Google Docs has become more than a simple word-processing tool, offering a flexible platform to draft, edit, and collaborate. It has features like drop-down chips, inline emojis, tablet templates, and project management. However, the traditional page-based format can feel restrictive, especially for projects that demand a fluid and continuous flow. Google introduced the Pageless format in 2022, which liberates your content from the confines of page breaks.

Pageless format can be implemented in a few steps whether you use Google Docs on an iPhone, Android, desktop, or one of the top Chromebooks. With this feature, pictures fit your screen size and wide tables can be scrolled sideways. Text also wraps to your screen size and changes as you zoom in and out.

What is Google Docs Pageless format?

The default Google Docs setup uses Page format to compose new documents. It carries page breaks and margins on the sides to accommodate your text, tables, and media. It's ideal for adding elements like headers and footers, page numbers, and printing your Docs documents on the go.

It has some limitations. If you want to add a large table with several columns and wider images, the default setup shrinks the content and delivers an unpleasant reading experience. That's why Google implemented a Pageless layout in Google Docs. Let's check it in action.

How to turn on Google Docs Pageless format from your browser

You can change the orientation, paper size, and margins in a page setup. The Pageless format removes these customization options to offer an ideal writing environment.

1. Visit Google Docs on the web and sign in with your Google account details.
2. Open an existing document or create a new one.
3. Select Format in the top menu bar, then select Switch to Pageless format.

   

You can now check the new Pageless style in action on your document. If you wish to return to the Page format quickly, go to Format > Switch to Pages format.

Enable Google Docs Pageless format in the mobile app

The company implemented Pageless format on mobile apps, but it isn't as effective as the Google Docs desktop. Follow the steps below to make changes.

We use an Android for this portion of the tutorial, but the steps are the same in the iOS app. If you use Google Docs on your iPhone, you can easily follow these steps to turn on the feature.

1. Launch Google Docs on your phone.
2. Open any document or create a new one from the Templates Gallery.
3. In editing mode, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
4. Select Page setup.
5. Turn on the Pageless toggle from the following menu.

You can change the Pageless setup's background color from the same menu.

Turn on Pageless format on the Google Docs tablet app

Viewing and editing your Google Docs files is more convenient on a tablet than on a small mobile screen. If you have an iPad or one of the best Android tablets, use the steps below to activate Pageless format in Google Docs.

We use an iPad for this portion of the walkthrough, but the steps are the same on an Android tablet.

1. Open Google Docs on your tablet.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.

   

3. Select Page setup.

   

4. Turn on the Pageless toggle from the following menu.

   

5. Change the page orientation, paper size, margins, and paper color from the same menu.

How to change the text width in the Pageless layout

You can tweak text width and take full advantage of the extra space in the Pageless layout.

1. Select View from the Google Docs menu bar.
2. Expand the Text width menu.
3. Select Medium, Wide, or Full.

   

When you collaborate with others in a Google Docs document, the other users don't see your text width preference.

Can I change the background color when using Google Docs Pageless layout?

Yes, you can easily change the background color in Google Docs by following these steps:

1. Go to the Page setup menu in Google Docs (check the steps above).
2. Select Background color from the Pageless menu.

   

3. Google Docs uses a white background color by default. You can pick from several color options or set a Hex code.

   

Make Pageless format the default in Google Docs

If you prefer to work with the Pageless layout for all new documents, set it as the default preference using the steps below.

1. Open the Page setup menu in Google Docs (refer to the steps above).
2. Slide to the Pageless section.
3. Select Set as default and click OK.

   

How do I print a Google Docs Pageless file?

One of the benefits of using a default Page setup is a live print preview. You have a better idea of how your content looks on printed pages. When you switch to a Pageless format and print a file, Google Docs automatically adjusts the content to A4 size.

1. Open a Google Docs file and switch to a Pageless format (check the steps above).
2. Click the print icon at the top or press Ctrl + P on Windows or Command + P on Mac to print the document.

   

3. Check the default printer, select the number of pages to print, check the preview, and select Print at the bottom.

   

How do I turn off Pageless in Google Docs?

You can go back to the standard format if you accidentally activated the Google Docs new Pageless feature or aren't fond of it. Follow these steps to turn off Pageless in Google Docs:

1. Open a new or saved Google Doc.
2. Select Page setup from the File drop-down menu.
3. When the Page setup pop-up appears, select the Pages icon in the upper-left corner.
4. Click Saved as default, followed by the blue OK button at the bottom of the pop-up window.

Draft your perfect document

While the Pageless format and project management tools make Google Docs a compelling choice, that's just the tip of the iceberg. The word-processing software is packed with nifty tricks and hidden features waiting to be explored. From voice typing and real-time collaboration to advanced formatting options and built-in research tools, Google Docs empowers you to work smarter, not harder.