OC Template on Google Docs: A Must-Have for Writers & Creators

When you’re a author, artist, or roleplayer, you understand how essential it’s to maintain monitor of your Unique Characters (OCs). Whether or not you’ve gotten only one beloved OC or a complete universe stuffed with characters, organizing their particulars can get messy quick.

I used to scribble down my character descriptions in random notebooks and misplaced them extra occasions than I can rely. Then, I found the magic of Google Docs for creating and storing OC templates, and it modified the sport for me.

On this article, I am going to share why Google Docs is ideal for OC templates, what important parts your character sheet ought to embody, and the right way to create an OC template on Google Docs to get you began. Let’s dive in!

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You could be questioning, Why not use a bodily journal or a flowery character-building app? Whereas these are nice choices, Google Docs presents distinctive benefits that make it my go-to instrument for organizing characters. Right here’s why:

Purpose 1: Free & Accessible

Google Docs is 100% free and works on any system. You’ll be able to create, edit, and entry your OC template out of your cellphone, pill, or laptop computer—regardless of the place you’re.

Purpose 2: Cloud Storage & Auto-Save

One in every of my worst habits was shedding my character notes. With Google Docs, every little thing is saved in actual time to the cloud, so that you’ll by no means lose progress. Even when your laptop computer crashes, your OC template might be secure.

Purpose 3: Customizable Formatting

I really like that I could make my OC template as easy or detailed as I need. From daring headers and bullet factors to color-coded sections and tables, Google Docs provides you whole inventive management.

Purpose 4: Collaboration Options

When you co-write tales or create roleplay characters with mates, Google Docs permits you to share your OC template with others. You’ll be able to even permit suggesting mode to allow them to go away feedback with out making direct edits.

Purpose 5: Simple Group

Conserving monitor of a number of OCs? No drawback! You’ll be able to retailer all of your character sheets in a Google Drive folder and even hyperlink paperwork collectively for fast navigation.

A superb OC template ought to embody all the important thing particulars that make your character distinctive. Over time, I’ve refined my template to cowl every little thing from bodily look to private quirks. Right here’s what I like to recommend together with:

1. Primary Info

• Identify: (Full identify, nickname, or alias)
• Age: (Precise age vs. obvious age, if relevant)
• Gender & Pronouns: (He/Him, She/Her, They/Them, and so forth.)
• Species/Race: (Human, elf, demon, and so forth.)
• Birthdate & Zodiac Signal: (Enjoyable for persona insights!)

• Top & Weight
• Eye & Hair Colour
• Pores and skin Tone & Options (Scars, tattoos, freckles, and so forth.)
• Clothes Type (Informal, fantasy, gothic, futuristic?)
• Basic Vibe (How would somebody describe them at first look?)

• Strengths & Weaknesses (Each hero wants flaws!)
• Habits & Quirks (Do they chew their nails or hum when nervous?)
• Fears & Motivations (What drives them? What holds them again?)
• Likes & Dislikes (Meals, music, hobbies, and so forth.)

• Household & Mates (Who formed them probably the most?)
• Main Life Occasions (What defining moments led them to who they’re now?)
• Position in Story/Setting (Are they a hero, villain, sidekick?)

• Fight Expertise or Combating Type
• Powers (if relevant)
• Hobbies & Skills

• Catchphrases or Signature Quotes
• Enjoyable Details (Any secrets and techniques they wouldn’t inform others?)
• Reference Photos or Playlists

Organising an OC template in Google Docs is tremendous simple! Right here’s my step-by-step information:

Step 1: Open Google Docs & Begin a New Doc

Go to docs.google.com and choose Clean Doc.

Step 2: Use Headings & Subheadings

Set up sections utilizing Heading 1, Heading 2, and bullet factors so you possibly can navigate shortly.

Step 3: Add a Desk for Fast Info

I like to make use of a 2-column desk to separate classes. Instance:

Step 4: Use Checklists for Traits & Preferences

You’ll be able to create a listing with checkboxes for persona traits:

Courageous
Cussed
Loyal
Impulsive

Step 5: Insert Photos or Hyperlinks

Add reference photographs straight into the doc or add hyperlinks to Pinterest boards.

Step 6: Customise with Colours & Fonts

For a color-coded OC template, spotlight totally different sections (e.g., pink for weaknesses, inexperienced for strengths).

Step 7: Save & Share

When you’re blissful together with your OC sheet, you possibly can obtain it as a PDF or share it through a hyperlink.

After you have the fundamentals down, listed below are some further suggestions to take your OC sheets to the subsequent stage:

Use Google Docs Add-ons

• Lucidchart: Nice for creating household timber or character relationship maps.
• Grammarly: Helps with grammar and typos in your character descriptions.

Set up A number of OCs

• Create a Google Drive folder for all of your characters.
• Use hyperlinks in Docs to leap between totally different OCs simply.

Embed YouTube or Spotify Playlists

• Add a playlist hyperlink with songs that match your OC’s persona.

Utilizing an OC template on Google Docs has fully remodeled the way in which I arrange my characters.

It retains every little thing structured, secure, and simply accessible—whether or not I’m brainstorming a brand new character at house or making last-minute edits on my cellphone.

When you’ve been struggling to maintain monitor of your OCs, I extremely suggest giving this methodology a attempt.