Exploring the template gallery in Google Docs enables you to start new documents quickly using professionally designed layouts. Whether you need to create resumes, educational handouts, essays, or HR documents, the template gallery is an excellent resource.
This guide will walk you through the steps required to browse the available templates—no advanced tools or special add-ons required. By the end, you’ll be able to access and use these templates to streamline your workflow in Google Docs.
Accessing the Google Docs Template Gallery
Open Google Docs in your web browser and make sure you’re signed in with your Google account. On the home page, you'll see the main dashboard with your recent files and various options for starting a new document.
Simply click on the Template Gallery icon near the top right or top center of the screen, depending on your layout, and switch to the General tab.
You might notice you have your own custom templates as a separate tab. I’ll cover how to create and use those in a separate tutorial, so we won’t focus on that in this article. For now, let's focus on how to browse the General tab within the gallery.
Exploring Standard Templates in Google Docs
The General tab features almost all the default templates and add-ons that Google Docs provides. There’s no need for Gemini or any other advanced tool to access these standard options—they’re available by default to all users. Here you’ll find templates organized by category, including Resume, Letter, Education, Essay, Project Proposal, and HR Documents.
You can scroll horizontally through the template categories or vertically within the overall gallery to see more options.
Look for the type of document you want to create—for instance, if you’re preparing a job application, pick a resume template, or choose an education template for classroom use. Templates are designed to be flexible, so you can customize them with your specific content.
Loading and Using a Template
After you find a template you want, simply click on its thumbnail. Google Docs will automatically load that template for you in a new document. The template opens as an editable document, pre-formatted with sample content to help guide your writing.
In many templates, you’ll find helpful instructions—right in the document—on how to enhance your work’s appearance. These pointers could cover styling tips, formatting ideas, or instructions for adding additional content. You can now personalize the template: replace the sample text with your own information, insert your own images or charts, and adjust colors and fonts as needed.
Tips for Making the Most of Templates
If you wish to quickly preview a template before starting with it, hover over the template thumbnail and look for a brief description or click to open it and browse through its sections.
Templates often use Google’s best practices for formatting and organization, so using them can help you produce more polished and professional documents with minimal effort.
If you want to save a customized version of your document as a template for future use, check the Custom Templates tab. This process involves a few additional steps and will be featured in another guide.
Summary
That’s all there is to browsing and using templates in Google Docs. With just a few clicks, you can choose from dozens of beautifully designed options, load them instantly, and begin working on your next project with a professional head start. Take advantage of the built-in template gallery to streamline your workflow and save valuable time, letting Google Docs handle the heavy lifting when it comes to formatting and layout.
