Margins control the blank space around the edges of a Google Docs page. Changing them can help you meet assignment requirements, prepare a document for printing, or create more room for text.
On a computer, Google Docs lets you change the top, bottom, left, and right margins from Page setup. The document must be using Pages format rather than Pageless.
On a computer, open your Google Doc and choose File > Page setup. Make sure Pages is selected, enter the top, bottom, left, and right margin sizes you want, then click OK.
How to Change Margins in Google Docs on a Computer
Google Docs lets you enter separate values for each side of the page.
If you use the same margins for most new documents, the Page setup window also includes a Set as default option.
What Do Top, Bottom, Left, and Right Margins Change?
Can You Change Margins With the Ruler?
Google Docs also provides a ruler at the top of the document. It can be useful for adjusting the horizontal position of selected text and content.
However, the ruler also includes indentation controls, so it is easy to confuse paragraph indents with page margins. If you want precise document-wide margins, File > Page setup is the clearer method.
Narrow Margins vs Wider Margins
Can You Change Margins for Only One Section?
Yes. Google Docs supports section-specific margin changes.
If your document contains multiple sections, open File > Page setup and choose which section the new margin settings should apply to.
If the document does not already contain sections, you may need to add a section break first.
Why Can I Not See Margin Settings?
The most common reason is that the document is using Pageless format.
Page margin settings are available only in Pages format. Open File > Page setup and switch the document from Pageless to Pages if necessary.
Can You Change Google Docs Margins on a Phone?
The Google Docs mobile apps currently provide Page setup options for items such as page orientation, paper size, and page color, but the official mobile instructions do not include a margin setting.
If you need to set exact top, bottom, left, or right margins, use Google Docs on a computer.
Check the Document Before Printing
Changing margins can move text, tables, images, and page breaks. Before printing or exporting the document, scroll through the pages and check the final layout.
Related Google Docs Guides
If you are formatting a longer document, see How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs.
Frequently Asked Questions
For precise Google Docs margins, use File > Page setup on a computer. Make sure the document is in Pages format, enter the values you need for each side, and review the document afterward to make sure the layout still looks right.
This guide is based on current Google Docs Editors Help documentation for page setup, margins, sections, and mobile page settings. Google may change interface details over time. Last checked: September 2026.