What Is a Google Ads Preview Tool?
A responsive search ad is a set of up to 15 headlines and 4 descriptions. Google mixes them into different combinations for each search, so you never write one fixed ad. That makes it hard to picture what people will actually see.
This Google Ads preview tool builds a realistic mockup of a sponsored result on mobile and desktop. Click to shuffle through the combinations Google could show, test pins and keyword insertion, and fix limits and policy issues before your ad goes for review.
How to Use the Google Ads Preview Tool
- Add your final URL and up to two display paths. The domain comes from your URL.
- Write at least 3 headlines and 2 descriptions. The counter beside each one turns red if it is over the limit.
- Pin only when you must. Choose H1, H2 or H3 for a headline, or D1 or D2 for a description.
- Type a test keyword to see how keyword insertion fills in your ad.
- Click Show Another Combination a few times and read every version out loud. Each one must make sense.
Responsive Search Ad Limits
| Asset | Limit | How many |
|---|---|---|
| Headline | 30 characters | 3 to 15, up to 3 shown at once |
| Description | 90 characters | 2 to 4, up to 2 shown at once |
| Display path | 15 characters each | 2 paths |
| Business name | 25 characters | 1 |
| Sitelink text | 25 characters | Up to 4 on mobile |
Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters count as two each. You can read the full rules in Google's guide about responsive search ads.
How Keyword Insertion Works
Write {KeyWord:Running Shoes} and Google swaps in the keyword that matched the search. {keyword:...} keeps it in lower case, {Keyword:...} capitalizes the first word and {KeyWord:...} capitalizes every word. If the keyword would push the headline over 30 characters, Google shows your default text instead, and so does this preview.
Tips for Better Responsive Search Ads
- Make every headline stand alone. Any headline can appear next to any other, so avoid ones that only work as a pair.
- Mix the angles. Write some headlines about the product, some about offers and some about trust, like delivery or returns.
- Keep musts in guaranteed spots. Headline 3 and Description 2 do not always show, so never rely on them for prices or legal text.
- Pin sparingly. Each pin cuts the number of combinations Google can test. If you pin, give that spot 2 or 3 options.
Learn More About Ad Copy
See how ads are ranked in how the Google Ads auction works, learn how relevance lifts your Quality Score, and plan fair tests with PPC ad copy testing. Want to check every asset in one go? Paste them into the Google Ads character counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is this the same as the Google Ads Ad Preview and Diagnosis tool?
No. Google's own tool shows whether a live ad is showing for a search. This tool is a mockup for ads you are still writing, so you can check the copy before it goes live.
2Why does my ad show only two headlines?
Google shows up to three headlines, but often drops the third one on smaller screens or when space is tight. That is why Headline 3 is never guaranteed.
3Does pinning lower Ad Strength?
Yes, it usually does. Pinning reduces the combinations Google can test. Pin only text that must always appear, such as a brand name or a legal line.
4Why does the preview show my default text instead of the keyword?
Keyword insertion falls back to the default text when the keyword would make the headline longer than 30 characters. Use a shorter keyword or shorter text around it.