Editing Document Creation Guidelines & Formatting Rules (section)

=== 2.2. Document Structure & Layout Guidelines ===

Regardless of document type, here are '''universal guidelines''':

* '''Structure the text logically''': title page → table of contents → introduction → main part → summary/next steps → contact us.
* '''Follow a logical hierarchy''' (Title H1 → Heading H2 → Subheading H3).
* '''Include a Table of Contents''' for documents over 5 pages or multiple sections, auto-generated via Google Docs → Insert → Table of Contents.
* All body text should be '''width-aligned''', and headings '''left-aligned'''. Titles, images, graphs and tables may be '''center-aligned'''.
* Use the default Google Docs settings for '''page margins and spacing''':
** 1" (2.54 cm) margins on each side.
** Single or 1.15 line spacing for the body text.
* Ensure '''consistent spacing above and below''' headings and between paragraphs.
* '''Text should always be easy to read'''. Use bullet points and well-structured paragraphs (short, concise and informative) for clarity.
* In multi-page documents, '''pages may be numbered'''. Page numbers may begin on the second page and be placed in the header.
* '''Enhance clarity with visual elements''':
** Use '''high-quality images, infographics, tables, and graphs''' with clear labels and explanations.
** Ensure graphs and tables '''align with brand color guidelines''', including headlines and accent lines.
* If you reference external data or sources or need to mention another document, '''include a relevant link''' directly within the text (e.g., "Download the monthly report [https://example.com here]").
* Each client-facing or external doc should end with a '''summary, next steps, or final remarks'''.