The user encounters the issue when he tries to superscript a text by using the keyboard shortcut. The issue is reported on nearly all the major operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) and browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.). Before moving on with the troubleshooting process to fix superscript in Google Docs, restart your device to rule out any temporary glitch. If you are using a managed (school or corporate) device/account, then contact the IT administrator of your organization. Moreover, make sure you are trying the right keyboard shortcut, i.e. pressing the Ctrl/Command and Period keys simultaneously (some users were trying to use Ctrl and + keys). Furthermore, keep in mind that these shortcut keys may not work with all the languages & keyboard layouts. Additionally, if you are having issues with another browser except for Chrome, then try to use the shortcut of FN and Command/Ctrl and Period keys to superscript the text.
Solution 1: Update Your Browser to the Latest Build
Nearly all the browsers are updated regularly to add new features to pace with the technological advancements and patch the known bugs. You may encounter the error under discussion if you are using an outdated version of the browser because it may lead to compatibility issues between the browser and Google Docs. In this context, updating the browser to the latest build may solve the problem. We will discuss how to update Google Chrome; you may follow instructions pertinent to your browser to update it.
Solution 2: Disable / Remove the Problematic Browser Extensions
Extensions are used to enhance the browser functionality and are part of nearly all the major browsers. However, you may encounter the issue at hand if any of your extensions are interfering in the operation of Google Docs. This can be very true if any of the extensions are using the same keyboard shortcut (Cmd/Ctrl + period) as used by Google Docs to superscript the text. In this scenario, either disabling/removing the problematic extensions or changing its keyboard shortcut may solve the problem. We will discuss how to disable/remove the problematic extensions of the Chrome browser. Usually, the issue is reported to be caused by the AdBlock extension. You can also check after exempting Google Docs in the settings of the AdBlock extension. Moreover, you can also change the default shortcut of the AdBlock extension by following the steps below: If the issue persists, then try to reinstall the AdBlock extension.
Solution 3: Clear Cookies and Cache of Your Browser
Nearly, all the major browsers use cookies and cache to improve user experience and boost performance. The superscript (or its shortcut) might not work if the cookies or cache of the browser are corrupt. This is a very common occurrence and can happen in any situation. In this scenario, clearing them may solve the problem. For illustration, we will discuss the process of clearing cookies and cache of the Chrome browser.
Solution 4: Reset Your Browser to the Default Settings
If none of the solutions was able to solve the issue at hand, then, most probably, one of the customized settings of your browser is the root cause of the issue. In this context, resetting your browser to the default settings may solve the problem. We will discuss how to reset Chrome’s settings to the defaults; you should follow the instructions specific to your browser. Before moving on, backup essential information/data of the browser/extensions. If the issue persists even after trying the above solutions, then instead of the keyboard shortcut, try to use the Format menu (Format > Text > Superscript) to make the text superscript until the issue is resolved.
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