What's the method for updating text in a Google Docs file using the API?

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1

Need help with Google Docs API text replacement

I’m trying to figure out how to change text in an existing Google Docs file using the API. I’ve looked at the official docs, but they only talk about adding or removing text. I can’t find any info on how to update text that’s already there.

I’ve been searching online for examples or tips, but no luck so far. Has anyone done this before? What’s the best way to do a search and replace in a Google Doc through the API?

Here’s what I’ve tried:

def update_doc_text(doc_id, old_text, new_text):
    service = build('docs', 'v1', credentials=creds)
    doc = service.documents().get(documentId=doc_id).execute()
    
    requests = [
        {
            'replaceAllText': {
                'containsText': {'text': old_text},
                'replaceText': new_text
            }
        }
    ]
    
    service.documents().batchUpdate(documentId=doc_id, body={'requests': requests}).execute()

# But this doesn't seem to work

Any ideas on what I’m doing wrong or how to approach this? Thanks!

2

hey claire, i’ve done this before! ur code looks good, but try adding a ‘matchCase’: True parameter to the ‘containsText’ dict. also, make sure the old_text is an exact match - it won’t work for partial matches. hope this helps!

3

I’ve encountered similar issues with the Google Docs API. One crucial aspect to consider is the document’s structure. The API treats the document as a series of structural elements, not just plain text. This means you might need to iterate through these elements to find and replace text accurately.

Here’s a snippet that’s worked for me:

def find_and_replace(service, document_id, old_text, new_text):
    requests = [{
        'replaceAllText': {
            'containsText': {
                'text': old_text,
                'matchCase': True
            },
            'replaceText': new_text
        }
    }]
    service.documents().batchUpdate(documentId=document_id, body={'requests': requests}).execute()

# Remember to handle exceptions and verify the changes

This approach has been more reliable in my experience. Also, ensure your API version is up-to-date and your authentication is properly set up. Good luck with your project!

4

I’ve been working with the Google Docs API for a while now, and I can confirm that text replacement can be a bit tricky. Your approach is on the right track, but there are a few things to consider. First, make sure you’re using the latest version of the API. Sometimes older versions have quirks that can cause issues.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to use the ‘replaceAllText’ method within a try-except block. This way, you can catch any errors and handle them gracefully. Also, double-check that your credentials are properly set up and have the necessary permissions.

If you’re still having trouble, you might want to try breaking down the document into smaller chunks and updating each section separately. This can help pinpoint where the issue might be occurring.

Lastly, don’t forget to test your code on a copy of the document first. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when modifying important files!