To convert text to uppercase in Google Docs, select the text, then click Format > Text > Capitalization > UPPERCASE. The same menu has lowercase and Title Case. Google Docs doesn’t have a keyboard shortcut for changing case, but the menu works on any amount of text, from one word to the whole document.
Here’s how to change case on a computer and phone, plus a few shortcuts and fixes.
How to change text to uppercase in Google Docs
- Open your document at docs.google.com.
- Select the text you want to change. To select everything, press Ctrl + A (Command + A on a Mac).
- Click Format in the menu bar.
- Hover over Text, then Capitalization.
- Click UPPERCASE.
The three capitalization options
| Option | Result |
|---|---|
| lowercase | quarterly planning meeting |
| UPPERCASE | QUARTERLY PLANNING MEETING |
| Title Case | Quarterly Planning Meeting |
Title Case capitalizes the first letter of every word, including small words like “and” and “of.” Fix those by hand if you’re following a style guide.
Unlike some formatting, this actually changes the letters. If you later copy the text somewhere else, it stays in the new case.
Faster ways to change case
- Use the menu search: Select the text, press Alt + / (Option + / on a Mac), type uppercase, and press Enter.
- Undo quickly: Press Ctrl + Z (Command + Z) right after changing case to switch back.
- Set up headings once: If you want all headings in capitals, change the text of one heading, then choose Format > Paragraph styles > the heading > Update to match. New text in that style won’t be converted automatically, though, so you’ll still need to type it in capitals or apply the case change.
How to change case on a phone or tablet
The Google Docs app for iPhone, iPad, and Android doesn’t have the Capitalization option. You have two choices:
- Retype it with caps lock on. On iPhone and Android, double-tap the Shift key to turn on caps lock.
- Use a browser. Open docs.google.com in Chrome or Safari, switch to the desktop site, and use Format > Text > Capitalization.
Troubleshooting
- Capitalization is grayed out: Make sure you’ve selected text and that you have edit access. In Viewing or Suggesting mode, some formatting options may be unavailable, so switch to Editing in the top-right corner.
- Only part of the text changed: Check that the whole passage was selected, including text in tables or text boxes. Drawings need to be edited separately.
- Automatic capitalization keeps changing words: Go to Tools > Preferences and turn off Automatically capitalize words.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a keyboard shortcut for uppercase in Google Docs?
No. Unlike Word’s Shift + F3, Google Docs doesn’t have one. The quickest option is Alt + / (Option + / on a Mac) and typing “uppercase.”
Can I change case in Google Sheets?
Not with a menu. Use the formulas =UPPER(A1), =LOWER(A1), or =PROPER(A1), then copy the results and paste them as values.
Does changing case affect spelling or grammar suggestions?
No. Google Docs checks the text the same way whether it’s in uppercase or lowercase.
Can I make text look uppercase without changing the letters?
Google Docs doesn’t have a small caps or “all caps” style like Word. Changing capitalization rewrites the letters.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.