dot on the bottom right corner. Then, tap to display the toolbar and choose Copy.
2. Go to the cell where you want the converted rows or columns, tap, and select Paste special in the toolbar.

3. When the Paste Special options appear, choose Paste transposed.

You’ll then see your converted rows or columns.

If you prefer to use the TRANSPOSE function on Android, follow the steps below as they are the same on iPhone.

Transpose on iPhone

As mentioned, you cannot use the Paste Special feature in Google Sheets on iPhone as of this writing. You can, however, use the TRANSPOSE function to switch your rows and columns.

1. Go to the cell where you want the transposed cells.
2. Type the formula into the text box at the bottom.
3. Tap the green checkmark to apply the formula and you should see your converted rows or columns.

Converting rows to columns or the other way around is easy to do in Google Sheets. If you also use Microsoft Office, look at how to transpose data in Excel too!

In recent Chrome versions, this feature has been moved to the Sidebar, so it’s no longer an issue. However, if you’re running an older version of Chrome and want to free up space on your Bookmark bar, here’s how to remove the reading list from Chrome bookmark bar.

How to Remove Reading List from Chrome Bookmark Bar

There are a couple of different ways to remove the reading list from Google Chrome’s bookmark bar. The method to use depends on the version of Chrome you have installed. As mentioned above, if you’re running the most current version of Chrome, you’ll no longer see the Reading List option in the Bookmark Bar. Instead, you can click the Side Panel icon at the top right (it looks like a page with a shaded-out column) to open your Reading List.

Removing Reading List from Chrome 90 And Newer Versions

Chances are that most people reading this will be running a fairly recent version of Chrome, so if you’re unable to update to the latest version, but you’re running Chrome 90 — or a newer version that still has the Reading List visible — here’s how to remove the reading list from Chrome.

1. Click the Reading List icon in the Bookmark Bar, or right-click the bar.
2. From the drop-down menu, uncheck Show Reading List.
3. It’s that simple, and now the Reading List should no longer show up in your Bookmark Bar.

Changed your mind? To bring it back, just head back into the menu and re-check the Show Reading List box.

Removing Reading List from Chrome 89 or Older Versions

If you’re running Chrome 89 or an older version of Google Chrome, things get a bit more complicated if you want to remove the Reading List from your Bookmark bar since there’s no official way to disable this. There is a workaround, though, and luckily it’s pretty easy to do. Below, we’ll walk you through how to remove Reading List from Chrome Bookmark bar in older versions of the browser using a Chrome “flag.”

Before we get started, a warning: Enabling flags comes with a risk, as features behind them could impact browser performance causing Google Chrome to crash or freeze, or may be unstable.

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. In the address bar, type chrome://flags, then press Enter.
3. In the search box enter “Reading List.”
4. You should see a flag titled “Reading List.”
5. Select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
6. Chrome will prompt you to restart your browser so that it can apply the changes.
7. Click Relaunch at the bottom of your screen to restart Chrome.
8. When your browser reopens, you should notice that the Reading List button has vanished from the Bookmarks Bar.

If you need to bring the button back, navigate back to the Chrome flag following steps one to four above, then change it to Enabled or Default.

As you can see, whichever older version of Chrome you’re running, it’s pretty simple to remove the Reading List from Google Chrome Bookmark bar. Though for Chrome 89 and older versions, there remains no official way to do this to date. The workaround is easy enough, though, and should solve the age-old problem of the Reading List taking up prime bookmark bar real estate.

If you’re running the most recent version of Chrome, you won’t need either of these methods, as the Reading List is now handily tucked away in the Side Panel, so you can still store any articles or pages to read later here, You can access the Reading List by clicking the icon that looks like a page with a shaded column in the top right corner of your browser window.

Maybe you want to enhance a table’s appearance by including a title row or improve its readability by spanning the column headers. You can do both of these things easily by merging cells in your Google Docs table.

How to Merge Cells in Google Docs on the Web

If you’re working in Google Docs on the web, merging table cells takes only a couple of steps. Keep in mind that you can only combine adjacent cells, but you can merge vertically or horizontally.

Start by selecting the cells you want to merge. You can do this by selecting the first cell and dragging your cursor through the rest. You’ll then see the cells highlighted.

Right-click one of the selected cells and choose Merge cells in the shortcut menu.

That’s all there is to it—you should see your cells merged into one.

Unmerge Cells in Google Docs on the Web

Should you decide later that the combined cells aren’t working out, you can unmerge them just as easily. Remember that you can only unmerge cells that you’ve previously merged.

Right-click the merged cell and choose Unmerge cells in the shortcut menu.

You’ll then see your cells return to their original states.

How to Merge Cells in Google Docs on Android

If you take advantage of working with your Google Docs on the go, you can also merge table cells in the app on Android. Plus, you have two different ways to do it.

1. Open your document and select the table cells you want to combine. You can do this by dragging the blue dot through the cells.

2. Select the Edit button (pencil) if necessary and then do one of the following to merge the cells:

• Tap the Merge cells button in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

• Tap the three dots in the floating toolbar that appears on the screen and select Merge cells in the drop-down menu.

3. You’ll then see your merged cells, ready for you to work.

To unmerge the cell later, follow the same steps and either deselect the Merge button or choose Unmerge cells in the three-dot menu.

How to Merge Cells in Google Docs on iPhone and iPad

Similar to Android, you can merge cells in the Google Docs app on iPhone and iPad and can use one of two methods.

1. Open your document and select the table cells you want to combine by dragging the blue dot through the cells.

2. Select the Edit button if necessary and then do one of the following to merge the cells:
3. Tap the Merge cells button in the toolbar at the bottom (iPhone) or top (iPad) of the screen.

4. Tap the Format button (underlined A) at the top, select the Table tab in the pop-up menu, and turn on the toggle for Merge cells.

5. You’ll then see your cells merged into a single cell.

To unmerge the cell later, follow the same steps and either deselect the Merge button or turn off the Merge cells toggle.

Whether a title, headings, or other data, you can merge cells easily in a Google Docs table. For more, look at how to remove a border from a table in Docs.

You need to structure the document so it’s easy to display information and scan for details. So, let’s look at several key features for organizing your next Google Doc.

1. Scan the Document With a Summary and Outline

One of the simplest ways to create an overview of your document details is with the summary and outline features. These handy tools sit outside the content so they don’t distract and can be shown or hidden with a click.

These organizational features let you summarize the contents of your document and skip to the section you need with the automatically generated outline.

Show and Close the Summary and Outline

To display the summary and outline, head to the View tab and select Show outline.

You’ll then see the Show document outline icon on the top left of the document space. Select it to expand it.

When you finish with the summary and outline, use the Close document outline arrow to hide it and display the Show document outline icon again.

Add a Summary and Outline

To add a summary, use the plus sign to open the box and enter your text.

To change it later, just select the Edit icon (pencil).

To use the outline, add headings to your document (explained below), and they’ll appear in the outline automatically. You can then select a heading to jump to that section of the document.

You can remove a particular heading from the outline if needed by selecting the X to the right of it in the outline.

2. Include and Customize a Table of Contents

If you want something within the content that your readers can use to navigate your document, you can insert a table of contents in Google Docs. This feature was basic, but Google has enhanced it over time to make it customizable and attractive.

Insert a Table of Contents

To create a table of contents, structure your document section with headings. Enter text for a heading, select it, and then pick a heading level from the Styles drop-down box in the toolbar. These headings automatically appear in the table for you.

When you’re ready to insert the table, place your cursor in the document where you want it. Then, open the Insert menu, move to Table of contents, and pick a style from Plain Text, Dotted, and Linked.

Choose the design you want to use, and you’ll see the table appear.

Customize a Table of Contents

You can adjust how your table of contents looks and works in Google Docs, which is a nice feature.

To open the editing tools, select the table to display the small toolbar. Then, use the three dots on the toolbar to pick More Options.

When the sidebar opens, you’ll see two sections for Formatting and Heading Levels.

• Formatting: Choose a different table style, show or hide the page numbers, and optionally use a tab leader like dots, dashes, or lines.
• Heading Levels: Pick the headings you want to display in the table and optionally adjust the indents.

You should see your adjustments update in real time.

3. Work Efficiently With Collapsible Headings

Google added a super helpful feature to Docs in early 2023 that allows you to work with lengthy documents a bit easier. You can collapse and expand the headings. This is great for focusing on sections of the document you’re using while collapsing those you aren’t.

As of this writing, the collapsible headings only work when you use the Pageless layout. It’s unclear if the feature will eventually carry over to the Pages layout.

To use the Pageless layout in a new or existing document, go to File and select Page setup. Then, choose Pageless at the top and OK at the bottom.

You should see arrows to the left of the headings in your document. Simply use those arrows or right-click to collapse and expand the headings.

4. Track Info Easily With Building Blocks

Building Blocks in Google Docs give you quick and convenient ways to display information using tables, text entries, and drop-down lists. Simply insert one of these prepackaged blocks and enter your details in one spot.

You can currently choose from four premade blocks, including a product roadmap, review tracker, project assets, and launch content tracker. You can use the Building Block as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

To insert a Building Block, select a location in your document and go to Insert > Building blocks. Choose the type you want to use from the pop-out menu.

You’ll see the block pop into your document, ready for you to use. If you want to change the headings to match your content, you can edit them like any other text.

5. Create and Reuse Custom Blocks

If you have a supported work or school Google account, you can set up custom Building Blocks in Docs. This allows you to create a block, save it, and reuse it. The block is saved to your Google Drive as a Google Docs file type, so you can use it in new documents down the road as well.

1. Go to Insert > Building blocks and pick Custom building block in the pop-out menu.

2. When the pop-up message appears in your document, choose New custom building block.

3. Select the content you want to use as the custom block and choose Save in the blue bar at the top.

4. Enter the name for your block and, optionally a description. Then, select Create. You’ll receive a confirmation that your block has been saved.

To use your new block, type the @ (At) symbol followed by the block’s name and choose it from the list that appears.

6. Enter Programming Snippets With Code Blocks

If your document contains programming code like Java, JavaScript, or Python, you can take advantage of the code Building Block. This allows you to structure your code neatly in your document.

Go to Insert > Building Blocks, move to Code block and choose the language in the pop-out menu.

When your block appears, simply enter your snippet. If you want to change the programming language, use the drop-down box on the top left. To update the colors, use the Refresh icon on the top right.

7. Collaborate on Emails, Calendar Invites, and Meeting Notes

Another cool tool to organize items in Google Docs is a built-in template block. These are especially useful if you’re collaboratively working together on emails, calendar invites, and meeting notes.

For emails, you can fill in the recipients, subject, and message. Then, select the Gmail icon to create the draft directly in Gmail.

For calendar invites, enter the title, guests, start and end times, location, and description. Use the Calendar icon to open the event in Google Calendar.

For meeting notes, choose an event from the drop-down list, and you’ll receive a block with the title, date, and attendees with bullets for notes and checkboxes for action items. Use the Email icon to create a draft with the meeting notes in Gmail.

MISSING IMAGE

To use one of these templates, go to Insert > Building Blocks and pick an option from the pop-out menu.

8. Enter Details Using a Drop-Down List

Using the Building Blocks above for tracking information, you can take advantage of Google Docs’ premade drop-down lists. However, you can create a drop-down list of your own just like in Google Sheets. This is handy for you, your readers, or your collaborators to enter the details you need easily.

Place your cursor where you want the list, open the Insert menu, and choose Dropdown.

To use a premade drop-down list, choose one from the bottom section.

To create your own, choose New dropdown. Then, enter the name and list of options. You can choose a color next to each list item, add more items, and rearrange the order using drag-and-drop. When you finish, select Save.

You’ll then see your new drop-down list, which you can reuse repeatedly. Simply select it from the Insert > Dropdown menu.

To make changes later, open the drop-down list and choose Add / Edit Options.

9. Pop In Information With Smart Chips

To list and view contacts, events, files, locations, and dates clearly, you can insert Smart Chips in your documents. These nifty tools stay condensed but expand to show the details and allow you to perform actions with a click.

You can insert a Smart Chip by typing the @ symbol followed by the item’s name or by going to Insert > Smart chips and picking one from the pop-out menu.

Once you insert the chip, hover your cursor over it or select it to view a preview. Each chip contains different details and actions depending on the chip type. For example, with a File Smart Chip, you can preview the file, copy a link to it, or open it.

If you have a supported Google Workspace account, you have access to additional Smart Chips, including a stopwatch, timer, and reusable variables.

Take advantage of these Smart Chips to include the information you need while keeping your content short and sweet.

10. Insert Equations With Ease

One more good tool Google Docs offers is for equations. Whether a student or professor, you can stop searching for the correct symbols and then format them to fit your document. Just use the equation editor.

To open the editor, go to View > Show equation toolbar. You can also select Insert > Equation. You’ll see the editing toolbar appear at the top of your document.

Use the drop-down boxes within the toolbar to add your symbols. You can use Greek letters, math operators, relation symbols, and arrows.

You’ll then see your equation appear in a nice and neat text box within your document.

From a summary to a tracking table to a drop-down list to a detailed chip, you can organize your Google documents in a variety of ways to meet your needs. Which of these features will become your fast favorite?

For related tutorials on other Google apps, look at how to set an expiration date on your Google Drive files.

With more flexibility for working with arrays and going beyond the basic ARRAYFORMULA function, let’s look at how to use these array functions with formulas in Google Sheets.

Tip: Some of these functions may look familiar to you if you also use Microsoft Excel.

Transform an Array: TOROW and TOCOL

If you have an array in your dataset that you want to transform into a single row or column, you can use the TOROW and TOCOL functions.

The syntax for each function is the same, TOROW(array, ignore, scan) and TOCOL(array, ignore, scan) where only the first argument is required for both.

• Array: The array you want to transform, formatted as “A1:D4.”
• Ignore: By default, no parameters are ignored (0), but you can use 1 to ignore blanks, 2 to ignore errors, or 3 to ignore blanks and errors.
• Scan: This argument determines how to read the values in the array. By default, the function scans by row or using the value False, but you can use True to scan by column if you prefer.

Let’s walk through a few examples using the TOROW and TOCOL functions and their formulas.

In this first example, we’ll take our array A1 through C3 and turn it into a row using the default arguments with this formula:

=TOROW(A1:C3)

As you can see, the array is now in a row. Because we used the default scan argument, the function reads from left to right (A, D, G), down, then the left to right again (B, E, H) until complete—scanned by row.

To read the array by column instead of row, we can use True for the scan argument. We’ll leave the ignore argument blank. Here’s the formula:

=TOROW(A1:C3,,TRUE)

Now you see the function reads the array from top to bottom (A, B, C), top to bottom (D, E, F), and top to bottom (G, H, I).

The TOCOL function works the same way but transforms the array to a column. Using the same range, A1 through C3, here’s the formula using the default arguments:

=TOCOL(A1:C3)

Again, using the default for the scan argument, the function reads from left to right and provides the result as such.

To read the array by column instead of row, insert True for the scan argument like this:

=TOCOL(A1:C3,,TRUE)

Now you see the function reads the array from top to bottom instead.

Create a New Array From Rows or Columns: CHOOSEROWS and CHOOSECOLS

You may want to create a new array from an existing one. This lets you make a new cell range with only specific values from another. For this, you’ll use the CHOOSEROWS and CHOOSECOLS Google Sheets functions.

The syntax for each function is similar, CHOOSEROWS (array, row_num, row_num_opt) and CHOOSECOLS (array, col_num, col_num_opt), where the first two arguments are required for both.

• Array: The existing array, formatted as “A1:D4.”
• Row_num or Col_num: The number of the first row or column you want to return.
• Row_num_opt or Col_num_opt: The numbers for additional rows or columns you want to return. Google suggests you use negative numbers to return rows from the bottom up or columns from right to left.

Let’s look at a few examples using CHOOSEROWS and CHOOSECOLS and their formulas.

In this first example, we’ll use the array A1 through B6. We want to return the values in rows 1, 2, and 6. Here’s the formula:

=CHOOSEROWS(A1:B6,1,2,6)

As you can see, we received those three rows to create our new array.

For another example, we’ll use the same array. This time, we want to return rows 1, 2, and 6 but with 2 and 6 in reverse order. You can use positive or negative numbers to receive the same result.

Using negative numbers, you’d use this formula:

=CHOOSEROWS(A1:B6,1,-1,-5)

To explain, 1 is the first row to return, -1 is the second row to return which is the first row starting at the bottom, and -5 is the fifth row from the bottom.

Using positive numbers, you’d use this formula to obtain the same result:

=CHOOSEROWS(A1:B6,1,6,2)

The CHOOSECOLS function works similarly, except you use it when you want to create a new array from columns instead of rows.

Using the array A1 through D6, we can return columns 1 (column A) and 4 (column D) with this formula:

=CHOOSECOLS(A1:D6,1,4)

Now we have our new array with only those two columns.

As another example, we’ll use the same array starting with column 4. We’ll then add columns 1 and 2 with 2 (column B) first. You can use either positive or negative numbers:

=CHOOSECOLS(A1:D6,4,2,1)

=CHOOSECOLS(A1:D6,4,-3,-4)

As you can see in the above screenshot, with the formulas in the cells rather than the Formula Bar, we receive the same result using both options.

Note: Because Google suggests using negative numbers to reverse the placement of the results, keep this in mind if you aren’t receiving the correct results using positive numbers.

Wrap to Create a New Array: WRAPROWS and WRAPCOLS

If you want to create a new array from an existing one but wrap the columns or rows with a certain number of values in each, you can use the WRAPROWS and WRAPCOLS functions.

The syntax for each function is the same, WRAPROWS (range, count, pad) and WRAPCOLS (range, count, pad), where the first two arguments are required for both.

• Range: The existing cell range you want to use for an array, formatted as “A1:D4.”
• Count: The number of cells for each row or column.
• Pad: You can use this argument to place text or a single value in empty cells. This replaces the #N/A error you’ll receive for the blank cells. Include the text or value within quotation marks.

Let’s walk through a few examples using the WRAPROWS and WRAPCOLS functions and their formulas.

In this first example, we’ll use the cell range A1 through E1. We’ll create a new array wrapping rows with three values in each row. Here’s the formula:

=WRAPROWS(A1:E1,3)

As you can see, we have a new array with the correct result, three values in each row. Because we have an empty cell in the array, the #N/A error displays. For the next example, we’ll use the pad argument to replace the error with the text “None.” Here’s the formula:

=WRAPROWS(A1:E1,3,”None”)

Now, we can see a word instead of a Google Sheets error.

The WRAPCOLS function does the same thing by creating a new array from an existing cell range, but does so by wrapping columns instead of rows.

Here, we’ll use the same array, A1 through E3, wrapping columns with three values in each column:

=WRAPCOLS(A1:E1,3)

Like the WRAPROWS example, we receive the correct result but also an error because of the empty cell. With this formula, you can use the pad argument to add the word “Empty”:

=WRAPCOLS(A1:E1,3,”Empty”)

This new array looks much better with a word instead of the error.

Combine to Create a New Array: HSTACK and VSTACK

Two final functions we’ll look at are for appending arrays. With HSTACK and VSTACK, you can add two or more ranges of cells together to form a single array, either horizontally or vertically.

The syntax for each function is the same, HSTACK (range1, range2,…) and VSTACK (range1, range2,…), where only the first argument is required. However, you’ll almost always use the second argument, which combines another range with the first.

• Range1: The first cell range you want to use for the array, formatted as “A1:D4.”
• Range2,…: The second cell range you want to add to the first to create the array. You can combine more than two cell ranges.

Let’s look at some examples using HSTACK and VSTACK and their formulas.

In this first example, we’ll combine the ranges A1 through D2 with A3 through D4 using this formula:

=HSTACK(A1:D2,A3:D4)

You can see our data ranges combined to form a single horizontal array.

For an example of the VSTACK function, we combine three ranges. Using the following formula, we’ll use ranges A2 through C4, A6 through C8, and A10 through C12:

=VSTACK(A2:C4,A6:C8,A10:C12)

Now, we have one array with all of our data using a formula in a single cell.

Manipulate Arrays With Ease

While you can use ARRAYFORMULA in certain situations, like with the SUM function or IF function, these additional Google Sheets array formulas can save you time. They help you arrange your sheet exactly as you want it and with a single array formula.

For more tutorials like this, but with non-array functions, look at how to use the COUNTIF or SUMIF function in Google Sheets.

Using free itinerary templates, you can simply pop in your own details or adjust the dates, times, and activities to suit your travel plans, road trip, or upcoming event.

Vacation Itineraries

Vacation planning can be exciting but also takes organization. From flights to accommodations to activities, you can schedule in time for everything with a vacation itinerary template.

1. Alaska Travel Itinerary

Planning a cold weather vacation like skiing or snowboarding? This Alaska Travel Itinerary template is a cute option with its colorful appearance and warmly dressed character. Include the destinations and activities for each day of your trip to a cold-weather state, country, or region.

2. Sunny Itinerary

If you’re heading someplace warm on your vacation instead, this yellow and orange Sunny Itinerary template is just what you need. Enter your flight details for your departure and return, information for accommodations, and then activities for each day with times and locations.

3. Vacation Itinerary

Maybe you want an itinerary for planning activities down to the hour. This Vacation Itinerary template is a clean and simple way to go. Add the travel dates and locations at the top with each day, time, and activity beneath. You can also use the handy checkboxes to mark off events as you go.

Travel and Business Trip Itineraries

When you’re traveling for business or something other than a fun-filled vacation, making sure you have an itinerary in hand ensures you have all the details you need for a smooth trip.

4. Business Itinerary

For an inclusive and intuitive planner, this two-page Business Itinerary template is awesome. Add your departure flight details, accommodation information, and then your travel schedule for three days with times, locations, and details. Wrap it up with details for your return flight home.

5. Bright Meeting Itinerary

To lighten up your business trip, look at this Bright Meeting Itinerary. Add your departure and return flight information, dates, times, and locations for your business meetings, and include additional trip details that you may need at the bottom.

6. Perfect Bright Travel Itinerary

For another vibrant planner, this Perfect Bright Travel Itinerary is great for a five-day trip. Include the destinations, where to eat, leisure activities, and methods of transportation for each day.

7. 3 Meal and Activity Travel Itinerary

This last template is suitable for most any type of travel. It offers attractive pastels with a casual font for your three-day getaway. Add the destination, dates, and times. Then, schedule your activities and meals for each day.

Party Itineraries

Some parties are more than just simple get-togethers. Maybe it’s a weekend-long celebration or one where activities must take place at certain times due to reservations or bookings. These party itinerary templates can help you keep everything in order.

8. Birthday Itinerary

This Birthday Itinerary template is terrific for keeping everything organized for your party. Start with lunch, move onto the pool party, and include drinks and clubbing. You can also completely customize the template for your own party activities.

9. Pastel Birthday Itinerary

For a more elegant party template, look at this Pastel Birthday Itinerary. It’s not just for birthdays, use it for a graduation celebration, anniversary party, or bridal shower. It has an eye-catching yet stylish image on the top and bottom with easy-to-read font for the events, times, and locations.

10. Vivid Birthday Itinerary

Planning a weekend celebration for a birthday, engagement, or bachelorette party? This Vivid Birthday Itinerary gives you vibrant colors with a whimsical theme. Add the activity or location for each day, Friday through Sunday, and let the fun begin.

Event Itineraries

Event planning takes organization and time. If you are setting up a multi-day conference or just a one-night event, these itineraries help you organize it all.

11. Contrast Event Schedule

If you’re in charge of a conference or five-day seminar, you’ll appreciate this Contrast Event Schedule template. Place your company logo and contact information in the bold red space on the left. Then, add the dates, titles, and details for each day of your event on the right.

12. Flat Event Schedule

When you host an evening event, you want an itinerary to match. This Flat Event Schedule is decorated with a cocktail glass and gives you places for hourly activities. You can use the various spots to include dates, locations, a website, and phone number for a nicely detailed schedule.

Wedding Itineraries

If there’s one day where chaos can ensue without warning, it’s your wedding day. Every bride and groom want their special day to be absolutely perfect. This is the ideal time to use an itinerary for yourself, your bridal party, and even your guests.

13. Wedding Itinerary

This minimalistic Wedding Itinerary template is a simple yet attractive option for your weekend ceremony and celebration. Include the rehearsal details, location of each wedding day event, and a farewell breakfast, brunch, or lunch. There’s also a spot at the bottom for additional details you may want to include.

14. Floral Wedding Itinerary

Maybe you prefer an itinerary for the big day rather than a whole weekend. This lovely Floral Wedding Itinerary template starts with prepping and ends with the bouquet toss at the reception. You can send or print and hand out this pretty itinerary to your bridal party.

15. Watercolor Wedding Itinerary

If you’d like an itinerary you can share with guests in addition to the bridal party, this charming Watercolor Wedding Itinerary template is ideal. Create the schedule for your wedding day starting with the ceremony and ending with fireworks.

Organize It All With Planning Templates

Using customizable templates for trip planning, a flight itinerary, or a wedding day schedule can ease the job of organizing your travel or event. They can also be handy if you’re a travel agent making arrangements for a client.

Keep this list of free itinerary templates bookmarked and for more, look at Google Sheets templates you can use every day.

Add Audio to Google Slides on the Web

You can add an MP3 or WAV file to a slide on Google Slides on the web. To do so, you’ll need to upload the file to Google Drive first. Slides doesn’t offer a direct upload option from your computer at this time.

Upload the Audio File to Google Drive on the Web

If you’re familiar with uploading files to Google Drive, you can skip this section but if it’s your first time, just follow these simple steps.

1. Visit Google Drive and sign in with the same Google account you use for Google Slides.
2. Select New on the top left and pick File Upload.

3. Browse for, choose the audio file, and select Open.

4. Confirm that your file is uploaded to your Google Drive account. You can look in your My Drive, go to the Recent section using the link on the left, or use the Search at the top.

Next, you can head to Google Slides to insert the audio file.

Add the Audio File to Google Slides on the Web

Once your audio file is in your Google Drive, you can insert it on any slide in your presentation easily.

1. Visit Google Slides and sign in with the same Google account you use for Google Drive.
2. Go to the slide where you want the audio file and choose a spot to insert it.
3. Open the Insert menu and choose Audio.

4. In the Insert Audio pop-up window, use either the My Drive or Recent tab to locate your audio file.

5. Select the file and choose Insert.

6. You’ll see the file display on your slide as a speaker icon. You can select that icon and press the Play button to listen to the audio.

When you present your slideshow, simply select the icon to play your music or narration. You can also customize a few playback options first.

Customize the Audio File Playback

If you’d like to play the audio file automatically or loop it to repeat, you can adjust these playback options.

Select the audio icon and do one of the following:

• Choose Format > Format Options in the menu.
• Right-click and select Format Options.
• Pick Format Options in the toolbar at the top.

You’ll see the format sidebar open. Expand the Audio Playback section.

Below Start Playing, you can choose from On click or Automatically for how to play the audio. If you pick On click, you’ll need to select the icon to play the audio. If you pick Automatically, the audio will play as soon as you move to the slide.

Below Options, use the slider to adjust the volume of the audio during the presentation.

Next, if you choose Automatically in the Start Playing section, you’ll see that the Hide icon when presenting option becomes available. Check the box to hide the icon from your audience while presenting.

You can also check the boxes for Loop audio to automatically replay the audio when it ends and Stop on slide change if you want to stop playing the audio when you move to the next slide.

When you finish, you can use the X on the top right of the sidebar to close it.

Add Audio to Google Slides on iPhone, iPad, and Android

If you’re using Google Slides on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device you can insert an audio file but a bit differently. As of this writing, there isn’t an Audio option on the Insert menu; however, there is a workaround.

To add your audio, you’ll create a link to it using text, an image, or other object on your slide. When you select the linked item, you can play the audio.

Upload the Audio File to Google Drive on Mobile

To add the audio file to your presentation, you can upload it to the Google Drive mobile app easily.

1. Open Google Drive and go to the Home tab (Android) or Files tab (iPhone and iPad).
2. Select the plus sign on the bottom right and choose Upload.

3. Pick Browse and then locate and select the audio file.
4. Once you upload the file to Google Drive, select the More icon (three dots) next to it and pick Copy link. This places the link on your clipboard so that you can paste it in Google Slides.

Add the Audio File Link to Google Slides on Mobile

To add the link to Google Slides, head there and open the slide. If you don’t have the item you want to link such as text, an image, or object, go ahead and add it.

1. Select the item you want to link. If you want to use text, tap or double-tap to select the word, phrase, or sentence.
2. When the toolbar appears below the item, tap the arrow on the right until you see the Insert Link option and then select it.

3. On the next screen, tap inside the Link field and tap again if necessary to display Paste and select it.
4. Use the checkmark on the top right to attach the link to the item.

When you play your presentation, select the link or the linked item to open and play your audio.

Keep in mind that because this is a workaround, selecting the link won’t simply play the music, voiceover, or audio recording, but rather, open the audio file for you to press the Play button.

Before Google implemented the audio feature in Slides on the web, you had to use a different method to add music to Google Slides. Hopefully, Google will follow suit and introduce the audio option for its mobile app down the road as well.