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How to Highlight Text in Google Docs on Desktop and Mobile?

February 23, 2024 1.8K views

Despite its importance in emphasizing important information and improving document readability, text highlighting is frequently overlooked. Google Docs, a favored choice, provides robust highlighting tools. Whether drafting reports or collaborating on projects, mastering text highlighting in Google Docs can significantly elevate your document's visual appeal and clarity. In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to highlight text in Google Docs, whether you're using your desktop or mobile device.

Learn to Highlight text in Google Docs on Desktop and Mobile

Learn to Highlight text in Google Docs on Desktop and Mobile

How to Highlight Text in Google Docs?

Google Docs provides various methods to highlight text, offering flexibility and convenience for users. Below, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions for highlighting text in Google Docs on both desktop and mobile platforms.

From utilizing built-in highlighting features to exploring extensions for added functionality, let's delve into the various methods available to make your documents stand out effectively.

On Desktop

In Google Docs, there are several methods available to highlight text, each offering its unique advantages. From using built-in highlighting features to leveraging extensions for enhanced functionality, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of highlighting text in Google Docs on a desktop.

Whether you're highlighting for emphasis, organization, or collaboration, mastering these methods will streamline your document editing experience.

Method 1: Using Highlight color

By using the built-in highlighting feature, you can easily emphasize key points, organize content, and improve readability. In just 3 quick steps, you can highlight text to make it stand out and convey its significance. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Click and drag to select the text you want to highlight.

 Select text in Google Docs

Select text in Google Docs

Step 2: Click on the "Highlight Color" icon in the toolbar.

Highlight color feature in Google Docs

Highlight color feature in Google Docs

Step 3: Choose a color from the palette to highlight the selected text.

Color Palette in Highlight color Feature

Color Palette in Highlight color Feature

Method 2: Change Text color

Highlighting text in Google Docs can greatly enhance your documents' visual appeal and organization. With just a few simple steps, you can draw attention to important information by changing the color of selected text. Follow along as we guide you through the process of highlighting text in Google Docs using the "Text Color" feature.

Step 1: Select the portion of the text you would like to highlight by clicking and dragging on it.

 Select text to highlight in Google Docs

Select text to highlight in Google Docs

Step 2: Click on the "Text Color" icon in the toolbar at the top.

Text color feature in Google Docs

Text color feature in Google Docs

Step 3: Select a color from the palette to highlight the text by changing its color.

 Color Palette in Text color Feature

Color Palette in Text color Feature

Method 3: Using the Extensions in Google Docs

Text highlighting in Google Docs just got easier with the introduction of extensions. These handy tools offer additional highlighting features to elevate your document editing experience. Let's dive in and enhance your Google Docs experience with these valuable extensions.

Step 1: Open Google Docs in your web browser and click on the "Extensions" tab in the top menu bar then, select "Get add-ons" from the dropdown menu.

Extensions tab in Google Docs

Extensions tab in Google Docs

Step 2: The Google Workspace Marketplace will open after you click "Get add-ons." Use the search bar to find highlighting extensions. Look through the options to select an extension that meets your requirements.

How to Search Extensions in Google Docs

How to Search Extensions in Google Docs

Step 3: Once you've found a highlighting extension you want to use, click on it to view more details. The extension can be added to your Google Docs account by clicking the "Install" button.

Highlighting Extensions in Google Docs

Highlighting Extensions in Google Docs

Step 4: Comply with the instructions to give the extension access to your Google Docs account by granting it the required permissions.

Install Extension in Google Docs

Install Extension in Google Docs

Step 5: Click on the “Extensions” Tab then "Add-ons" from the drop-down menu. Your Extension should show up in “View Document add-ons” after installation.

How to lookup installed Extensions in Google docs

How to lookup installed Extensions in Google docs

Step 7: Press “Use” to activate the extension. Once activated, the extension should provide additional highlighting features. Follow the instructions provided by the extension to highlight text effectively.

Use extensions to highlight text in Google Docs

Use extensions to highlight text in Google Docs

Additional text highlighting features may be available to you based on the extension. Take some time to explore its features, discover what the extension can do, and then adjust it to your liking.

Method 4: Add underline

Whether you're using the toolbar or keyboard shortcuts, highlighting text with underlines is quick and easy. Let's get started and learn how to effectively underline text to highlight in Google Docs.

Step 1: Select the text you wish to highlight by click-and-drag gesture.

 Select text to highlight in Google docs

Select text to highlight in Google docs

Step 2: To underline text in Google Docs, click the "U" button in the top center.

Underline your text in Google Docs

Underline your text in Google Docs

Step 3: Alternatively, just press Ctrl+U or Cmd+U on Mac. This shortcut key adds underlines to the selected text, offering another method of highlighting.

Keyboard Shortcut to underline text in Google Docs

Keyboard Shortcut to underline text in Google Docs

Each method has its pros and cons. Using the built-in highlight color feature is quick and effective but offers limited color choices. Changing text color provides customization options but may not stand out as prominently. Extensions enhance functionality but require installation and may have compatibility issues. Adding underlines is subtle but limited in customization. Each method serves a unique purpose, providing users with options for effective text highlighting in Google Docs.

On Mobile

Highlighting text on mobile devices offers convenience and efficiency for users on the go. Here, we'll see 2 easy methods to highlight text in Google Docs using your mobile device. With just a few taps, you can emphasize important information and enhance document readability. Let's explore how to effortlessly highlight text on your mobile device and make your documents stand out.

Method 1: Using Highlight Color

In this method, we'll explore how to utilize the Highlight Color feature in Google Docs on your mobile device. With just a few simple steps, you can effectively highlight text and make important points stand out in your documents.

Step 1: With the tap and slide gesture, select the text you want to highlight.

Select text in Google docs Mobile App

Select text in Google docs Mobile App

Step 2: Tap on the "Highlight" option from the toolbar then

Highlight option in Google Docs

Highlight option in Google Docs

Step 3: Choose a color to highlight the selected text.

Highlight text in Google Docs Mobile App

Highlight text in Google Docs Mobile App

Method 2: Change the text color

In mobile Google Docs, changing text color offers another method to highlight important information and enhance document readability. In this method, we'll explore how to effectively change the text color to highlight text on your mobile device.

Step 1: Tap and slide on the screen to select the text you want to highlight.

Select text in Google Docs Mobile

Select text in Google Docs Mobile

Step 2: Tap on the "Text Color" option from the toolbar.

 Text color option in Google Docs Mobile

Text color option in Google Docs Mobile

Step 3: Choose a color from the color palette to effectively change the text's color and highlight it.

Change text color to highlight text in Google Docs Mobile

Change text color to highlight text in Google Docs Mobile

The Best Free Office Suite with Highlight Text - WPS Writer

WPS Writer is a versatile and user-friendly word processor, offering seamless document creation, editing, sharing, and saving. Like Microsoft Office, WPS Writer ensures easy Word document processing on a variety of platforms and is compatible with PC, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

WPS writer Free download

WPS writer Free download

The user-friendly interface of WPS Writer, which is similar to Microsoft Word, makes navigating easier and gives users the confidence to create, edit, and format documents with ease. With support for 15 file formats, including .doc, .docx, .docm, .dotm, and .pdf, WPS Writer preserves document integrity, making it an invaluable tool for both personal and professional endeavors.

How to Highlight Text in WPS Writer?

Method 1: Using Text Highlight Color or Shading

Easily highlight text in WPS Writer using the Text Highlight Color or Shading feature. Follow these simple steps to make important points stand out in your document.

Step 1: Open your document in WPS Writer and select the text you want to highlight.

Select text in WPS Writer

Select text in WPS Writer

Step 2: Click on the “Home” tab  at the top then click on the "Text Highlight color" icon.

Text Highlighter in WPS Writer

Text Highlighter in WPS Writer

Step 3: From the color options choose a color to highlight the selected text, your text will be highlighted with that color.

Highlight text in WPS office

Highlight text in WPS office

Step 4: Similar to the Text Highlighter Tool, WPS Office also provides the Shading tool, represented by a "Paint" icon in the Home tab.

 Shading Feature in WPS Writer

Shading Feature in WPS Writer

Step 5: Select the text, and then choose a color by clicking on the small arrow in the icon. The tool will simply highlight the text.

 Change Shading color easily in WPS Writer

Change Shading color easily in WPS Writer

Note: In WPS Writer, the Shading and Text Highlighter tools can be used together to outline the key features of an important paragraph.

 Shading Text and Text Highlighter tool in WPS Writer

Shading Text and Text Highlighter tool in WPS Writer

Step 6 : Users can also choose a different color of their preference by clicking on the "More Colors" option.

More Shading color options in WPS Writer

More Shading color options in WPS Writer

Method 2: Change Text Color

Quickly highlight text in your document by changing its color with this method. To improve document readability and draw attention to critical information, simply follow these steps.

Step 1: Select the text you want to highlight in your document.

 Select text in WPS Writer

Select text in WPS Writer

Step 2: Select "Home" from the top menu, then click the "Text color" icon.

Text color Feature in WPS Writer

Text color Feature in WPS Writer

Step 3: Select a color from the dropdown menu to change the text color and highlight it effectively.

Change text color easily in WPS Writer

Change text color easily in WPS Writer

Method 3: Using the Text Effects

By applying special effects to selected text, you can emphasize key information effortlessly. Follow these quick steps to enhance your document's visual appeal and ensure important details are prominent.

Step 1: Select the text you want to highlight with special effects in your document.

Select text to highlight in WPS Writer

Select text to highlight in WPS Writer

Step 2: Select "Home" from the top menu, then click the "Text Effects" icon.

 Text Effects Feature in WPS Writer

Text Effects Feature in WPS Writer

Step 3: A dropdown menu will appear when you select "Text Effects." Select the effect that best suits your text to highlight.

 Add Special Effects to your text in WPS Writer

Add Special Effects to your text in WPS Writer

Method 4: Use pen to draw

Perfect for tablet and mobile users, WPS Writer's drawing function allows you to add custom highlights or annotations directly to your document. Here’s how you can access this special feature:

Step 1: Open your Document in WPS Writer and Click on the “Review” tab at the top.

 Review tab in WPS writer

Review tab in WPS writer

Step 2: Click on the “Draw” icon.

Draw Feature in WPS Writer

Draw Feature in WPS Writer

Step 3: After clicking on "Draw", you will be presented with a selection of pens and markers. Select the type of pen and the color that you want to use to manually highlight text in your document.

Draw to highlight in WPS Writer

Draw to highlight in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers a range of highlighting methods, catering to different preferences and document requirements. Whether it's emphasizing critical points in reports or organizing content, WPS Writer's highlight function proves invaluable in boosting productivity and document clarity.

Personally, I've found that the highlight feature not only streamlines the process of marking essential information but also enhances collaboration by allowing me to easily share highlighted sections with colleagues.

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FAQs

Q1. How to remove the highlight color in Google Docs?

To remove highlight color in Google Docs, follow these steps:

  • On Desktop: Simply select the highlighted text and click on the "Text Highlight Color" icon, then choose "None" from the color palette.

  • On Mobile: Tap on the highlighted text, then tap on the "Highlight" option again and select "Remove".

Q2. How do I remove the highlight in WPS Writer?

In WPS Writer, you can remove the highlight by using the "Undo" function or by selecting the highlighted text and using the "Clear Formatting" option from the toolbar.

Q3. How to highlight all text in Google Docs?

Unfortunately, Google Docs doesn't offer a direct option to highlight all text at once. You'll need to manually select and highlight the text as needed using the methods mentioned above.

Highlight to Enhance Your Document in Google Docs

Congratulations! You've successfully learned how to highlight text in Google Docs and WPS Writer with ease. Whether you're on your desktop or mobile device, you can now effectively emphasize important information, improve document readability, and streamline your editing process. By mastering various highlighting methods and exploring additional features, you're equipped to create visually appealing and organized documents that stand out. Elevate your document creation experience and boost productivity with highlighting techniques.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.