Superscript is a handy formatting feature in Google Docs that allows you to raise text slightly above the normal line. This can be useful when writing mathematical equations, chemical formulas, footnotes, and more. However, sometimes the superscript feature stops working properly. If you find yourself unable to apply superscript formatting in Google Docs, don’t panic! Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix superscript not working.
Step 1: Check Google Workspace Status
Before trying any fixes, check the Google Workspace status dashboard to see if Google Docs is experiencing an outage or other issues. If so, you’ll have to wait until services are restored to full functionality.
Step 2: Update Your Browser
An outdated browser version can sometimes cause problems with Google Docs functionality.
To update Google Chrome:
- Open the Chrome menu and select Settings
- Click About Chrome
- Chrome will automatically check for and install any available updates
- Restart your browser
Try applying superscript formatting again after updating to see if this resolved the issue.
Step 3: Disable Browser Extensions
Problematic browser extensions are a common culprit behind Google Docs issues.
To disable extensions:
- Open Chrome menu > Settings
- Click Extensions on the left sidebar
- Toggle off all extensions
- Test superscript again in Google Docs
If superscript starts working properly, turn extensions back on one-by-one until you identify the problematic add-on.
Step 4: Clear Browser Cache and Data
Corrupted temporary data can disrupt Google Docs functionality. Clearing your browser cache may fix superscript and other issues.
To clear cache and cookies in Chrome:
- Open Chrome menu > History
- Click Clear browsing data
- Choose a time range
- Check boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files
- Click Clear data
Step 5: Try Different Browser or Device
If you still can’t get superscript working after the above steps, try opening Google Docs in another web browser or device. If superscript works properly in the other browser or device, then you know the issues is isolated to your original browser.
Some alternate browsers to test:
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Apple Safari
Or open Google Docs on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.
If the issue persists across all platforms, then there may be a larger problem with your Google account that requires contacting Google support.
Step 6: Use Superscript Workarounds
If all else fails, you can implement a couple of workarounds so you can still create superscript text without the formatting option:
Unicode Superscript Symbols
Unicode has a set of superscript numbers and letters you can insert individually:
- Place cursor where you want superscript
- Press Windows key + . to open emoji picker
- Search for superscript characters
For example, insert a superscript 2 rather than formatting a standard 2 into superscript.
HTML Tags
You can use HTML tags to apply superscript formatting:
<sup>This text will be superscript</sup>However, this only works if viewing the Google Docs document as a web page, not when editing within Google Docs.
Recap and Preventative Tips
To quickly recap, try the following to fix superscript not working in Google Docs:
- Update browser
- Disable extensions
- Clear cache
- Try alternate platforms
- Use superscript workarounds
Additionally, here are some tips to help prevent issues with superscript functionality in the future:
- Always keep your browser fully updated
- Limit extensions to only essential add-ons
- Clear browser cache and cookies regularly
- Avoid excessive tabs and windows to reduce browser strain
With this step-by-step troubleshooting guide, you should be able to get Google Docs superscript working again quickly. Let us know in the comments if any other methods worked to resolve your superscript issues!
