If you’re using an old version of Web browsers, the superscript (or the keyboard shortcut for it) may not work in Google Docs. Furthermore, the problem under consideration might be caused by incompatible browser extensions or faulty cookies/cache.
The problem occurs when the user attempts to superscript a text using the key combination. The problem has been noted on practically all operating systems such as (Windows, Mac, Linux, and so on) and browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.)
Restart your system to eliminate any transient glitches before continuing with the troubleshooting step to repair superscript in Google Docs. If you’re using a controlled (school or corporate) device/account, contact your organisation’s IT administrator.
Furthermore, ensure that you are attempting the correct key combination, i.e. hitting the Ctrl/Command and Period keys simultaneously (some people attempted to use the Ctrl and + keys). Also, please remember that not all languages and keyboard layouts will operate with these keyboard shortcuts. Also, if you are experiencing problems with a browser other than Chrome, try using the FN and Command/Ctrl and Period keys to superscript the text.
Update Your Browser to the Most Recent Version
Almost all browsers are constantly updated to include additional features and fix critical flaws, to keep up with technological progress. If you’re using an old version of the browser, you can get the error in question, which might cause problems with Google Docs functionality.
In this case, upgrading to the most recent version of the browser may resolve the problem. We’ll go through how to update Google Chrome, and you may update it yourself by following the instructions for your browser.
- Open Chrome and access the settings by clicking three vertical ellipses (near the top right of the window). Select Settings from the next list.
- Now, go to About Chrome (on the left side of the window) and upgrade Chrome to the most recent version.
- Then click the Restart option to see whether the problem has been addressed.
Stop or Uninstall the Infringing Browser Extensions
Extensions are used to maximise the effectiveness of browsers and are included in practically all of the main browsers. But, if some of your plugins are interfering with the functionality of Google Docs, you may run into the problem.
This is especially the case if any of the plugins employ the same superscripting keyboard shortcut (Cmd/Ctrl + period) as Google Docs. In this case, the problem may be solved by either disabling/removing the troublesome extensions or altering their keyboard shortcut. We’ll go through how to disable/remove the Chrome browser’s troublesome extensions.
- Launch Chrome and click the Extensions icon among the three vertical hyphens. Select Manage Extensions from the next list.
- Then, flip the corresponding toggle to the off state, deactivate all the extensions.
- Check to see if the superscript shortcut works in Google Docs. If that’s the case, start enabling extensions one by one until you locate the one that’s causing you problems.
Typically, the AdBlock addon is blamed for the problem. You may also check in the AdBlock extension’s settings after exempting Google Docs.
You may also alter the AdBlock extension’s default shortcut by following the instructions below:
- In the address bar of the Chrome browser, type: chrome://extensions/shortcuts now, within AdBlock settings, modify the key combination in the box labeled Toggle Pause/Resume of All Sites from anything other than the one used by Google Docs to something else.
If the problem persists, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the AdBlock addon.
Clear Your Browser’s Cookies and Cache
Cookies and cache are used by almost all popular browsers to enhance user experience and speed. If the browser’s cookies or cache are damaged, the superscript (or its shortcut) may not operate. This is a regular phenomenon that may occur in any circumstance. Removing them might resolve the issue in this case. We’ll use the procedure of erasing cookies and cache in the Chrome browser as an example.
- Open Chrome and go to the upper right corner of the screen and hit the three vertical dots. Drag your cursor over More Tools in the following menu, and then select Clear Browsing Data in the following sub-menu.
- Then select Sign Out towards the bottom of the window (if you just want to delete the Chrome data on the device but keep it in your Google account).
- Click the All-Time in Time Range and all of the sections now. Then choose Clear Data and wait for it to finish.
- Restart Chrome and check whether Google Docs is operating properly.
Restore the Default Settings of Your Browser
When none of the options worked, one amongst your browser’s specific settings is most likely the source of the problem. Reconfiguring your browser to its default settings may eliminate the problem in this case.
We’ll go through how to restore Chrome’s default settings; you should refer to your browser’s guide for precise details. Before continuing, make a backup of the browser’s/extensions’ vital information/data.
- Select the three vertical dots towards the upper right corner of the window to open the Chrome browser’s menu.
- After that, go to Settings and open the Advanced option (in the left half of the window)
- Afterward, click Reset and Clean Up, and then select Restore Settings to Their Original Defaults on the right of the screen.
- Then confirm that you want to reset the settings before relaunching the browser.
- Hopefully, the superscript issue will be resolved when relaunched.
The article is aimed to help you learn and enhance your expertise on Google Docs. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please share in the comment section below.
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