Say you want to create a resume, cover letter, certificate, brochure, business plan, or other document. Creating a Google Docs page layout design would be the right move. Not only is the platform extremely easy to use, but it offers a ton of customization capabilities.
In this tutorial, we offer a crash course on everything related to Google Docs page layout designs!
Learn:
- to change a page orientation to landscape on Google Docs
- to customize Google Doc
- where Page setup in Google Docs
- to change page layouts in Google Docs
Stick around and become a master.
Jump to content in this section:
What Is a Google Docs Page Layout Design?
First of all, what is a page layout in Google Docs?
Basically, a page layout is the arrangement of the different elements in a Google Docs document. This means you're thinking about where the text, images, shapes, and graphics are going to go, the relationship between them (spacing and sizing), and how they're going to flow.
The end goal is to create a visually appealing format that's readable, and makes sense for you, your brand, and the readers. With that, you can attract the gaze and attention of your audience.
Now that we've straighten that out, here's how you can make awesome page layout in Google Docs. We'll explore how to create a layout using a template as well as how to create a layout from scratch.
How to Design a Page Layout in Google Docs from a Layout Template
Let's say that you already have a page layout template, but you want to make it your own. You can do it easily if you use a premium design from Envato Elements.
This section details how to tweak a template to create the page layout design you want, need, and like. To exemplify this process, we'll use this beautiful Proposal Word Template.
Without further ado, here's how to customize Google Docs page layouts from a layout template.
Opening a Google Doc Layout Template
In a Google Docs document, go to File in the top menu and click on Open from the options there.
This takes you to a dialog box. From the tabs, select the one labeled Upload.
Browse through the documents on your device or drag the file to the box to open it up. We'll work on the Proposal_A4_Page_05 file from the Proposal Template.
Editing Drawings
As you can see, all the items in the layout template are Drawings. This means you can edit and tweak each drawing the way you did in the section of this tutorial on how to make a layout from scratch.
For fun, let's change the color, font, text, and placing of the title in this layout.
To do that, double-click on the drawing you want to edit to open all the options.
To edit the color, double-click on the drawing and select the icon with the three dots at the far right of the menu bar. You can find it with help from the image below. This displays all the format options for the text.
You can use the menu to change the color, font, alignment, and more.
Here, we've changed the colors, font, and size:
To edit the text, double-click on it and overwrite it.
If you're happy with the result, click on the blue Save and Close button to the right.
Double click on the drawing and ensure that the right placement options are selected so you can move the drawing freely.
All you've got to do now is drag the drawing to where you need it in your page and that's it!
This is our end result. Isn't it beautiful?
How to Make a Google Docs Page Layout Design from Scratch
Ok! Let's get started with our Google Docs Page Layout Design. This is where you'll learn how to customize Google Docs page layouts from scratch.
Creating a New Document
Open your Google Drive and click on the + New button on the top left corner. There, create a new Google Docs Blank document.
Once on the Blank document, click File in the top left corner to display the menu. Then, scroll down to and click on Page setup. (If you've been wondering where is Page setup in Google Docs, this is it!)
A dialog box like the following one shows up. Below, we're going to explore everything in the Pages/Pageless sections in Page setup.
Pages
Let's start figuring out the different options in the Pages section shown in the image.
At a glance, you can see that this is where you want to go to change an orientation to landscape on Google Docs, if you've been wondering how to change the page size in Google Docs, or if you want other basic options on how to change page layouts in Google Docs.
Apply to
This is where you can decide if you want the Page setup settings to be applied to the whole document, or to selected content.
Orientation
Orientation refers to the position or direction of the document. It determines how the content is displayed. There are two main orientations:
- Portrait. The document is taller than it is wide. This is the most common page orientation.
- Landscape. The document is wider than it is tall. This is the answer if you've been asking how to make Google Docs landscape.
Paper size
In Paper size, you can decide the document's dimensions (width and height). There are 11 sizes to choose from (A4, Letter, Tabloid, Folio, and more). Each one has its measurements on it. Use this if you're wondering how to change the page size in Google Docs.
Page color
This is where you can get creative with the color of your document. You can opt for one of the many colors shown or add your own custom hue.
Margins
How close do you want the elements to be to the document's edge? Here, you can change the inches for the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins. You can make them as big or small as you like.
Set as default
Set as default allows you to save the selections you made so you don't have to go through them again when you get a new page in your document.
Once you've gotten all of the details of the document's format just right, click Ok and start adding your texts, images, and graphics.
Pageless
Now it's the turn of the Pageless section in the Page setup dialog box. Here's what you'll get when you click on that tab:
As stated in the dialog box, Pageless is a format that basically melds all the pages in the document together. This means that you don't have to limit your images, texts, and graphics to fit the constraints of a regular page in your document. They can spill over between pages.
Background color
Click Background color and opt for a color from the menu or add your own.
Set as default
Once again, you can make the format you created the default for any new pages in the document.
Are you done editing the page's layout? Click Ok to apply the format to your document.
Other Page Layout Options
Let's move on to other design options you can edit to create the page layout of your dreams.
Multiple Columns
To add two or three columns to your document, go to the menu bar at the top of the page and look for Format.
Doing so displays a menu with a few other options. Scroll down to Columns, and notice that you get the choice between one, two, and three columns.
Select the one you want or click on More options to customize your document even more.
There, you can divide your document into one to three columns with the Number of columns menu. You can also determine how many inches there should be between columns in Spacing and decide if you want there to be a line separating the columns in Line between columns.
Click Apply once you've made customized the columns.
New Pages/Section Breaks
To add new pages or section breaks to your layout, simply click Enter on your keyboard until you're in the bottom edge of the document. This generates a new page automatically.
On a Mac, you can also press CMD + Enter to generate a page break in the middle of a page. (CTRL + Enter on a PC.)
Drawing
Another fun way of adding content to your document, arranging the elements as you wish, and even having different colors on the sections in one same page, is through Drawing.
Go to Insert. Scroll down the menu to Drawings and select New.
This opens a dialog box with a myriad of options.
Click through the icons to play with the different options. You can add shapes, lines, text, images, and explore format options. Once you're done, click on Save and Close.
To exemplify what you can do here, we'll create a text box by clicking on the framed T from the options in the bar. Then, draw the text box how you want it and write your text.
You can select the color you want the text box to be, the color of the frame, and the width and format of the frame. You can also modify the text's font, color, highlight, size, etc. Here's our result:
Once you've created your drawing, you'll see it in the actual document.
Use the options in the placement menu. Click on the fourth option to make the drawing appear behind the text. Then, select Move with text in the drop-down menu to the right. This basically means you can drag your drawing through the page and place it where you need it.
This is the most fun and creative way to make your own page layout design from scratch!
Benefits of Creating a Page Layout Design in Google Docs
Ok, by now, you know the "how" of creating a page layout design in Google Docs. Still, you may be wondering the "why." Worry not as we continue to have your back! Below, find just a few of the many benefits that can come from designing a page layout in Google Docs:
- Saving time. Why spend hours working on a document only to discover that it's not looking like it should? Create an awesome page layout and use it instantly! You'll save so much time, you won't know what to do with it.
- Reaching goals. A boring or unattractive document that makes no visual sense and doesn't represent you, can break you. On the other hand, a well-organized document where the information flows naturally, can help you reach your goals.
- Consistency. The documents you share say something about you. This is why they should be consistent with your brand. Furthermore, your brand needs to be consistent across different documents. A page layout template can be the answer!
- Superior design. Putting something together last minute or simply going for the default options will ensure people pass up on your documents. With a professional, well-thought-out page layout design, you'll dazzle and captivate your audience.
- Ease for readers. Lastly, you need to consider how your audience will consume your document. A page layout design that makes sense is readable and will help your readers flow through the document easily.
What Can You Do with a Google Docs Page Layout Design?
If you've got a business, personal projects, or need to communicate your ideas effectively, a page layout design will only make it easier. More importantly, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few things you can create with a premium Google Docs page layout template from Envato Elements:
- resumes and cover letters
- certificates
- annual reports
- business proposals
- brochures
- portfolios
- letterheads
- business cards
- company profiles
- and anything else you put your mind to!
As you know, you can then tweak the layout of any template to your liking. If you want, change the orientation to landscape on Google Docs, add the colors you like and make the layout template for your brand!
Download premium examples of these and more in Envato Elements!
Get Unlimited Downloads from a Premium Library of Digital Assets
If you're researching how to change page layouts in Google Docs, it's probably because you've got a business or personal project. That means you likely have a constant need for high-quality, professionally designed premium templates. If that's the case, we've got a deal for you!
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5 Premium Envato Elements’ Google Docs Page Layout Templates
Want a taste of what Envato Elements can bring to the table? Check out this handpicked selection of premium Google Docs page layout templates from Envato Elements.
1. Annual Report - Striking Google Docs Page Layout Template
Annual reports need to look professional and provide the necessary information in a clear and assertive way. A premium template like this one can do the job for you! These are the features you'll have by your side:
- INDD, IDML, and DOCX files
- A4 page size format + 3mm bleed
- it's print ready in CMYK and 300 DPI
- it's easily and fully customizable to represent your brand accurately
2. BOTANICA - Green Business Card Layout Template
Why not take care of all your branding needs in one go? With this business card template, you can make that happen in a manner of minutes. Take a look at what it's got to offer:
- Illustrator, Photoshop, and Word files
- change the orientation to portrait or landscape on Google Docs
- 4 professional design variations
- well-organized layers for easy customization
3. Black & White - Certificate Google Docs Page Layout Template
Say you want to recognize a member of your team or celebrate reaching a milestone. This black-and-white certificate template is the way to do it. With this download, you'll receive:
- 8 PSD and DOCX files
- A4 and US Letter page size formats
- 2 different color variations in portrait and landscape on Google Docs
- customizable colors, text, photos, shapes, and graphics
4. Photo Album Layout Template
Photographers and visual artists need portfolios to showcase their work and talent. And this is another opportunity to use a high-quality premium page layout design for Google Docs. Here's why you should choose this one:
- Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word files
- A4 and US Letter page size formats
- print ready format with CMYK @ 300DPI
- free fonts used
5. Letterhead Page Layout in Google Docs
The last page layout design example we'll go over here is this beauty. This Letterhead template will legitimize all your communications to your investors, coworkers, and other interested parties. Key features include:
- AI, EPS, PSD, DOCX files
- A4 page size + 3mm bleed
- well-organized easily editable layers
- free font links in the help guide
Design the Perfect Document with a Page Layout for Google Docs!
In this tutorial, we've gone through all the most popular questions related to page layouts in Google Docs:
- how to make Google Docs landscape
- how to change the page size in Google Docs
- where is Page setup in Google Docs
- how to change page layouts in Google Docs
- how to customize Google Docs
- and much more!
A premium page layout design for Google Docs has every benefit and no drawbacks! With it, you can take your brochures, resumes, business proposals, and other documents to the next level. Plus, you'll save time, put together the perfect document, and reach your goals.
Remember that if you want to maximize your resources on your documents' designs, you can turn to Envato Elements. For a low monthly fee, you'll be able to download unlimited options in premium page layout designs and other incredible digital assets.
