New option to view non-printing characters in Google Docs
Monday, January 9, 2023
Update
[March 6, 2023] Rollout has resumed. All Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains will have access to this feature by March 10, 2023.
[February 9, 2023] We have paused rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update once rollout resumes.
When viewing or editing a Google Doc, non-printing characters such as line breaks, section breaks, tabs, and spaces are not visible. Starting today, you can choose to display non-printing characters in order to see how a document is laid out. When turned on, you will see symbols or text to represent the following:
- Paragraph/Hard break
- Line/Soft break
- Section break
- Page break
- Column break
- Tab
- Space
End users
This feature provides a visual representation of what controls the formatting in a document, allowing you to make appropriate edits much easier.
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: To display non-printing characters in a Doc, go to View > “Show non-printing characters.” Visit the Help Center to learn more about viewing document outlines, summaries, rulers, and non-printing characters.
- Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 9, 2023
- Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on January 25, 2023
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers
- Available to users with personal Google Accounts