How to Add a Code Block in Google Docs

Google Docs is a go-to tool for many of us when it comes to drafting, sharing, and collaborating on documents. But if you're a programmer or someone who works with code snippets, you might have noticed that Google Docs doesn't provide a straightforward way to insert code blocks. This can be a bit of a hurdle. But don't worry. There are some nifty tricks and workarounds to get the job done. Let's walk through how you can effectively add a code block in Google Docs.

Why Add Code Blocks in Google Docs?

If you've ever tried to share code snippets in Google Docs, you know it can be a challenge. Plain text just doesn't cut it. Indentation, syntax highlighting, and formatting are crucial for readability. Here's why adding code blocks to your document can be a game-changer:

• Readability: Code blocks with proper formatting make it easier to read and understand the code.
• Collaboration: When collaborating with others, a well-formatted code block helps in discussing and debugging code efficiently.
• Presentation: Whether it's a class project or a professional report, clean code enhances the document's overall presentation.

With that in mind, let's explore some methods to add code blocks to your Google Docs.

Using Google Docs Add-ons

One of the simplest ways to add code blocks is by using an add-on. Google Docs offers several add-ons that can help you format code snippets. Here's how you can use them:

Installing an Add-on

1. Open your Google Doc and click on Add-ons in the menu.
2. Select Get add-ons. This will open the Google Workspace Marketplace.
3. Search for an add-on like "Code Blocks" or "Code Pretty."
4. Click on the add-on to read more about it and select Install.
5. Follow the prompts to grant permissions and complete the installation.

Using the Add-on

1. Once installed, go to Add-ons in the Google Docs menu again.
2. Hover over the installed add-on, then click Start.
3. A sidebar will appear. You can paste your code snippet into the sidebar and select formatting options like language and theme.
4. After customizing, click Insert to place the formatted code block into your document.

Using add-ons is a straightforward way to manage code formatting, but it does require installation. If you prefer not to install additional tools, there are other methods to explore.

The Manual Way: Using Tables

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, using tables can be a surprisingly effective method to mimic code blocks. Here's how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. In your Google Doc, click on Insert in the menu, then select Table.
2. Create a one-cell table (1x1).
3. Copy and paste your code into the table cell.
4. Adjust the table's width and height to fit your code. You can do this by dragging the borders of the table.
5. For better readability, you can apply a monospace font like "Courier New" to your code.
6. To remove the table borders, right-click on the table, select Table properties, go to Border color, and choose White or None.

This method might not offer syntax highlighting, but it does help keep your code organized and readable. Plus, it's a quick fix when you need a simple solution without additional tools.

Leverage Google Sheets for Formatting

While it may sound unconventional, Google Sheets can be a handy ally in formatting code. Here's how you can use Google Sheets to aid your Google Docs:

Transferring Code from Sheets to Docs

1. Open Google Sheets and paste your code into a cell.
2. Adjust the column width to fit your code.
3. Apply a monospace font, such as "Courier New," by selecting the cell and changing the font style.
4. Copy the cell and paste it into your Google Doc. Ensure you paste it as "Paste without formatting" (Ctrl+Shift+V) to maintain the monospace font.

Google Sheets doesn't inherently provide syntax highlighting, but this method ensures your code maintains a clean structure. It's a neat trick when you're in a pinch and need a quick solution.

Utilizing External Tools for Syntax Highlighting

Sometimes you need that extra touch of professionalism, which is where external tools come into play. Tools like Carbon can help generate beautifully formatted code snippets with syntax highlighting.

Creating a Snippet with Carbon

1. Visit the Carbon website.
2. Paste your code into the editor on the left.
3. Customize the appearance by choosing a theme, font, and background.
4. Once satisfied, click Export to download the image.
5. In Google Docs, go to Insert, select Image, and upload your exported code snippet.

This method provides a polished look with syntax highlighting, making it perfect for presentations or professional documents. However, keep in mind that these snippets will be images, so they won't be editable within Google Docs.

Using HTML and Google Apps Script

If you're feeling adventurous and have some coding chops, Google Apps Script can be a powerful tool to automate the process. Here's a simplified way to add code blocks using Apps Script:

Creating a Code Block Function

1. Open your Google Doc and navigate to Extensions, then Apps Script.
2. Delete any code in the editor and paste the following script:

function formatCodeBlock() {
 var body = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody(),
 var code = "Your code here",
 var attrs = {},
 attrs[DocumentApp.Attribute.FONT_FAMILY] = 'Courier New',
 attrs[DocumentApp.Attribute.BACKGROUND_COLOR] = '#f5f2f0',
 attrs[DocumentApp.Attribute.FONT_SIZE] = 10,
 body.appendParagraph(code).setAttributes(attrs),
}

3. Replace Your code here with your actual code snippet.
4. Save the script and close the Apps Script editor.
5. Back in Google Docs, run the script by navigating to Extensions > Apps Script > Run.

This script formats your code with a monospace font and a light background, mimicking a code block. It's a bit more involved, but it can be a rewarding method for those comfortable with scripting.

Spell: A Better Document Editing Experience

While Google Docs is handy, it might not always meet your needs when dealing with code. That's where Spell comes in. Spell is like Google Docs but with built-in AI that can help you draft, refine, and improve your documents on the fly.

With Spell, you can create high-quality documents in seconds. You describe what you need, and Spell drafts a polished document for you. It's particularly handy when you need to integrate code snippets professionally. Plus, it saves you the hassle of manually formatting code, offering a seamless experience from drafting to final edits.

Using Google Docs' Built-in Features

While Google Docs doesn't offer direct code block support, you can still utilize its native features to improve code presentation:

Smart Formatting with Styles

1. Paste your code into the document.
2. Select the text and apply a monospace font like "Courier New."
3. Use Heading styles to differentiate code blocks from regular text.
4. Adjust the text color or background color to make the code stand out.

This method is straightforward and doesn't require additional tools or scripts, making it accessible to everyone.

Using Google Keep for Quick Code Snippets

Google Keep can be a surprising ally for managing code snippets. Here's how you can leverage it:

Streamlining with Keep

1. Create a new note in Google Keep and paste your code.
2. Use labels to organize your notes for easy access.
3. In Google Docs, go to Tools and select Keep notepad.
4. Drag your code snippet from the Keep sidebar into your document.

Google Keep allows you to organize and quickly access your code snippets, making it a handy tool for frequent coders.

Creating a Code Block Template in Google Docs

For those who frequently need to add code snippets, creating a template can save time:

Setting Up Your Template

1. Open a new Google Doc and create a one-cell table (1x1).
2. Paste your code snippet into the table and format it as desired.
3. Save this document as your code block template.
4. Whenever you need a code block, copy the table from your template document and paste it into your working document.

This approach ensures consistency across documents and saves time when formatting code.

Final Thoughts

Adding code blocks in Google Docs requires a bit of creativity, but as we've seen, there are several ways to achieve polished, professional results. Whether you choose to use add-ons, manual formatting, or external tools, each method has its unique benefits. And if you're looking for a faster, more integrated approach, our tool, Spell, offers an intuitive editing experience with built-in AI. It simplifies your workflow, making it easy to create and manage documents with code snippets efficiently.