When I first started using Google Docs to write my blog drafts and ebooks, I thought underlining text was as simple as hitting Ctrl + U. While that’s technically true, I soon realized there’s so much more to underlining than just the basics.
Whether you're underlining a title for emphasis, adding a dotted underline for a stylistic touch, or removing one that Google Docs auto-added for a hyperlink—this guide has you covered.
Let me walk you through all the different ways I’ve learned to underline in Google Docs—and the neat tricks that make it easier (and prettier!).
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Method 1: The Basic Way to Underline Text
Steps:
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Select the text you want to underline.
- Press
Ctrl + U(Windows) orCmd+ U(Mac).
After pressing Ctrl + U in Windows device or Cmd + U in Mac, the selected text will be underlined as shown in the below screenshot.
Alternatively, you click on the Underline icon (a "U" with a line under it) in the toolbar at the top (see the below screenshot).
Personal Tip: I use the shortcut all the time—it’s fast and intuitive. Great for highlighting headings or key phrases.
Method 2: Using the Format Menu
If you're not a fan of shortcuts, you can go the long way:
- Select the text you want to underline.
- Go to the top menu and click Format.
- Hover over Text, then select Underline.
See the below screenshot for reference.
This method comes in handy when I’m working on collaborative documents and want to ensure consistent formatting.
How to Remove Underline in Google Docs?
Sometimes Google Docs auto-underlines links or you just change your mind. Here’s how to fix it:
Steps:
- Select the underlined text.
- Press Ctrl + U or go to Format > Text > Underline again to toggle it off.
Pro Tip: If it’s a hyperlink, right-click it and select Remove link—the underline goes away with it!
How to Add a Dotted Underline in Google Docs?
This one isn’t directly available via standard text formatting, but here’s how I work around it:
Steps Using the Drawing Tool:
- Go to Insert > Drawing > + New.
- Click the Line tool > choose Dotted Line.
- Draw a short horizontal dotted line under your text.
- Click Save and Close.
- Position the drawing under your text.
Creative Hack: Sometimes, I use dotted underlines to underline quiz answers or design headers for kids' activity books. It adds a playful touch.
How to Underline Blank Spaces in Google Docs?
This trick saved me while creating printable worksheets!
Steps:
- Press Shift + Underscore (_) repeatedly to create a long line.
- Make sure to use Monospace font (like Courier New) so the line stays aligned.
- You can also insert a table with hidden borders and only show the bottom border.
Personal Use: I do this a lot while designing handwriting practice books—perfect for creating lines kids can trace.
Bonus Tips for Better Underlining in Google Docs
Below I have added some bonus tips and tricks that will help you while working with text underlining in Google Docs.
- Underline only part of a sentence: You can select just a few words instead of the whole sentence.
- Combine underline with bold or italic: Press Ctrl + B or Ctrl + I along with underline for added impact.
- Underline titles consistently: Use Styles (like Heading 1 or Heading 2) and then customize the style with underline so it’s applied uniformly.
- Avoid hyperlink underlines when not needed: Right-click > Remove link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I underline text quickly in Google Docs?
Answer. You can underline text instantly by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + U (on Windows) or Cmd + U (on Mac). It’s the fastest way and my personal go-to shortcut for quick formatting!
2. Can I underline only part of a sentence in Google Docs?
Answer. Yes, absolutely! Just highlight the specific words you want to underline and apply the underline using the shortcut or toolbar. It works great for adding emphasis to key phrases.
3. How do I remove an underline from a hyperlink in Google Docs?
Answer. To remove an underline from a hyperlink:
- Right-click the link.
- Select Remove link from the menu.
This instantly removes both the link and the underline.
4. Why is my underline style inconsistent across the document?
This often happens if you’re mixing different fonts or using pasted content. To fix it:
- Select all text (Ctrl + A), then go to Format > Clear formatting.
- Reapply the desired font and underline using a consistent style.
I recommend using Styles (like Heading 1) with customized underline formatting for consistency.
Wrapping Up
Underlining might seem like a small thing, but it's such a powerful formatting tool when used well. From classic underlines to creative dotted and double ones, Google Docs offers more flexibility than meets the eye.
I’ve personally used these tricks for everything from formal ebooks to playful kids’ worksheets—and each time, they’ve added that extra bit of polish to my work.
Now that you know how to underline in Google Docs like a pro, which method will you try first?
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