Can I use this template if the institution requires a printed letter?
Yes-after you complete the letter in Google Docs, choose File Download PDF, then print on official letterhead. The formatting stays intact across devices and printers.
TEMPLATE INTENT
/GENERAL
Google Docs Recommendation Letter Template
A ready-to-use Google Docs template that formats your recommendation letter, tracks version history, and lets multiple reviewers comment without email chains.
2 focused content sections
5 practical action points
4 FAQs for search intent coverage
What you will cover
This page gives you the exact points to include so your recommendation letter sounds credible, specific, and easy to trust.
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Pre-formatted sections for salutation, body, closing and signature
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Automatic save and cloud backup so you never lose a draft
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Comment mode for supervisors to suggest edits in real time
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One-click export to PDF, Word or plain text for submission
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Mobile-friendly editing on any device with the Google Docs app
How to build the letter
Follow these steps in order. Each section tells you what to write and includes a quick checklist so you do not miss key details.
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Set Up in 60 Seconds
Open the template, make a copy, and start writing-no add-ons or downloads required.
Checklist
- Click 'Use Template' and sign in to Google Drive
- Rename the copy to include the candidate's name for easy retrieval
- Share the doc with the reviewer and set permission to 'Comment'
- Use the outline pane to jump between introduction, body, and closing
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Avoid These Submission Errors
Small oversights can delay or invalidate a letter. Check these before sending.
Checklist
- Forgetting to convert to PDF-some portals reject shared links
- Leaving generic placeholders like '[Your Name]' in the final export
- Skipping the signature block; insert a scanned signature image
- Overwriting the original template instead of working on a copy
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I share the draft with my professor without granting editing rights?
Click Share, add their email, and set the permission to 'Commenter'. They can suggest changes that you can accept or reject, keeping full control of the final text.
Is there a word-count or page limit built into the template?
The template uses 11-pt font and 1-inch margins, yielding about 400-450 words per page. A small progress bar in the footer turns green once you stay within a single page.
Will the Google Docs version history satisfy audit requirements?
Version history records every edit with a timestamp and editor name; you can label the final version before submission to create a permanent snapshot for compliance.
PRICING
Pick your plan and start writing today
Free tier
$0
Great for getting started with recommendation letter writing.
Access to free templates and examples
Focused recommendation letter editor
PDF and TXT export
Pro tier
$12 one-time
Lifetime access for high-volume and advanced recommendation writing.
Everything in Free
All Pro templates and examples
AI writing and rewrite assistance
Bias-aware language checks
Save and revisit letters in your account
DOCX export