How to Double Underline in Google Docs (4 Working Methods)

Want to know how to double underline in Google Docs? You are not alone. Unlike Microsoft Word, Google Docs does not have a native double underline button—but that does not mean it is impossible.

This step-by-step guide covers working methods to create a double underline in Google Docs across desktop browsers, Macs, Chromebooks, and mobile devices. We will also cover keyboard shortcuts, troubleshooting steps, and professional use cases.

Quick Reference: Google Docs Double Underline Methods

Note: There is no native keyboard shortcut for a double underline in Google Docs.

Can You Double Underline in Google Docs?

No. Google Docs does not feature a native double underline formatting option. If you navigate to Format → Text, you will only find standard formatting options like bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough.

By contrast, Microsoft Word includes double underline natively via the Font dialog box or the Ctrl + Shift + D shortcut. While Google Docs lacks a built-in Google Docs double underline shortcut, you can achieve the exact same visual effect using the four workarounds below.

4 Ways to How to Double Underline in Google Docs

Method 1: Using Paragraph Borders (Easiest and Most Reliable)

This is the cleanest approach. It stacks a traditional text underline directly on top of an adjusted paragraph border to form two clean, parallel lines.

1. Type your text in Google Docs.
2. Select the text and press Ctrl + U (Windows/Chromebook) or Cmd + U (Mac) to apply a standard underline.
3. Keep the text selected and go to Format → Paragraph styles → Borders and shading.
4. In the Borders and Shading window, click the Bottom border icon under the Position section.
5. Set the Border width to your preferred thickness (e.g., 1 pt or 1.5 pt) and choose a solid line.
6. Set Paragraph Padding to 0 pt so the border sits close to the text.
7. Click Apply to save your changes.

Pro Tip: You can also adjust the border width and color in the Borders and Shading window to match your document’s design. A thicker border width makes the double underline more noticeable.

Method 2: Using the Drawing Tool (Most Customizable)

The Drawing Tool gives you complete control over line thickness, length, spacing, and color. This method works best when you need a precise, visually customized double underline.

1. Open your Google Doc and place your cursor where you want the double-underlined text to appear.
2. Select Insert → Drawing → New to open the canvas.
3. In the Drawing window, click the Line tool in the toolbar (it looks like a diagonal line).
4. Draw a horizontal line on the drawing canvas. Hold Shift while drawing to keep it perfectly straight.
5. Copy the line using Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac) and paste it with Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V).
6. Drag the second line directly below the first.
7. Select both lines, click Actions → Group so they lock together, and click Save and Close.
8. Click the inserted drawing in your doc, change the text wrap setting to Behind text, and position it under your words.

Tip: To resize or reposition the drawing, click on it and drag the handles. Use Image options for precise size and position control.

Method 3: Using the Equation Tool (Best for Short Text)

The Equation editor allows you to stack mathematical formatting commands to create an instant double underline for short strings of text.

1. Open your Google Doc and click where you want to insert the double-underlined text.
2. Click where you want the text to go and select Insert → Equation.
3. Type \underline into the active equation text field and press the Spacebar. This generates your first underline track.
4. Inside that newly formed track, type \underline a second time and hit the Spacebar again. This creates a nested secondary line.
5. Now type your text inside the inner box.
6. Click outside the equation box to finalize.

Method 4: Copy and Paste from Microsoft Word (Easiest One-Time Fix)

If you have access to Microsoft Word, this is the simplest one-time solution. Word supports double underline natively, and pasting Word content into Google Docs can preserve the formatting.

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
2. Type the text you want to double underline.
3. Select the text, then go to Home → Font dialog (click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Font group).
4. In the Underline style dropdown, select the double underline option. You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + D in Word.
5. Click OK to apply.
6. Copy the formatted text using Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac).
7. Open your Google Docs document and paste using Ctrl + V to try to preserve the Word formatting.

Note: Results may vary. Google Docs will sometimes strip the double underline formatting during the paste transfer. If it reverts to a single line, use Method 1 instead.

Is There a Double Underline Keyboard Shortcut in Google Docs?

No — there is no built-in keyboard shortcut for double underline in Google Docs because the feature does not exist natively in the software.

In Microsoft Word, you can use Ctrl + Shift + D to apply a double underline. This shortcut does not work in Google Docs.

How to Double Underline in Google Docs on Mobile

The Google Docs mobile app for iOS and Android does not natively support equation editing, advanced drawing functions, or paragraph border adjustments.

Best Option on Mobile

• Format via Desktop First: Apply your double underlines using a desktop web browser via Method 1. When you open or review that document on a mobile smartphone or tablet, the double lines will render and display correctly. You can continue editing the surrounding text fields on mobile without breaking the existing layout assets.

When to Use Double Underline in a Document

Double underlines are not commonly used in everyday documents, but they serve specific purposes in certain fields:

• Accounting and finance: Double underlines are traditionally used to indicate a final total or grand total in financial statements such as balance sheets and income statements. This is the most common professional use case.
• Legal documents: Some legal formatting styles use double underlines to distinguish sections or mark final figures and key obligations.
• Academic papers: Certain citation styles or professor-specific requirements may call for double underlines on specific elements. In traditional proofreading, a double underline below text signals that it should be capitalized.
• Design and emphasis: Double underlines can add visual weight to headings or key terms when a standard underline is not prominent enough.

Tips for Using Double Underlines Effectively

• Limit double underlines to one or two key areas per page to maintain visual impact
• Combine with bold text for section titles or key figures that need maximum emphasis
• Keep the formatting consistent — if you use double underlines for totals, use them for every total in the document
• Always review your document before finalizing to make sure the double underlines enhance rather than clutter your content

Google Docs double underline troubleshooting

If your formatting lines look uneven or shift out of alignment during updates, consult the fix matrix below:

Conclusion

For most users, Method 1 (Paragraph Borders) is the best balance of ease and quality. It takes under a minute, uses native Google Docs features, and produces a clean result that holds up when printing or exporting to PDF.

Looking for more Google Docs formatting help? Check out these related guides:

• How to Underline in Google Docs — All methods for standard underlining on every device
• How to Add and Remove Dotted Line in Google Docs