As you type a sentence in Google Docs, you will frequently notice faint, grey text appearing ahead of your cursor, attempting to predict the end of your sentence. This feature, known as Smart Compose, uses machine learning to suggest common phrases and words in real-time. If you agree with the suggestion, you simply press the Tab key to accept it.
While Google designed this to speed up repetitive typing tasks, many writers find it highly intrusive. The constant flashing of suggested text can disrupt your train of thought, distract your eyes, and inadvertently influence your writing style by encouraging you to use generic, AI-generated phrasing rather than your own unique voice. Fortunately, you can turn this predictive feature off completely.
Disabling Smart Compose Globally
You can disable the predictive text directly from the preferences menu within any active document. Once disabled, the setting applies to your entire Google Account, meaning it will stop appearing in all your other documents as well.
- Open any existing document (or a blank one) in Google Docs on your web browser.
- Look at the main menu bar at the top of the screen and click on Tools.
- From the dropdown menu, select Preferences (usually located near the bottom of the list).
- A settings window will appear in the middle of your screen. Ensure you are on the General tab.
- Look for the checkbox labelled Show Smart Compose suggestions.
- Click the checkbox to uncheck it.
- Click the blue OK button at the bottom right of the window to save your changes.
The grey predictive text will instantly stop appearing as you type. If you ever decide you want the artificial intelligence assistance back, you can simply return to this exact same menu and re-check the box.