---
title: "How to Add Outline in Google Docs"
h1: "How to Add Outline in Google Docs"
description: "Learn how to easily add an outline in Google Docs to organize your documents effectively. Enhance your writing process with our step-by-step guide."
route: "/learn/how-to-add-outline-in-google-docs"
canonical: "https://www.layerpath.com/learn/how-to-add-outline-in-google-docs"
---

# How to Add Outline in Google Docs

Organize your document by using the Outline tool in Google Docs, allowing you to quickly jump between headings and sections. This guide will show you how to set up and navigate the outline efficiently.

### Interactive Layerpath tour

Canonical tour: https://share.layerpath.com/e/cm819tk2p0007la0c8p6octnx/tour

Tour id: cm819tk2p0007la0c8p6octnx

1. **Open Google Docs** – Go to [docs.google.com](https://docs.google.com/) and open the document where you want to add an outline.
2. **Click on “View”** – In the top menu bar, click on **“View”** to open a dropdown menu.
3. **Select “Show Outline”** – Click on **“Show outline”** from the dropdown. A panel will appear on the **left side** of your screen.
4. **Use Headings in Your Doc** –
   
      - To populate the outline, apply **headings** to your text.
      - Highlight a section title, then go to the toolbar, click on “Normal text” and change it to **Heading 1, Heading 2**, etc.
5. **Add More Headings** – Keep adding **headings** for different sections of your document. These will automatically show up in the outline panel.
6. **Reorder or Navigate Quickly** –
   
      - You can **click any heading** in the outline to jump to that section instantly.
      - It’s great for navigating long documents.
7. **Hide or Show the Panel** –
   
      - Click the **“X” icon** at the top of the outline panel to close it.
      - Go back to **“View > Show outline”** anytime to bring it back.
8. **Done** – Your document now has a structured outline — making it easier to read, write, and navigate like a pro!