How to Make a Check Mark in Google Docs

how to make a check mark in google docs
by David Harris // January 10  

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a checkmark in Google Docs, you’re not alone. Many users face the challenge of adding this simple yet effective symbol to enhance their documents. Whether creating to-do lists, ticking boxes in forms, or adding a visual cue, knowing how to make a checkmark can elevate your work. This guide will take you through various methods to include check marks in your Google Docs projects.

Using the Character Map to Insert CheckMarks

One of the simplest methods to insert a checkmark in Google Docs is using the special characters menu. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Insert a Check Mark

  1. Open Your Document: To begin, access the Google Docs document where you wish to include the check mark.
  2. Access the Special Characters Tool:
    • Navigate to the Insert menu at the top of the page.
    • Select Special Characters from the dropdown.
  3. Search for a Check Mark:
    • A grid of symbols will appear in a new window.
    • Type “check mark” or simply “check” in the search bar to narrow your options.
  4. Choose Your Check Mark:
    • You will see a variety of check mark symbols (e.g., ✔, ✅). Click on the one that fits your style.
    • The chosen symbol will automatically be added to your document.

Example Usage

Suppose you’re drafting a grocery list. You can insert check marks next to each item to indicate that it has been purchased.

  • Milk ✔
  • Eggs ✔
  • Bread ✔

This visually organized format looks professional and helps you track your tasks easily.

Creating a CheckList

If you prefer interactive check boxes that you can click to mark tasks off, you can use Google Docs’ built-in bullet point feature.

Steps to Create a Check Box List

  1. Open Your Document: Ensure your Google Docs document is open and ready.
  2. Highlight Your List:
    • Type out your to-do items or tasks.
  3. Convert to Check Box List:
    • Highlight the list of items.
    • Click on the Format menu.
    • Go to Lists and select Checkbox.

Every item in your list will have a check box next to it that you can interact with.

Example Usage

For a book club, you might list the books you want to read:

  • [ ] To Kill a Mockingbird
  • [ ] 1984
  • [ ] The Great Gatsby

With the checkbox feature, you can click on each box as you finish the books, making it an efficient way to manage your reading list.

Copying and Pasting Check Marks

If you find a checkmark you like, sometimes the quickest way to include it in your document is to copy it from another source and paste it into Google Docs.

Steps to Copy and Paste a CheckMark

  1. Find a Checkmark Online: Search for “checkmark” on your preferred search engine. You’ll find various styles.
  2. Select and Copy: Once you see a checkmark you like, right-click on it and select “Copy” or press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac).
  3. Paste into Google Docs:
    • Go back to your Google Docs document.
    • Place the cursor where you want the check mark and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste it.

Example Usage

This approach is especially helpful when you want to maintain a particular aesthetic. For instance:

Using Google Docs Add-ons

For more advanced options, consider exploring Google Docs add-ons. Add-ons can extend Google Docs’ functionality, including advanced symbol options.

Steps to Find an Add-on

  1. Access the Add-ons Menu:
    • Select Extensions from the menu at the top of the screen.
    • Select Add-ons and then click on Get add-ons.
  2. Search for Relevant Tools: A window opens where you can search for add-ons that facilitate inserting symbols, such as “symbols” or “special characters.”
  3. Install Your Pick: Choose an add-on that suits your needs, follow the prompts to install it, and start using it in your document.

Example Usage

Using an add-on may allow you to insert not only check marks but a variety of symbols easily without navigating through multiple menus.

Tips for Formatting Check Marks

To make your check marks stand out in your documents, consider how you format them.

Tips to Enhance Visibility

  • Please increase the Size: Highlight the check mark and use the increase font size option to make it more noticeable.
  • Change Color: Click on the text color icon in the toolbar and opt for a bright color like green, often associated with checking off tasks.
  • Use Bold Formatting: Highlight the check mark and click the bold icon to make it stand out.

Example Usage

When creating a presentation or a project plan, visually distinguishing checked items can help draw focus and keep the reader engaged with the content.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Make A Check Mark In Google Docs

Q. How do I insert a check mark using keyboard shortcuts?
A. Although there is no designated keyboard shortcut for check marks on Google Docs, you can easily access the special characters tool to find and insert them.

Q. Can I create a fillable check box in Google Docs?
A. Yes, using the checkbox list feature, you can create interactive checkboxes that allow you to add and remove check marks.

Q. Are there different styles of check marks available?
A. Yes, when using the special characters tool, you can find various styles of check marks, including different shapes and colors.

Q. Can I use check marks in tables?
A. Absolutely! You can insert check marks and checkboxes into any cell in a Google Docs table.

Q. Can I add a checkmark from my phone?
A. You can access Google Docs on your phone and use the special characters tool to insert a checkmark, just like on a computer.

Q. Why can’t I find a checkmark using a specific font?
A. Some fonts do not support special characters like check marks. Consider using a different font that includes those characters.

Q. Does Google Docs allow for multiple check mark symbols in one document?
A. you can use as many check mark symbols as you want within a document, allowing for a customizable look.

Q. How do I change the color of a check mark?
A. To change the color of the text, first click on the check mark to select it. Then, locate the text color icon in the toolbar and click on it. Finally, choose the color you want from the available options.

Q. Can check marks be animated or changed in size?
A. While check marks cannot be animated in Google Docs, you can adjust their size and format to make them more eye-catching.

Q. Do I need an internet connection to use Google Docs?
A. Yes, Google Docs requires an internet connection to access your documents fully and utilize features.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a check mark in Google Docs is straightforward and can greatly enhance the functionality of your documents. You have multiple options, such as special characters, emoji shortcuts, or interactive checkboxes. By implementing these check marks effectively, you can create cleaner, more organized, and visually appealing documents, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.