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Guide

Krutidev in Google Docs

Google Docs does not support Krutidev. Here are the workarounds for Hindi typing in Google Docs.

Krutidev does not work in Google Docs

Google Docs is a web application that can only use fonts hosted on Google Fonts servers. Krutidev is a locally-installed font that the browser cannot access for web page rendering. This is a technical limitation of how web browsers handle fonts, not a Google Docs bug.

Option 1: Convert Krutidev to Unicode (Recommended)

If you have existing Krutidev text that you need in Google Docs, convert it to Unicode first:

  1. Open your Krutidev document in MS Word or Notepad
  2. Select and copy the Krutidev text (it will look like English characters)
  3. Paste it into our Krutidev to Unicode converter
  4. Copy the Unicode output
  5. Open Google Docs, select a Unicode Hindi font (Noto Sans Devanagari), and paste

The converted text is standard Unicode Hindi that displays correctly in Google Docs, WhatsApp, email, and any other modern application without installing any font.

Option 2: Google Input Tools (for New Text)

For typing new Hindi content directly in Google Docs, use Google Input Tools:

  1. Install the Google Input Tools Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store
  2. Click the extension icon in Chrome toolbar and select "Hindi"
  3. Open Google Docs - you can now type Hindi phonetically (type "bharat" to get "भारत")
  4. Toggle between Hindi and English by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Space

Google Input Tools uses phonetic transliteration - you type Hindi words using their English pronunciation. This is different from the Krutidev Remington layout. For government exam preparation, stick with the Krutidev layout in MS Word. For casual document creation, Google Input Tools is faster.

For more details, see our Google Input Tools setup guide.

Option 3: Use Google Docs Built-in Hindi Keyboard

Google Docs has a built-in Hindi keyboard that does not require any extension:

  1. In Google Docs, go to Tools > Preferences
  2. Or use the Input Tools menu: click the down arrow next to "English" in the toolbar
  3. Select "Hindi" from the language list
  4. Choose either InScript layout or Transliteration

The built-in option uses the InScript keyboard layout, NOT the Remington/Krutidev layout. If you are accustomed to Krutidev key positions, this will feel completely different because InScript places characters in alphabetical Devanagari order.

Krutidev vs Google Docs: When to Use Each

Use CaseToolWhy
CPCT/government exam practiceMS Word + KrutidevExams use Krutidev layout
Official government documentsMS Word + KrutidevKrutidev is the required font
Collaborative editing with othersGoogle Docs + UnicodeEveryone can see the text
Casual Hindi writingGoogle Docs + Input ToolsFastest for non-typists

Related Guides

Krutidev in MS Word

Set up and use Krutidev in Microsoft Word

Google Input Tools

Type Hindi phonetically without Krutidev

Krutidev to Unicode Converter

Convert text before pasting into Google Docs

Keyboard Layout

Interactive Krutidev keyboard reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Krutidev font in Google Docs?
No. Google Docs is a web application that only supports fonts hosted on Google servers. Krutidev is not a Google Font and cannot be uploaded. Even if Krutidev is installed on your computer, Google Docs cannot access local system fonts for rendering. The solution is to type in Krutidev offline (in MS Word or Notepad), convert to Unicode using our converter, then paste the Unicode text in Google Docs with Mangal or Noto Sans Devanagari selected.
Which Hindi font should I use in Google Docs?
Noto Sans Devanagari is the best option - it is clean, readable, and available in Google Docs by default. To add it: click the font dropdown, scroll down and click "More fonts", search for "Noto Sans Devanagari" and add it. Alternatives: Tiro Devanagari Hindi (serif style) and Hind (compact). All are Unicode fonts that display correctly everywhere.
How do I type Hindi directly in Google Docs without Krutidev?
Install the Google Input Tools Chrome extension. Click the extension icon, select "Hindi" as the input language. Now when you type in Google Docs, your English keystrokes are transliterated to Hindi automatically. Type "namaste" and it becomes "नमस्ते." This is phonetic typing - you spell Hindi words using English letters. It is faster than Krutidev for casual typing but not suitable for CPCT exam practice.
Can I open a Krutidev Word document in Google Docs?
You can upload a .docx file to Google Drive and open it in Google Docs, but the Krutidev text will appear as garbled English characters. Google Docs substitutes a default font because Krutidev is not available on Google servers. You need to convert the text to Unicode before uploading, or paste it through our converter after opening.