Quick answer: The simplest cover letter format in Google Docs is a block-style business letter. Set 1-inch margins (File > Page setup), use a clean 11–12 pt font, and stack your contact details, the date, the employer's details, a greeting, three or four short paragraphs, and a sign-off. Then export it as a PDF.
Google Docs is free, it autosaves (so your laptop battery dying mid-sentence is no longer a tragedy), and it lives in the same place as your resume. That makes it one of the easiest tools for writing a cover letter. The only catch is knowing which Google Doc cover letter template to trust and how to keep the formatting clean.
This guide shows you where to find the built-in templates, how to build a professional cover letter from a blank document in about five minutes, and how to export and send it without formatting surprises.
Does Google Docs Have Cover Letter Templates?
Yes. Google Docs has a template gallery with a Letters section, and several of those designs work well as cover letters.
How to open it:
- Go to docs.google.com and sign in.
- At the top of the home screen, click Template gallery (next to the "Start a new document" row).
- Scroll down to Letters.
- Click a design. Google creates an editable copy in your Google Drive.
If you already have a document open, you can also use File > New > From template.
Which built-in templates work best?
Google updates its gallery from time to time, so names can change, but the Letters section has included designs such as:
- Spearmint: Simple, with a green accent line. One of the safest choices for corporate roles.
- Swiss: A cleaner, more modern layout with a bold header area.
- Modern Writer: Compact and editorial, with a distinct header and colored accents.
- Geometric: Decorative shapes along the page. Better for creative or casual workplaces.
- Coral: A warm accent color that stands out more.
A word of caution: these templates were designed as general letters, not specifically as cover letters. Some reviewers note that once you add a real introduction, two achievement paragraphs, and a closing, content can spill onto a second page. Decorative headers can also be awkward to edit so they match your resume. If you pick one, plan to trim placeholder elements you do not need.
How to Format a Cover Letter in Google Docs From Scratch
Honestly, a blank document gives you the most control, and it only takes a few settings. Here is the step-by-step version.
Step 1: Set the page
- Open a Blank document.
- Go to File > Page setup.
- Set all margins to 1 inch (0.75 inch is fine if you need a little more space).
- Choose Letter (8.5" x 11") in the US and Canada, or A4 almost everywhere else.
Step 2: Choose a font and size
- Pick a readable font such as Arial, Calibri, Lato, Georgia, or Times New Roman.
- Use 11 or 12 pt for the body and make your name a bit larger (around 14–18 pt) at the top.
- Use the same font as your resume so the two documents look like a set.
For a deeper look at sizing and white space, see our guide to cover letter font, size, spacing, and length.
Step 3: Set spacing and alignment
- Go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing and choose Single.
- Add one blank line between paragraphs (or set "space after" each paragraph).
- Keep everything left-aligned. Justified text creates odd gaps between words.
Step 4: Add your header
Type your full name, then your phone number, email, city and state, and LinkedIn URL. You can place your contact details on one line separated by vertical bars to save space.
Step 5: Add the date and employer details
Press Enter twice, type the date (for example, October 24, 2026), then add the hiring manager's name, title, company, and address if you have it. For email or online applications, the address is optional.
Step 6: Write the greeting and body
Use "Dear [Name]," whenever you can find a name. If you cannot, "Dear Hiring Manager," is a safe default. Then write three or four short paragraphs: an opening hook, one or two paragraphs of relevant proof, and a closing.
Step 7: Sign off
End with "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your name. For a printed letter, leave space for a handwritten signature. For a digital one, your typed name is enough.
Google Doc Cover Letter Template (Copy and Paste)
Paste this into a blank Google Doc, apply the settings above, and replace everything in brackets.
[Your Full Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [City, State] | [LinkedIn URL][Month Day, Year]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address, optional]Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm excited to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. With [X years] of experience in [field or skill], I've [one-line headline achievement], and I'd love to bring that same focus to your team.
In my current role at [Current Company], I [specific achievement with a result]. I also [second achievement that matches a key requirement in the job posting]. These experiences taught me how to [skill the job needs], which I know is central to this position.
What draws me to [Company] is [something specific: a product, value, recent project, or mission]. I'm confident I can help [team or company goal] by [what you would contribute].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I'd welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to [Company]. I can be reached at [phone] or [email].
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Need help with the words themselves, not just the layout? Our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter walks through each paragraph.
Make Your Cover Letter Match Your Resume
Recruiters often see your cover letter and resume side by side. Matching them is one of the easiest ways to look polished.
- Copy your resume header (name, font, size, and contact line) straight into the cover letter.
- Use the same accent color, if your resume has one, and nothing more.
- Keep the same margins so both pages line up visually.
If you want a resume that already looks clean in Google Docs, check our roundup of Google Docs resume templates.
Use a Google Drive Cover Letter Template From Another Site
Many career sites publish a Google Drive cover letter template you can copy. The process is nearly always the same:
- Click the site's "Open in Google Docs" (or similar) link.
- In the file that opens, click File > Make a copy (or the Make a copy button if it appears).
- Rename the copy and save it to your own Drive.
- Edit the text and export as a PDF.
Before you trust a template, check three things: it fits on one page with your real content, it uses standard fonts, and it does not hide important text inside text boxes, tables, or headers. Some applicant tracking systems read those elements poorly. Our guide to the truth about ATS explains what actually trips them up.
How to Save and Send Your Google Docs Cover Letter
Download it as a PDF
Go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf). A PDF keeps your fonts and spacing identical on every device. Name it clearly, such as "Jordan-Lee-Cover-Letter.pdf". "Untitled document (3).pdf" is not the first impression you are going for.
Download as Word if requested
Some employers ask for a .docx. Use File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx), then open it to check that nothing shifted.
Avoid sharing a Docs link (usually)
A PDF attachment is almost always better than a Google Docs link. A link adds an extra click, and if the sharing settings are wrong, the hiring manager sees an "access request" screen instead of your letter. If you must share a link, click Share, set General access to Anyone with the link, set the role to Viewer, and test the link in a private browser window.
Pasting into an online form or email
If the application has a plain text box, copy your letter body only (no header). Formatting like bold and bullets may disappear, so re-check the spacing after you paste. For email applications, see our sample email for job application.
Common Google Docs Cover Letter Mistakes
- Leaving template placeholder text like "Lorem ipsum" or "Your Name Here." (It happens more than anyone admits.)
- Spilling onto a second page because of a large decorative header.
- Using suggestion mode and forgetting to accept your own edits before downloading.
- Inconsistent fonts after pasting text from another source. Use Format > Clear formatting (Ctrl + \ or Cmd + ) and reapply your style.
- Sending the editable link with "Editor" access. Nobody needs to accidentally edit your cover letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Docs have a cover letter template?
Yes. Open the Template gallery from the Google Docs home screen and scroll to the Letters section. Designs like Spearmint, Swiss, and Modern Writer can be adapted into cover letters, although you may need to trim decorative elements to keep it on one page.
How do I format a cover letter in Google Docs?
Set 1-inch margins in File > Page setup, use an 11–12 pt professional font, and set single line spacing with a blank line between paragraphs. Add your contact details, the date, the employer's details, a greeting, three or four short paragraphs, and a sign-off.
Should I send my cover letter as a PDF or a Google Docs link?
Send a PDF unless the employer asks for something else. PDFs look the same on every device, while a Docs link can fail if sharing permissions are not set correctly.
Are Google Docs cover letter templates ATS-friendly?
Simple, single-column templates with standard fonts are generally fine. Be careful with designs that put key text in headers, tables, or text boxes, because some systems do not read those reliably.
What font and size should a cover letter be in Google Docs?
Use a clean font such as Arial, Calibri, Lato, Georgia, or Times New Roman at 11 or 12 pt. Matching the font on your resume makes the two documents look like a professional set.
How do I make a copy of a Google Docs cover letter template?
Open the template, then click File > Make a copy, rename it, and choose where to save it in your Drive. You can then edit it freely without changing the original.
Can I use Google Docs on my phone to write a cover letter?
Yes, the Google Docs mobile app lets you edit and export documents. It is fine for quick edits, but formatting is easier to check on a larger screen before you send.
Start With a Resume Worth Matching
A neat Google Docs cover letter works best next to a resume that is just as clean. If your resume needs a refresh, our AI Resume Builder helps you create an ATS-friendly resume quickly, so you can copy its header and style straight into your cover letter.