Google Documents Code Block: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Google Documents Code Block is a powerful tool that allows you to add dynamic content to your documents with just a few clicks.

To get started, you need to have a Google account and a Google Document open.

You can insert a code block by clicking on the "Insert" menu and selecting "Code block" from the drop-down list.

A code block is essentially a container that can hold any type of code, whether it's HTML, JavaScript, or Python.

This container can be formatted to display the code in a readable format, making it easier to understand and work with.

You can add a code block to your document by clicking on the "Insert" menu and selecting "Code block" from the drop-down list.

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Adding Code Blocks

Adding Code Blocks is a breeze with the Code Blocks extension. This extension is available in the Google Workspace Marketplace and is free to use with a Google account.

The Code Blocks feature set includes syntax highlighting, automatic language detection, plenty of color themes to choose from, the ability to format code inline or as blocks, and a preview function.

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Credit: youtube.com, Creating Code Blocks in Google Docs | IN UNDER 5 MINUTES!!!

To get started, you'll need to install the Code Blocks extension, which takes just a few minutes and only needs to be done once for each Google Account.

Once installed, you can easily insert code blocks in Google Docs, ensuring that your code is well-formatted and easy to read.

The benefits of adding a code block in a Google Document are numerous, including proper indentation and highlighting, which follow syntax rules according to the language.

With a code block, the formatting should transfer when you copy and paste the code, making it easier to share and collaborate with others.

Here are the key benefits of using Code Blocks:

  • Syntax highlighting
  • Automatic language detection
  • Plenty of color themes to choose from
  • Ability to format code inline or as blocks
  • Preview function

Using Code Blocks

You can easily add code blocks to your Google Docs with the Code Blocks add-on. This tool simplifies adding code blocks and makes your documents more professional and organized when working with technical content.

To use Code Blocks, open Google Docs and create a new document. Then, click Extensions | Code Blocks and select Start from the menu. A new right sidebar will open, where you can make use of the tool.

Credit: youtube.com, Code Blocks in Google Docs - Coding Notes

To use Code Blocks, write or paste your code in the document, select the complete section of code, and then select the language from the Language dropdown. You can also select a theme from the Theme dropdown to customize the appearance of your code block.

Click Preview to view the code in the preview pane. Make any necessary changes, such as selecting a different theme, and then click Format to format the code block.

Once you're done editing your code block, click the X in the upper right corner of the Code Blocks add-on to close the sidebar. Your code block should now be formatted exactly how you like it.

If you prefer a more manual approach, you can use Google Docs' built-in features to present your code effectively. Here are some options:

  • Use the Preformatted option to maintain the structure of your code.
  • Apply Monospace Font to make your code more readable.
  • Use Indentation to differentiate code from regular text.

Alternatively, you can use Google Apps Script to automate and customize your Google Docs experience. This involves writing a script to insert and format code blocks directly within Google Docs.

If you have a Google Workspace account, you can use the built-in Code block feature to insert a code block into your document. This feature is available for select editions of Google Workspace, including Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, Education Standard and Plus, and Nonprofits.

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In some cases, you can simply copy-paste your code from a code editor like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Atom into Google Docs. Just make sure to set the font in Google Docs to a monospace font like Courier New to maintain readability.

Here are some common code editors and their corresponding font settings:

Formatting and Customization

To make your code blocks stand out in Google Docs, use a consistent monospaced font for better readability. This will help your code look organized and easy to follow.

You can use the Preformatted option to maintain the structure of your code, but keep in mind it doesn't offer syntax highlighting. To apply this option, select the text you want to format as code and navigate to Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Preformatted.

To make your code even more readable, change your font to a monospace type like Courier New. This can be done by highlighting your code and selecting Format > Text > Font > Courier New from the menu.

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Tips for Formatting

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Formatting code blocks in Google Docs can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips, you can make your code look professional and easy to read.

Use a consistent monospaced font for better readability, as this will make it easier for your audience to follow along with your code.

You can apply styles to your code using the toolbar options, such as bold or italic text, to make it stand out.

Leverage Google Docs shortcuts, like Ctrl + Shift + 8, to quickly insert bullet points when listing code snippets.

If you're using a Google Workspace edition that supports it, you can insert a code block directly into your document using the "Insert | Building blocks | Code block" option.

This will give you five options for the type of code block you want to insert, including C/C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, and Unset.

If you're not using a Google Workspace edition that supports the built-in code block feature, you can still present your code effectively by using the Preformatted option.

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This will help maintain the structure of your code, but keep in mind that it doesn't offer syntax highlighting.

To apply a monospace font, simply change your font to a monospace type like Courier New.

You can also use indentation to differentiate code from regular text, either by pressing the Tab key or navigating to Format > Align & indent > Indentation options.

Select a Theme

Selecting a theme is a great way to give your project a fresh new look. You can choose a different theme from the Theme drop-down.

To see how a particular theme looks, turn on the preview option. This will give you a live preview of what your project will look like with the new theme.

You'll need to click on the Preview button every time you select a theme to see the changes.

Margarita Champlin

Writer

Margarita Champlin is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, she has established herself as a go-to expert in the field of technology. Her writing has been featured in various publications, covering a range of topics, including Azure Monitoring.

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