Apps Script that Cleans doc add spacing above each heading

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This Google Apps Script demonstrates the power of automation in Google Workspace. Whether you’re managing files in Google Drive or cleaning up messy Google Docs, this script offers a simple yet effective solution.

Here’s a Google Apps Script function that performs the following tasks on a Google Doc:

  1. Adds spacing above all heading elements: Adds a specific amount of spacing above headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.).
  2. Applies 1.5 line spacing to the entire document.

Script:

function formatDocumentSpacing() {
  const doc = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument();
  const body = doc.getBody();

  // Adjust spacing above headings
  const headings = [
    DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING1,
    DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING2,
    DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING3,
    DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING4,
    DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING5,
    DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING6
  ];

  const spacingAbove = 20; // Spacing above in points

  // Iterate through all paragraphs
  const paragraphs = body.getParagraphs();
  for (const paragraph of paragraphs) {
    const headingType = paragraph.getHeading();
    if (headings.includes(headingType)) {
      paragraph.setSpacingBefore(spacingAbove); // Add spacing above headings
    }

    // Apply 1.5 line spacing to each paragraph
    paragraph.setLineSpacing(1.5);
  }

  Logger.log("Document formatting updated: spacing above headings and 1.5 line spacing applied.");
}

How It Works:

  1. Headings Spacing:
    • The script identifies all paragraphs with headings (H1 to H6).
    • It applies setSpacingBefore(spacingAbove) to add spacing above these headings.
  2. Line Spacing:
    • The script iterates through all paragraphs and applies setLineSpacing(1.5) to set the line spacing to 1.5 for the entire document.

Usage:

  1. Open your Google Doc.
  2. Open the Apps Script editor:
    • Extensions > Apps Script.
  3. Paste the script above into the editor and save it.
  4. Run the formatDocumentSpacing function:
    • Click Run in the Apps Script editor or assign it to a menu option or button.

Customization:

  • Spacing Above Headings: Adjust const spacingAbove = 20; to increase or decrease the spacing (measured in points).
  • Line Spacing: Adjust paragraph.setLineSpacing(1.5); to change the line spacing multiplier (e.g., 2 for double spacing).

Example Output:

  • Headings (H1, H2, etc.): Will have 20 points of spacing above them.
  • Body Text: Will have 1.5 line spacing applied throughout.