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taylorwilsdon

Google Workspace MCP Server - Control Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Chat, Forms & Drive

Update Paragraph Style

update_paragraph_style

Apply heading styles, lists, alignment, and spacing to any paragraph range in Google Docs with a single action.

Instructions

Apply paragraph-level formatting, heading styles, and/or list formatting to a range in a Google Doc.

This tool can apply named heading styles (H1-H6) for semantic document structure, create bulleted or numbered lists with nested indentation, and customize paragraph properties like alignment, spacing, and indentation. All operations can be applied in a single call.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
tab_idNoOptional document tab ID to target
alignmentNoText alignment - 'START' (left), 'CENTER', 'END' (right), or 'JUSTIFIED'
directionNoParagraph direction - 'LEFT_TO_RIGHT' or 'RIGHT_TO_LEFT'
end_indexYesEnd position (exclusive) - should cover the entire paragraph
list_typeNoCreate a list from existing paragraphs ('UNORDERED' for bullets, 'ORDERED' for numbers, 'CHECKBOX' for checklists)
indent_endNoRight/end indent in points
segment_idNoOptional header/footer/footnote segment ID to target
document_idYesDocument ID to modify
space_aboveNoSpace above paragraph in points (e.g., 12 for one line)
space_belowNoSpace below paragraph in points
start_indexYesStart position using Docs API indices from inspect_doc_structure. For the main body, 0 is also accepted as an alias for the first writable position.
indent_startNoLeft/start indent in points
line_spacingNoLine spacing multiplier (1.0 = single, 1.5 = 1.5x, 2.0 = double)
spacing_modeNo'NEVER_COLLAPSE' or 'COLLAPSE_LISTS'
bullet_presetNoOptional explicit Google Docs bullet preset
heading_levelNoHeading level 0-6 (0 = NORMAL_TEXT, 1 = H1, 2 = H2, etc.) Use for semantic document structure
shading_colorNoParagraph shading/background color (#RRGGBB)
keep_with_nextNoKeep the paragraph with the next paragraph
named_style_typeNoDirect named style type - 'NORMAL_TEXT', 'TITLE', 'SUBTITLE', 'HEADING_1' through 'HEADING_6'. Mutually exclusive with heading_level.
indent_first_lineNoFirst line indent in points (e.g., 36 for 0.5 inch)
page_break_beforeNoStart the paragraph on a new page
user_google_emailYesUser's Google email address
list_nesting_levelNoNesting level for lists (0-8, where 0 is top level, default is 0) Use higher levels for nested/indented list items
keep_lines_togetherNoKeep all lines of the paragraph together
avoid_widow_and_orphanNoAvoid widows/orphans for the paragraph

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate a write operation (readOnlyHint=false). The description adds the capability to combine operations in a single call and mentions list/heading behaviors, but it does not disclose side effects like overwriting existing styles, authorization requirements, or any constraints. This is minimal extra context beyond the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise, consisting of just three sentences, and immediately states the core purpose. It avoids redundancy and every sentence adds value, making it well-structured and efficiently scannable despite the tool's many parameters.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

While the tool has 25 parameters and a complex range of operations, the schema descriptions are thorough and an output schema exists. The description provides a high-level overview but does not mention how to obtain indices or handle mutually exclusive options (e.g., heading_level vs named_style_type). It is functional but not fully complete for an agent needing detailed operational context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema provides 100% coverage and detailed descriptions for all 25 parameters. The description names some of these (heading levels, alignment, spacing, indentation) but does not add new semantic details or explain parameter interactions. The baseline of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's function with a specific verb and resource: 'Apply paragraph-level formatting, heading styles, and/or list formatting to a range in a Google Doc.' It also provides concrete examples (H1-H6, bulleted/numbered lists, alignment, spacing) that distinguish it from sibling tools focused on text content or element insertion.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies appropriate usage by specifying paragraph-level formatting operations, which naturally separates it from tools that modify text or insert elements. However, it does not explicitly mention any alternatives or provide 'when not to use' guidance, so it falls short of a perfect score.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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