How to Add Custom Tabs in Google Docs Using Apps Script

February 9, 2025 by Laurence Svekis

Google Apps Script provides powerful automation features for Google Docs. One useful feature is inserting custom tabs within a document. In this blog post, we’ll create a script that adds two tabbed sections—“Advanced1” and “Advanced2”—allowing users to quickly navigate between them.

What the Script Does

✅ Inserts two tabbed sections labeled “Advanced1” and “Advanced2”.
✅ Allows users to quickly navigate to these sections.
✅ Uses Google Apps Script to dynamically create bookmarks for easy access.

Google Apps Script Code

function addTabsToGoogleDoc() {
  var doc = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument();
  var body = doc.getBody();

  // Add first tab (Advanced1)
  var advanced1 = body.appendParagraph("🔹 Advanced1 Section").setHeading(DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING1);
  var bookmark1 = doc.addBookmark(advanced1);
  
  // Add second tab (Advanced2)
  var advanced2 = body.appendParagraph("🔹 Advanced2 Section").setHeading(DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING1);
  var bookmark2 = doc.addBookmark(advanced2);

  // Insert navigation menu at the top
  var header = body.insertParagraph(0, "📌 Quick Navigation");
  header.setHeading(DocumentApp.ParagraphHeading.HEADING1);

  // Add clickable links to sections
  var linkText1 = "➡ Go to Advanced1";
  var linkText2 = "➡ Go to Advanced2";

  var link1 = body.insertParagraph(1, linkText1);
  link1.setLinkUrl(bookmark1.getId());

  var link2 = body.insertParagraph(2, linkText2);
  link2.setLinkUrl(bookmark2.getId());

  DocumentApp.getUi().alert("Tabs added: Advanced1 and Advanced2!");
}

How the Script Works

1️⃣ Inserts “Advanced1” and “Advanced2” Sections

Uses body.appendParagraph() to add section headers.
Applies setHeading() to format them as Headings for better visibility.

2️⃣ Creates Bookmarks for Easy Navigation

The doc.addBookmark(paragraph) method stores a reference to the section.
These bookmarks allow users to jump between sections.

3️⃣ Adds Quick Navigation at the Top

Inserts a “Quick Navigation” menu at the start of the document.
Includes clickable links that take users to Advanced1 and Advanced2.

How to Run the Script

1️⃣ Open Google Docs and go to Extensions > Apps Script.
2️⃣ Copy and paste the above script into the editor.
3️⃣ Click Run → Select addTabsToGoogleDoc().
4️⃣ Check your Google Doc—you’ll see the navigation menu and sections!

Why This is Useful

🚀 Easy Navigation – Quickly jump between document sections.
📂 Better Organization – Structure your document for readability.
📌 One-Time Setup – Run the script once, and tabs stay in place.

This script is a simple yet powerful way to enhance Google Docs usability. Try it out and customize it for your workf

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