I love using ChatGPT as my sidekick, however when I copy and paste the content into a Google Doc I have to spend time cleaning up the formatting. A carriage return space between each paragraph is added. For text that is bold in ChatGPT shows up as **between two asterisks.** Each paragraph is not indented. This can be time consuming to clean up.
ChatGPT Formatting
After ChatGPT outputs the response there is a clipboard icon to copy the text to your clipboard. Control V paste into a new Google Doc.

Remove Blank Lines by AliceKeeler
My latest Google Docs™ Add-on helps to solve these formatting woes. Remove Blank Lines by AliceKeeler collects NO user data. COPPA and FERPA compliant. AND FREE! It is designed to quickly clean up the formatting from pasting from ChatGPT.

Extensions Menu
Use the Extensions menu in a Google Doc. If you do not already have the Add-on installed, click on “Add-ons” and search for Alice Keeler. After approving the Add-on, locate the Add-on in the Extensions menu. Choose the menu option to quickly format the document.

Demonstration of the Add-on

Try Formatting a Google Doc
Use this sample document to test out the Add-on.

- Robot: Write Me an Article on Teaching with Google Slides
- 100 Prompts for Teachers to Ask ChatGPT
- EOY: Version History is Your Bestie
- Innovate Teaching with ChatGPT (AI)
- Google Slides: Same Slides, Multiple Classes
-
5 Easy Steps for Teaching with Digital Tools
Introducing digital tools into your teaching can seem challenging at first. There are many tools out there, and it might feel like there’s a lot to learn. But with easy steps for teaching with digital tools, you can start simply and gradually. There’s no need to dive in all at once – just take it…
-
Help Your Students Prepare to Present
Maximize student success in presentations with ‘Speaker Notes by AliceKeeler,’ the ideal Google Slides add-on. Enhance how students prepare to present with easy transfer of speaker notes to Google Docs, promoting effective communication skills. Dive into the world of engaging, technology-aided presentations and empower students to shine in their academic endeavors. Discover the key to…
-
How Teachers Can 🛳️ Cruise to Less Stress with Tech
As we set sail into the ocean of teaching, we need to cruise to less stress with tech. There is no magic bullet, but tech can provide opportunities for supporting.
-
Infographic 7 Basic Steps for a Google Form
New to using Google Forms? This tool is essential for teachers to not only save time but to be adaptive to student needs. Use Forms to survey students, play games, personalize instruction, and assessment. This infographic on the 7 basic steps for a Google Form will help you get started.
-
How to Add a Background on Google Docs
The age old question, how to add a background in google docs. For a long time this was not possible without hacks. Now you can easily add a background image to Google Docs and print it!
-
Create Badges in Google Sheets
Wanting to gamify your class with badges? One option is to create badges in Google Sheets. Create a list of achievements and add a badge for each one.
Cleaning Up ChatGPT in a Google Doc
Embracing the power of AI tools like ChatGPT can drastically improve an educator’s efficiency, but it’s not without its challenges. One common issue is the formatting discrepancies when transferring content from ChatGPT into Google Docs.
Step 1: Copy Text from ChatGPT
The first step in the process of cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc is to carefully select and copy the needed text. Be mindful to exclude any unnecessary elements like metadata or timestamps that come with the output.
Step 2: Paste Text into Google Doc
The next step is pasting the text into your Google Doc. To avoid carrying over any undesired formatting, use the “Paste without formatting” option under the Edit menu (or the shortcut CTRL/CMD+Shift+V). This simple trick makes cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc a breeze.
Step 3: Implement Your Preferred Formatting
With your text now in Google Docs, it’s time to apply your preferred formatting. Use the Google Docs toolbar to adjust font, size, color, and alignment to match your document’s existing style. This step is crucial for maintaining consistency when cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc.
Step 4: Review for Inconsistencies
After applying your formatting, review the text for any inconsistencies in spacing, line breaks, or indentations. If any stubborn formatting issues persist, the “Clear formatting” option in Google Docs (found under the Format menu) can be a lifesaver.
Step 5: Proofread the Text
The final step in cleaning up ChatGPT in a Google Doc is proofreading. While ChatGPT generates high-quality content, it’s essential to ensure the transferred text aligns with your intended message and is free from grammatical or spelling errors.
Helping Students to Avoid Academic Dishonesty with ChatGPT
Identifying the improper use of ChatGPT or any other AI tool in student assignments can be challenging but is crucial in maintaining academic integrity. Here are some guidelines to help teachers:
1. Familiarity with Student’s Writing Style
Knowing your students’ writing style is essential. If a student’s assignment suddenly exhibits an abrupt change in style, vocabulary, tone, or sophistication, this could indicate the use of an AI tool like ChatGPT.
2. Consistency with Classroom Performance
Compare the quality of the assignment with the student’s classroom performance. If there is a significant discrepancy, it might be worth further investigation.
3. Depth and Breadth of Content
AI tools like ChatGPT can provide detailed and expansive responses. If a student’s work seems unusually comprehensive or in-depth beyond their demonstrated understanding of the topic, it may be a sign.
4. Use of Advanced or Obscure Vocabulary
A sudden inclusion of advanced or obscure vocabulary that the student does not typically use, or seems unlikely to know, could suggest AI assistance.
5. Perfect Grammar and Syntax
While students can and do improve their grammar skills, flawless grammar and syntax might indicate the use of AI, especially if it’s not consistent with the student’s usual writing.
6. Directly Ask the Student
If you suspect that a student may have used ChatGPT unethically, consider discussing it directly with them. Ask about their process for completing the assignment and their understanding of the content.
7. Promote Reflection
Encourage students to submit a reflection or process note with their assignments, detailing their approach to the task and how they used any resources, including AI. Inconsistencies between the work and reflection might indicate unethical AI use.
Remember, these are only guidelines and might not be definitive proof of unethical behavior. Each situation should be handled individually, and conversations with students should be respectful and constructive, focusing on the importance of learning and academic integrity.