Feb 22, 2025

Collapsible lists in Google Docs without having to use Heading style?

I'm looking for a way to collapse text in Google Docs without relying on headings. I've been using OneNote and that set up works well, but I write in Gdocs and want to streamline my workflow.

 My note hierarchies aren't based on where they fall in the large project/paper, they are based on topic or concept. The paper structure/outline comes later once I know what content I'm dealing with. The content is coming from varied sources. I sort and synthesize notes later to establish common themes.

 Requiring heading formats for collapsing text is impractical in this stage because:

  • I don’t yet know the final structure, and what level in a hierarchy the information taken in notes will fall
  • The content might belong to different hierarchical levels, depending on the source
  • When reorganizing information from the larger set of notes, the heading format interferes with my workflow when reorganizing information, messing up what is collapsed under what heading.

What I need is a way to make collapsible lists independent of a document hierarchy so I can sort (drag and drop) the collapsed lists later in my process.

 OneNote allows for this, but I write in google docs. Problem with transferring: 
  • Time consuming
  • Extra steps = greater margin for error
  • Formatting gets messed up when copied/pasted

Help??
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Recommended Answer
Mar 1, 2025
The Collapsible headings feature only works for text formatted as a title or heading.

You can share feedback directly with the Docs team by opening a Docs file and going to Help > Help Docs improve. The Google Product teams review all feedback sent to them and use it to make future improvements to the app.

-MsJenniferS

Diamond Product Expert Jo S. recommended this
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Recommended Answer
Mar 1, 2025
The Collapsible headings feature only works for text formatted as a title or heading.

You can share feedback directly with the Docs team by opening a Docs file and going to Help > Help Docs improve. The Google Product teams review all feedback sent to them and use it to make future improvements to the app.

-MsJenniferS

Diamond Product Expert Jo S. recommended this
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