Google Docs

How to Make Circles in Google Docs

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Google Docs

Creating circles in Google Docs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're drafting a document. But whether you're looking to spruce up your presentation, highlight important points, or just add a bit of flair, knowing how to do this can be quite handy. Let's walk through the ways you can add circles to your Google Docs. Not only to jazz up your work but also to make your documents more visually appealing and easier to navigate.

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Drawing Circles with the Drawing Tool

Google Docs comes with a built-in drawing tool that's perfect for creating simple shapes like circles. This is one of the easiest ways to get started with adding some geometric flair to your documents. Here's how you can do it:

  • Open your Google Docs document.
  • In the menu, click on Insert, then select Drawing and + New.
  • In the drawing pop-up window, click on the Shape icon found in the toolbar.
  • Select Shapes from the dropdown, then choose the circle (or oval) option.
  • Click and drag in the drawing canvas to create your circle. Hold the Shift key while dragging to maintain a perfect circle.
  • Once you're happy with your circle, click Save and Close to insert it into your document.

It's as simple as that! This method lets you create circles of different sizes and colors. You can even add text inside the circles if needed. It's a handy little trick for anyone looking to enhance their documents with some visual elements.

Using Shapes from Google Drawings

If you're looking for a bit more flexibility or plan to make more complex designs, Google Drawings is a great tool to use alongside Google Docs. With Google Drawings, you can create intricate designs that can be easily integrated into your documents. Here's how you can use it:

  • Open Google Drawings in a new tab.
  • Click on the Shape icon in the toolbar.
  • Select Shapes and then choose the circle.
  • Drag on the canvas to create your circle, holding the Shift key to keep it perfectly round.
  • Customize your circle by changing the fill color, border color, and line thickness to suit your needs.
  • Once your design is complete, go to File and then Download to save it as a PNG or JPEG file.
  • Insert the downloaded image into your Google Docs by clicking on Insert, then Image.

Google Drawings offers more advanced customization options, which can be perfect for creating more professional-looking diagrams or illustrations in your documents. You can even layer multiple shapes and images to create complex visuals.

Creating Circles with Images

Sometimes, the best way to add a circle is to use an image. If you have a specific image or logo that you want to feature as a circle, you can easily format it using Google Docs. Here's how:

  • Click on Insert, then choose Image and select the source of your image (from your computer, Google Drive, etc.).
  • Once the image is in your document, click on it to select it.
  • Click the Crop icon in the image toolbar.
  • Select the Shape icon within the cropping tool and choose the circle.
  • Adjust the cropping area to fit the part of the image you want to keep.
  • Press Enter to apply the crop.

This technique is particularly useful if you're working with logos or images that need to be highlighted in a specific way. The circular crop can help make your images stand out and give them a neat, polished look.

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Adding Circles with Text Boxes

If you're interested in creating text within circles, using text boxes might be the best approach. This allows you to insert text in a circular shape, perfect for headings or callouts. Here's how to do it:

  • Go to Insert, then Drawing, and click on + New.
  • Draw a circle using the Shape tool as described earlier.
  • Next, select the Text box icon from the toolbar.
  • Click into the circle and draw the text box.
  • Type your text into the box. You can adjust the font size and color to fit your design.
  • Click Save and Close to insert your creation into the document.

This method is great for creating labels or annotations that draw the reader's attention. And if you ever need to make edits, simply double-click the drawing in your document to open the drawing tool and make your changes.

Using Tables for Structured Circles

Tables can be an unexpected but useful tool for creating circles. By manipulating the cell borders and background colors, you can create a circular appearance within table cells. Here's how it works:

  • Insert a 1x1 table into your document by going to Table and selecting 1x1.
  • Click inside the table cell to select it.
  • Right-click and choose Table properties.
  • Set the cell background color and border color as needed.
  • Adjust the Padding and Cell vertical alignment to center any content within the circle.
  • While it's not a perfect circle, this method can add a unique touch to your document layout.

This approach allows you to create structured designs where text and other elements are evenly spaced. It's particularly useful for creating headers or sections with a distinct style.

Exploring the World of Add-ons

If you're looking for even more options, Google Docs offers add-ons that can expand your creative possibilities. Add-ons like "Lucidchart Diagrams" or "Drawing.io" can offer additional shapes and customizations. Here's how to explore these options:

  • Go to Add-ons in the menu bar and click on Get add-ons.
  • Search for diagram or drawing add-ons that fit your needs.
  • Install your chosen add-on and grant any necessary permissions.
  • Use the add-on to create and insert your circle designs into your document.

These add-ons can offer advanced features that aren't available in the standard Google Docs tools, giving you greater flexibility and creative control. Plus, they often integrate seamlessly, making the transition between tools smooth and straightforward.

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Collaborating on Creative Projects

One of the great things about Google Docs is its collaborative nature. This is especially useful when you're working on creative projects like designing with circles. You can share your document with others and collaborate in real-time. Here's how to make the most of this feature:

  • Click on the Share button in the top right corner of your document.
  • Enter the email addresses of your collaborators and set their permissions to Editor, Commenter, or Viewer.
  • Use the Comments feature to provide feedback or suggestions on the designs.
  • Utilize the Version History to keep track of changes and revert to previous versions if needed.

Collaboration can lead to more innovative designs and solutions. Multiple perspectives often spark creativity. Plus, it's a great way to ensure everyone involved in the project is on the same page.

Enhancing Your Workflow with Spell

While Google Docs offers a range of tools for creating circles and other shapes, sometimes you need more power and flexibility. That's where Spell comes in. With its AI capabilities, Spell allows you to quickly draft and edit documents, saving you valuable time. Imagine having the ability to create, customize, and stylize your documents in minutes. With Spell, you can generate high-quality content and refine it effortlessly, making it an excellent companion for any document-related task. Plus, its real-time collaboration feature ensures that you and your team can work together seamlessly, just like in Google Docs, but with the added benefit of AI-enhanced productivity.

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Combining Circles with Text and Images

Once you've mastered the art of making circles, combining them with text and images can take your documents to the next level. Here's how you can creatively integrate these elements:

  • Use circles to frame important images or diagrams, drawing attention to key visuals.
  • Create infographic-style layouts by combining text, circles, and images to convey information clearly and attractively.
  • Experiment with different fonts and text colors within circles to create eye-catching headlines or callouts.
  • Layer images and circles for a 3D effect, adding depth and interest to your document.

Mixing these elements allows you to create dynamic and engaging documents that capture the reader's attention and communicate your message effectively. Whether for work, school, or personal projects, these techniques can make your documents stand out.

Final Thoughts

Adding circles in Google Docs is a simple yet effective way to enhance your documents and make them more visually appealing. From using the built-in drawing tool to integrating with Google Drawings and exploring add-ons, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. And when you need to take your document creation to the next level, Spell offers a powerful AI-driven solution that can help you draft and refine content faster than ever. With these tools at your disposal, you're well-equipped to create documents that are not only functional but also fun and engaging.

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.