How to Insert Checkmarks & Checkboxes in Google Docs

Google Docs is a versatile word processor that allows you to create professional documents right from your browser. One of its many useful features is the ability to insert checkboxes and checkmarks, which can transform any document into an interactive checklist.

Checkboxes and checkmarks are extremely helpful for creating to-do lists, surveys, forms, and other documents where you need to track progress. With some simple formatting, you can add these elements anywhere in your document.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps for inserting both checkboxes and checkmarks in Google Docs, using simple keyboard shortcuts and menu options. Whether you’re a regular Google Docs user or just getting started, this guide will help you master this valuable feature.

How to Insert a Checkbox

Let’s start with checkboxes, as they are the basis for creating any type of checklist or tracking document.

Use the Insert Menu

The easiest way to add a checkbox is through the Insert menu:

1. Place your cursor where you want the checkbox to appear. This can be on an existing line of text or on its own line.
2. Click Insert > Checkbox in the menu bar.
3. A checkbox will appear where your cursor was located.
4. Repeat Steps 1-3 to add more checkboxes anywhere in your document.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut

You can also use a handy keyboard shortcut to insert checkboxes:

1. Place your cursor where you want the checkbox.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+U (Windows) or ⌘+Shift+U (Mac) on your keyboard.
3. A checkbox will appear.
4. Repeat to add more checkboxes as needed.

Once your checkboxes are inserted, you can check or uncheck them with a simple click. This makes it easy to track progress on lists.

How to Insert a Checkmark

In addition to checkboxes, you may want to add checkmarks to indicate completed items. Here are two ways to insert checkmarks:

Copy and Paste the Character

1. Open the Insert > Special characters menu.
2. Search for and select the check mark character.
3. Copy the character (Ctrl+C or ⌘+C).
4. Paste it (Ctrl+V or ⌘+V) wherever you want a checkmark to appear.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut

You can also use a keyboard shortcut to quickly insert checkmarks:

1. Place your cursor where you want the checkmark symbol.
2. Type Alt+252 using the numeric keypad on your keyboard.
3. A checkmark will appear.
4. Repeat as needed.

Formatting Checkboxes and Checkmarks

Now that you know how to insert checkboxes and checkmarks into Google Docs, let’s go over a few key formatting options:

Resize the Checkbox

If you want larger or smaller checkboxes:

1. Click on the checkbox to select it.
2. Click the Resize handle in the lower right corner.
3. Drag it to resize.

Change Checkmark Color

To change the color of checkmarks:

1. Highlight the checkmark.
2. Open the Text color picker (the A icon) in the toolbar.
3. Choose a color.

Create Lists with Checkboxes

You can also format checkboxes as bulleted or numbered lists:

1. Highlight the checkboxes.
2. Open the Bullets dropdown on the toolbar.
3. Choose the Checklist option to create a checklist.

This will format your checkboxes as clickable circles and transform them into an interactive checklist you can use to track progress.

Checkbox and Checkmark Uses

Now that you know how to add these elements in Google Docs, here are just a few ways you can put them to use:

• To-do lists
• Grocery lists
• Packing checklists
• Workout trackers
• Job applications
• Order forms
• Questionnaires
• Tests & quizzes
• Tracking projects
• And so much more!

So try adding these interactive elements to your next Google Doc. In just a few clicks, you can transform any document into a handy checklist or tracker to boost your productivity!