Unfortunately, there is no direct formatting option for double underlining currently built into the platform. You’ll need to utilize a workaround, such as the drawing tool, to create the desired effect.
This guide will walk you through the process of applying double underlines in Google Docs, providing you with the knowledge to create eye-catching, polished documents that make a lasting impression on your readers.
Double Underline In Using the Drawing Tool
Using Google Docs’ drawing tools is a creative way to add a double underline to your text, even though it may not be as straightforward as a built-in feature.
- Open your Google Docs document and select the text you want to double underline.
- Click on “Insert” in the menu bar, and then select “Drawing” followed by “+ New.”
- In the Drawing panel, select the “Line” tool from the toolbar (it looks like a diagonal line).
- Draw a straight line by clicking and dragging it to the desired length. This will be the first underline beneath your text.
- To create a second parallel line, click on the line you just drew, then copy and paste it (Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V or Cmd+C and Cmd+V for Mac users) within the Drawing panel.
- Move the second line slightly below the first one, adjusting the distance between them to your preference.
- Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of the double underline, click “Save and Close” to insert the drawing into your document.
- You may need to resize or reposition the double underline to align it with the text. Click on the drawing, and use the blue boxes that appear around it to resize it. To move the drawing, simply click and drag it into place.

By using this, you can create a double underline in Google Docs to emphasize your text as needed. Remember that these techniques are workarounds, and we hope that Google Docs will one day introduce a built-in feature to add double underlines to text easily.
Use Cases and Alternative Underlining Options
Despite the relevance of double underlining in specific fields or applications, there are alternative underlining styles and formatting options available in Google Docs that can be used for different purposes. These include:
- Single Underline: A simpler and more common option to emphasize or highlight text. To access a single underline, press “Ctrl+U” or click the “U” icon in the formatting toolbar.
- Bold: This option helps emphasize text by making it appear darker and heavier. You can apply bold formatting by pressing “Ctrl+B” or clicking the “B” icon in the toolbar.
- Italics: Italicized text can be employed for titles, quotes, or emphasizing words within a sentence. Use the “Ctrl+I” shortcut, or click the “I” icon in the toolbar to make your text italic.
These alternative underlining and text formatting options available in Google Docs can help you emphasize and highlight important text differently according to their specific purpose, style, or field requirements. The choice depends on your needs and preferences, as various methods might suit certain situations.
Conclusion
While Google Docs don’t provide a direct option for double underlining, the platform allows for creative workarounds using either the Equation box or the Drawing tool. By following the detailed step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can create the desired double underline effect to emphasize your text. Best of luck!