How to Get Out of Superscript in Google Docs (Quick & Easy Guide)

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Accidentally stuck in superscript mode in Google Docs? You’re not alone. Superscript is a useful formatting tool for math formulas, footnotes, and scientific symbols—but it can quickly become frustrating if your text keeps typing above the normal line and you don’t know how to turn it off.

This simple guide will show you exactly how to get out of superscript in Google Docs on both desktop and mobile, plus how to fix the problem permanently.

What Is Superscript in Google Docs?

Superscript is a formatting style that raises text slightly above the baseline. It’s commonly used for:

  • Footnotes (example: “Example¹”)

  • Mathematical exponents (like x²)

  • Chemical formulas (Fe³⁺)

But once enabled, every new character may continue formatting as superscript—unless you turn it off.

How to Get Out of Superscript in Google Docs (Desktop)

You can turn off superscript in several easy ways. Use whichever method is quickest for you.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest Method)

Press:

Ctrl + . (Control + Period) on Windows

⌘ Command + . (Command + Period) on Mac

This toggles superscript on and off instantly.

If your text is still in superscript, press the shortcut again.

Method 2: Use the Format Menu

  1. Highlight the superscript text (or place your cursor where you want normal text).

  2. Go to Format in the top menu.

  3. Hover over Text.

  4. Click Superscript to turn it off.

Once unchecked, your text will return to normal formatting.

Method 3: Clear All Formatting

If multiple formatting styles are active, try this:

  1. Highlight the text.

  2. Press Ctrl + \ (Windows) or ⌘ + \ (Mac).

  3. Or go to Format → Clear formatting.

This resets the text to default style.

How to Get Out of Superscript in Google Docs (Mobile App)

If you’re using Google Docs on Android or iPhone:

Step 1: Select the Text

Tap the superscript text.

Step 2: Tap the “A” Formatting Icon

Found at the top or bottom toolbar.

Step 3: Go to the “Text” Tab

(It may already be selected.)

Step 4: Turn Off Superscript

Toggle Superscript OFF.
Your text will switch back to normal instantly.

Why Am I Stuck in Superscript Mode? (Common Causes)

If superscript keeps turning on:

✔ You toggled superscript accidentally

Shortcuts like Ctrl + . can be hit by mistake.

✔ You copied superscript text

Pasting formatted text carries superscript along with it.

✔ Your document style settings changed

Rare, but possible in shared docs.

✔ A footnote reference caused confusion

After inserting footnotes, text sometimes stays in superscript until manually switched off.

How to Prevent Superscript From Turning On Again

✔ Use “Clear Formatting” after pasting text

This removes hidden formatting.

✔ Avoid copying from PDFs or websites without cleaning the text

These often contain invisible superscript tags.

✔ Watch for pressed shortcut keys

The superscript toggle is easy to hit accidentally while typing fast.

Bonus Tip: How to Remove Existing Superscript Formatting

  1. Select all superscript text.

  2. Press Ctrl + . (Windows) or ⌘ + . (Mac).

  3. OR use Format → Text → Superscript.

  4. OR clear formatting (Ctrl + \).

This returns everything to normal baseline text.

Final Thoughts

Getting out of superscript in Google Docs is easy once you know the shortcuts and menu options. Whether you’re editing a school assignment, writing a report, or formatting scientific content, you can switch between superscript and normal text instantly.

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