How to Use Google Docs Templates in ClickUp (Step-by-Step)

Using Google Docs templates with ClickUp can streamline how you create repeatable documents, standardize project communication, and reduce setup time for every new task or workflow.

This guide shows you exactly how to use Google Docs templates alongside ClickUp, when these templates work well, and when ClickUp’s own features provide a more powerful option.

What Are Google Docs Templates and How They Fit with ClickUp

Google Docs templates are pre-designed documents you can copy and reuse. They include structure, styles, and placeholder content, so you do not have to start from scratch every time. When combined with ClickUp, they help you keep documents consistent across projects, clients, or teams.

Typical uses include:

Project briefs and scopes
Meeting notes and agendas
Content outlines and blog drafts
Contracts, proposals, and SOWs
Checklists and SOPs

While Google Docs manages the actual document files, ClickUp keeps all your related tasks, files, and workflows organized in one place.

How to Use Google Docs Templates with ClickUp

You cannot create or edit Google Docs templates directly inside ClickUp, but you can easily connect your templates to tasks and projects. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Create or Choose a Google Docs Template

First, prepare the Google Docs template you want to use with ClickUp.

Open Google Drive.
Click New > Google Docs or choose a template from the Google Docs template gallery.
Design your document with headings, sections, tables, and placeholder text.
Rename the document clearly, for example, Client Project Brief Template.

Each time you need the same layout, you will create a copy of this template and connect it to ClickUp.

Step 2: Make a Copy of Your Template for Each Use

To avoid overwriting your master template, create a fresh copy for each project or task before attaching it to ClickUp.

Open your template in Google Docs.
Go to File > Make a copy.
Rename the copy for the specific project or client.
Move the copy into the correct Google Drive folder.

This keeps your original template intact and gives every ClickUp task its own unique document.

Step 3: Attach the Google Doc to a ClickUp Task

Once your document copy is ready, you can attach it to a task inside ClickUp so your team can find it quickly.

Open the relevant task in ClickUp.
Click the Attachments section or paperclip icon.
Select Google Drive from the integration options.
Sign in to Google (if prompted) and grant permission.
Search for the document you just copied, then select it.

The Google Doc is now linked directly from the task. Anyone with access can open it from ClickUp, comment, and collaborate in real time.

Step 4: Organize Template-Based Docs Across ClickUp

To keep your template-based documents easy to find, create a consistent structure in ClickUp.

Use the same task naming pattern whenever you attach a document from a template.
Create a dedicated list or folder for document-related tasks.
Add a custom field (such as Doc Type) to label tasks that use specific Google Docs templates.
Use filters and views in ClickUp to see all tasks linked to a particular type of template.

This structure helps you track which projects are using which templates and ensure nothing is missed.

When to Use Google Docs Templates vs ClickUp Docs

Sometimes Google Docs templates make sense, but often it is more efficient to keep everything directly in ClickUp using ClickUp Docs and templates.

Good Use Cases for Google Docs Templates with ClickUp

Use Google Docs templates when you:

Need heavy Google Workspace collaboration outside ClickUp.
Depend on advanced Google Docs formatting or add-ons.
Share documents primarily with external stakeholders using Google links.
Already have a large library of templates built in Google Docs.

When ClickUp Docs Are Better Than Google Docs Templates

ClickUp Docs provide powerful native capabilities you cannot get by only linking Google Docs templates. On the original source page at ClickUp’s blog about Google Docs templates, several built-in document advantages are highlighted.

Use ClickUp Docs instead of Google Docs templates when you want:

Tasks, docs, and workflows in one place without switching tools.
Real-time collaboration tied directly to tasks, assignees, and statuses.
Reusable docs you can turn into templates inside ClickUp.
Rich formatting, tables, banners, and checklists tightly linked to your workspace.
Version history and permissions that match your task structure.

With ClickUp Docs, you can create fully integrated documents that live alongside your tasks, dashboards, and automations.

How to Build Document Workflows with ClickUp Docs

If you want to move beyond Google Docs templates and centralize your workflows, ClickUp Docs can become your main documentation hub.

Create a ClickUp Doc Template

Open ClickUp and go to the space, folder, or list where you manage documentation.
Create a new Doc and design your structure (headings, sections, task lists, and placeholders).
Save the Doc as a template so your team can reuse it.
Add instructions at the top, so anyone using the template knows how to fill it out.

Now anyone can quickly spin up a new Doc based on this template without leaving ClickUp.

Connect ClickUp Docs to Tasks

For a smooth workflow, connect Docs directly to the work being done.

Attach Docs to tasks as project briefs, meeting notes, or handoff documents.
Mention tasks inside a Doc to create quick references.
Use comments and mentions in Docs to bring team members into the conversation.
Pin critical Docs at the space or folder level for easy access.

This reduces context switching and helps your team see everything related to a project in one place.

Best Practices for Managing Templates Across ClickUp and Google Docs

Whether you rely on Google Docs templates, ClickUp Docs, or both, follow these practices to keep your system clean and efficient.

Standardize naming: Use consistent names for templates and their copies.
Document ownership: Assign an owner for each template who maintains and updates it.
Centralize access: Keep lists or spaces dedicated to templates and documentation tasks in ClickUp.
Review regularly: Schedule periodic reviews to remove outdated templates and update content.
Train your team: Provide a short guide or onboarding Doc explaining when to use Google Docs templates and when to use ClickUp Docs.

Level Up Your Workspace Beyond Basic ClickUp Setup

Once you are comfortable using Google Docs templates with ClickUp and building workflows with ClickUp Docs, you can optimize even further.

Design custom task types that always include specific docs or attachments.
Automate task creation based on forms or intake requests.
Use dashboards to track content, documentation, and project progress in real time.

If you need expert help designing advanced systems around ClickUp, consider working with specialists like Consultevo, who focus on building scalable productivity workflows.

By combining the strengths of Google Docs templates with the native power of ClickUp Docs and task management, you can create a streamlined documentation process that keeps every project organized, searchable, and consistent from start to finish.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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