You can create a new Google Doc at docs.new or, amongst other ways, in Google Drive. The default title is “Untitled document.” The good news is, even if you do not name the Google Doc, it still automatically saves to your Google Drive. Here is how to name a Google Doc.
Naming a Google Doc can also be tricky when utilizing the mobile app. No matter your platform, here is how to name a Google Doc.
Untitled Google Doc
Filtering your Google Drive for Google Docs or going to docs.google.com you will undoubtably find documents that are unnamed. A meaningful title increases the likelihood you will return to the document, or be able to find what you are looking for. When searching Drive, you search the ENTIRE document and not just the title, however, the search results will be more meaningful with a document title.
How to Name a Google Doc
The document title is located in the upper left corner of your Google Doc. Simply clicking on the words “Untitled Document,” when on the web, will allow you to type a more meaningful title.
Title the Document First
BEFORE you click on “Untitled document” in the upper left, consider writing your document title on the Google Doc itself. Then click on the “Untitled document” in the upper left to have it automatically match the the first paragraph in the document. It is not uncommon for me to want to have the title print so this tip is a handy time saver.
Use the File Menu
The File menu in Google Docs allow you to select “rename.” This will focus your cursor on the upper left of the document with the entire document title selected.
Tip: when text is highlighted you do NOT need to press the delete key. Simply start typing your new document name.
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If you have the Gemini for Workspace upgrade use “Summarize the file” in the right click options to see how you might want to rename the untitled document.
Rename from Google Drive
In Google Drive single click on the document you wish to rename. Use the F2 key to rename.
Alternatively, under the 3 dots menu in the Drive toolbar is a rename option. You can also right click on the file to select “Rename.”
How to Name a Google Doc on Mobile
Naming a Google Doc on mobile is slightly more complicated. The tip of adding the document title as the first line in your document body will still work. Simply click on the title at the top of the document before clicking the edit pencil.
Name a Google Doc While Editing on Mobile
If you are in edit mode you can not simply tap on the top of your Google Doc on mobile. Instead use the 3 dots menu in the upper right. This will cause a side panel to pop out with the “Untitled document” at the top of the slide out. Tap on the document title here to allow you to rename.
