Accidentally highlighted some text in Google Docs and can’t figure out how to get rid of it? Fear not! Removing a highlight from your document is a simple process that can be done in just a few clicks. After reading this quick overview, you’ll be able to easily remove any unwanted highlights and get your document looking exactly how you want it.
Step by Step Tutorial: Removing a Highlight in Google Docs
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re aiming to achieve. Highlights in Google Docs are used to draw attention to specific text. However, if you’ve changed your mind or highlighted the wrong section, you’ll want to remove it. Follow these steps to do just that.
Step 1: Open your document
Open the Google Docs document that contains the highlight you wish to remove.
Opening your document is obviously the first step. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account and navigate to the correct document. If you’re having trouble finding it, you can use the search bar in Google Drive to locate your document.
Step 2: Select the highlighted text
Click and drag your cursor over the text that is highlighted.
Once you’ve got your document open, find the text that’s highlighted. You’ll need to select it by clicking and dragging your cursor over it. Make sure you’ve selected all of the text you want to un-highlight.
Step 3: Click the highlight button
Once your text is selected, click on the highlight button in the toolbar. It looks like a pen with a line under it.
The highlight button is located in the toolbar at the top of your Google Docs window. It’s the button that you originally used to apply the highlight. When you click on it, a color palette will appear.
Step 4: Choose ‘None’
In the color palette that pops up, click on ‘None’, which will remove the highlight from your selected text.
After clicking on the highlight button, you’ll see various color options. At the top of the palette, there’s an option for ‘None’. Clicking this will remove the highlight from any text you’ve selected.
After completing these steps, the highlight on your text will be removed. Your document will now reflect the changes, and you can continue editing it as needed.
Tips for Removing Highlights in Google Docs
- If you want to remove all highlights from a document, you can use the ‘Clear formatting’ option in the toolbar. This will remove all formatting, including highlights, from your selected text.
- Keyboard shortcuts can save you time. You can quickly remove a highlight by selecting the text and pressing ‘Ctrl’ + ” on your keyboard.
- You can also remove a highlight by right-clicking on the highlighted text, selecting ‘Text’ from the dropdown menu, and then choosing ‘Highlight color’ and ‘None’.
- Keep in mind that when you remove a highlight, it doesn’t affect any other formatting on your text, such as bold or italicized text.
- If you’re collaborating with others on a document, discuss the use of highlights to ensure everyone understands their purpose and how to remove them if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove highlights from multiple sections at once?
Yes, you can remove highlights from multiple sections by selecting all the text you wish to un-highlight and then following the steps to remove the highlight.
Will removing a highlight affect any comments or suggestions associated with the text?
No, removing a highlight will not affect comments or suggestions. Those will remain in the document until they are resolved or deleted by the user.
Can I customize the color of the highlight instead of removing it?
Absolutely! Instead of selecting ‘None’, you can choose a different color from the highlight palette to change the color of your highlight.
What happens if the ‘None’ option doesn’t appear in my highlight color palette?
If you don’t see ‘None’, it may mean your toolbar is not fully expanded. Try clicking on the three dots (More) at the end of the toolbar to reveal additional options.
If I accidentally remove a highlight, can I undo the action?
Yes, you can undo the removal of a highlight by clicking ‘Undo’ in the toolbar or by using the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Z’.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Select the highlighted text.
- Click the highlight button in the toolbar.
- Choose ‘None’ to remove the highlight.
Conclusion
Removing a highlight in Google Docs is a breeze once you know the steps. Whether you’re polishing up a final draft or collaborating with teammates, maintaining the clarity of your document is essential. With the ability to remove or change highlights as needed, Google Docs offers the flexibility to edit your document to your heart’s content. Plus, with additional features like comments, suggestions, and a wide range of formatting options, Google Docs remains an indispensable tool for writers, students, and professionals alike.
Remember, the key to efficiently using any tool is understanding its features. So take the time to explore Google Docs and master the ins and outs. Before you know it, you’ll be navigating and editing your documents like a pro, making your work process smoother and more productive. And if you ever find yourself stuck or in need of a refresher, feel free to revisit this article for guidance on how to remove a highlight in Google Docs. Happy editing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.