Custom building blocks let eligible Google Docs users save selected content for reuse. Check the account requirement and the content’s reuse permission before turning a passage into a personal reusable block.
Save the selected material
- Use an eligible work or school account.
- Select the content you intend to reuse.
- Right-click and choose Save as custom building block.
- Give it a clear name and optional description, then create it.
You must be able to copy content from the source document. If copying is restricted, ask the owner for the appropriate access rather than attempting to bypass that restriction.
Prepare safe reusable content
Remove customer-specific names, dates, confidential details, and obsolete values from the reusable sample where appropriate. A block that saves time can also reproduce mistakes across many documents.
Use clear placeholder wording for values that must change. A personal saved block should not imply that every future insertion is approved or factually current.
Understand the reuse boundary
Google states that only the block’s creator can reuse it as a custom building block. Other users can copy suitable source content and create their own block; sharing a document does not automatically add your personal block to their insertion menu.
Insert the saved block into a harmless sample and inspect the result before relying on it. Check formatting, links, chips, and placeholder text. Keep the source and maintenance responsibility clear, and review the actual content each time it is used. Reusability is a convenience, not a substitute for verifying the new document’s audience and requirements.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.