Google Docs Cover Letter Templates: 6 Free

Google Docs gives you six free cover letter templates, cloud storage, and real-time collaboration — all without installing anything. This guide covers every built-in template, shows you exactly how to access and customize them, and explains which one fits your industry.

If you need a matching resume, we also have a full guide to Google Docs CV templates.

How to Access Cover Letter Templates in Google Docs

Getting to the templates takes about 10 seconds:

1. Go to docs.google.com and sign in to your Google account
2. Click Template Gallery in the top-right corner of the homepage
3. Scroll down to the Letters section
4. Click any template — it opens as a new, editable document

You can also reach the gallery through Google Drive: click New > Google Docs > From a template, then scroll to the Letters section.

Every template is free, saves automatically to Google Drive, and can be shared with anyone for feedback.

All 6 Built-In Cover Letter Templates Reviewed

Google Docs currently offers six letter templates. Here is what each one looks like and who should use it.

1. Spearmint — The All-Rounder

A clean design with a thin green accent line separating your contact info from the letter body. The typography is simple and highly readable.

Best for: Finance, consulting, corporate roles, government, and any industry where you want to look professional without taking risks. This is the safest choice if you are unsure.

2. Swiss — Creative and Distinctive

An asymmetrical layout with bold use of whitespace and a modern feel. The design itself makes a statement.

Best for: Marketing, design, media, advertising, and any role where visual taste matters. It shows you care about presentation without going overboard.

3. Geometric — Structured and Technical

Features geometric graphic elements at the top and bottom of the page. The layout is clean and organized with clear visual hierarchy.

Best for: Engineering, tech, data science, and STEM roles. The structured aesthetic signals precision and attention to detail.

4. Serif — Classic and Formal

A traditional design using serif fonts throughout. No color accents or graphic elements — just clean, formal typography.

Best for: Law, academia, government, nonprofits, and any field where tradition carries weight. If the company has been around for 100 years, this is the one.

5. Modern Writer — Bold Header

Features a prominent header with your name in large type and a black horizontal divider. Balances personality with professionalism.

Best for: Journalism, content roles, publishing, and general business applications where you want to be memorable without being flashy.

6. Coral — Colorful and Energetic

Uses a vibrant coral accent color and a playful secondary font. The most visually distinctive of the six.

Best for: Advertising, entertainment, startups, and creative agencies. Use it cautiously for conservative industries — the color makes a strong impression.

Quick Comparison

Template	Style	Color	Best Industries
Spearmint	Clean, minimal	Green accent	Corporate, finance, tech
Swiss	Asymmetric, modern	Minimal	Creative, marketing, design
Geometric	Structured	Geometric shapes	Engineering, STEM
Serif	Traditional	None	Law, academia, government
Modern Writer	Bold header	Black accent	Media, publishing, business
Coral	Vibrant	Coral accent	Advertising, startups, creative

These built-in templates are solid starting points. For a faster approach, ResuFit generates cover letters tailored to specific job descriptions using AI — no template customization needed.

Step-by-Step: Customizing Your Template

Once you have picked a template, follow these steps to make it yours.

Step 1: Replace All Placeholder Text

Click on each section of placeholder text and replace it with your information. Check every line — leaving sample text like “Your Name” or “Company Address” in the final version is one of the most common mistakes.

Step 2: Set Your Contact Information

Add your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL at the top. Include the date and the recipient’s name and title if you know them.

Step 3: Adjust Margins and Spacing

Go to File > Page setup to set margins. The standard is 1 inch on all sides, but you can reduce side margins to 0.75 inches if you need more space. Keep line spacing at 1.15 for readability.

Step 4: Choose the Right Font

Stick with professional, ATS-tested fonts like Arial (11pt), Calibri (11pt), Garamond (12pt), or Georgia (11pt). Avoid decorative fonts — they can look unprofessional and confuse applicant tracking systems.

Step 5: Write Content That Matches the Job

Do not repeat your resume. Your cover letter should explain why you want this specific role and what you can contribute. Reference the job description and mirror its language. For help structuring your opening, see our guide on powerful ways to begin a cover letter.

Step 6: Review on Desktop Before Sending

Always preview your final document on a desktop screen. Mobile editing can introduce invisible spacing issues. Use File > Print preview to see exactly how it will appear to the reader.

Formatting Tips by Industry

Different fields have different expectations. Here is a quick reference:

• Corporate / Finance / Law: Serif or Spearmint template. Conservative fonts, no color, 1-inch margins. Keep it to three paragraphs.
• Tech / Engineering: Geometric or Spearmint template. Clean structure, clear section breaks. Quantify your achievements.
• Creative / Marketing / Design: Swiss or Coral template. Slightly more design freedom, but maintain readability. Show visual taste without sacrificing clarity.
• Academic / Research: Serif template. Longer format is acceptable. Reference publications, grants, or teaching experience.
• Startups: Modern Writer or Coral. More personality is welcome. Focus on impact and adaptability over formal credentials.

Not sure if you even need a cover letter? Our data-driven guide to cover letter necessity breaks down when it actually matters.

Making Your Cover Letter ATS-Compatible

Most mid-to-large companies use applicant tracking systems to filter applications before a human sees them. Google Docs templates are generally ATS-friendly, but follow these rules to stay safe:

• Do not add text boxes or shapes. ATS software often ignores content inside them.
• Keep important info out of headers and footers. Many systems skip these entirely.
• Use standard section names like “Dear [Name]” rather than creative alternatives.
• Include keywords from the job posting naturally in your text.
• Export as PDF (File > Download > PDF Document) unless the posting specifically asks for .docx.

For more details on passing automated screening, check our complete ATS-friendly resume guide — the same principles apply to cover letters.

Third-Party Templates for Google Docs

If the six built-in options are not enough, several sites offer additional free templates that work with Google Docs:

• gdoc.io — 21 free cover letter templates covering career changes, internships, and industry-specific formats. One-click open in Google Docs.
• TheGoodocs — Large collection of free templates with matching resume designs. Sorted by industry and style.
• Canva — Design-forward templates you can export and import into Google Docs. Best for creative fields.

When using third-party templates, always check that they are ATS-compatible: avoid complex layouts, multiple columns for body text, and excessive graphics.

Exporting and Sending Your Cover Letter

When your cover letter is ready:

1. Export as PDF: File > Download > PDF Document. This is the standard format that preserves formatting across all devices and systems.
2. Name the file professionally: Use a format like Cover_Letter_YourName_CompanyName.pdf so recruiters can find it quickly.
3. Double-check the PDF: Open the downloaded file and verify that all formatting, fonts, and spacing look correct.
4. For email submissions: Attach the PDF and paste a brief version of your cover letter in the email body.

Google Docs also lets you email the document directly via File > Email > Email this file, but attaching a properly named PDF is more professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a great template, these errors can sink your application:

• Forgetting to replace placeholder text. Check every single line before sending.
• Using the same cover letter for every job. Generic letters are obvious. Customize at least the opening paragraph, the company name, and the specific skills you highlight.
• Choosing a flashy template for a conservative industry. A Coral template for a law firm application sends the wrong signal.
• Exceeding one page. Unless you are in academia, keep it to a single page.
• Ignoring mobile display. Many recruiters first see your letter on their phone. Make sure it reads well at any screen size.

For real examples of well-written cover letters across different situations, see our cover letter examples and templates guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Docs have free cover letter templates?

Yes. Google Docs includes 6 free letter templates in its Template Gallery under the Letters section: Spearmint, Swiss, Geometric, Serif, Modern Writer, and Coral. Open Google Docs, click Template Gallery in the top-right corner, and scroll to Letters.

What is the best Google Docs cover letter template for most jobs?

Spearmint works for the widest range of industries. Its clean layout, single accent line, and readable typography make it appropriate for everything from finance to tech. For creative roles, Swiss or Coral add more visual personality.

How do I open a cover letter template in Google Docs?

Go to docs.google.com, click Template Gallery in the top-right corner, scroll down to the Letters section, and click the template you want. It opens as a new document you can edit immediately.

How do I export a Google Docs cover letter as PDF?

Click File, then Download, then PDF Document. PDF preserves your formatting exactly and is the preferred format for most job applications and applicant tracking systems.

Can I edit Google Docs cover letter templates on my phone?

Yes, the Google Docs mobile app lets you access and edit templates. But always do your final review on a desktop before submitting, since mobile editing can introduce spacing issues you will not see on a small screen.

Are Google Docs cover letter templates ATS-friendly?

The built-in templates use simple formatting that most ATS software can parse correctly. Avoid adding text boxes, headers/footers with key information, or heavy graphics, as these can confuse automated screening systems.