What is Google Docs?
Google Docs is a word processor like Microsoft Word and Apple’s Pages, but it is completely free to use – all you need is a Gmail account to start using it on your phone, tablet and PC/Mac.
If you’ve ever used Gmail in the past, then your Google Drive connection came pre-installed. All you need to do is download our app and start using it! Docs and Drive are compatible across many platforms too – including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Google Docs run in the cloud and can be accessed by your browser too. You can easily start a project on your phone, then pick it back up at home when you arrive. No matter where you are, all of your data and documents will automatically sync up to the cloud.
Not only does this special collaboration feature enhance your productivity, but it also allows Google Drive to accomplish what no other platform can. All of your documents are stored in the cloud and are accessible from anywhere as long as you have good internet service!
Google Workspace, formally known as G-Suite, is one of the main reasons why so many businesses have switched to it.
Google Docs is a great and versatile tool for any professional writer.
Why use Google Drive?
Getting Started With Google Docs
Google Docs is entirely free to use. All you need to do is have a Gmail account. If you already have that, then guess what: you’ve already given yourself access to Google Docs from within Google Drive.
Google Docs is one of Google Drive’s apps that many people find too useful to not have. It saves you a ton of time by allowing you to edit, create, and do more with content on the go. But if you’re not interested – or need less functionality – you can just download it here.
Google Docs is available on every modern computing platform, making it easy to set up. There are also a number of print options by partnering with multiple printers around the world — so you’ll never have to leave Google Docs at home!
The best thing about Google Docs is that it doesn’t require a lot of computing power. This allows for smaller, more limited computer systems to be able to access them and use them.
Running Google Docs on an old computer with terms and conditions software, for instance, will run more smoothly in Chrome than a CPU-hogging application like Microsoft Word.
The best thing about Opera – besides giving your browser Mozilla-like open source power – is that it has a built-in security feature called Speed Dial, which gives you up to 9 x 9 customizable shortcuts to all the websites and apps you regularly visit. When you do a Google search, Opera will automatically provide a new Speed Dial for your search results.
Simple!
Here’s everything you need to know about installing Google Docs on different devices.
If you use Google Docs on your phone, then it’s important to keep up with the latest and greatest. There is a dedicated app for both Android and iPhone available in their respective application stores, so download now!
If you connect your account to Gmail, you’ll be able to sign-in on the account anytime. Make sure you hook it up, however, because there are no password reset functions for Yahoo! Mail!
With the new Chromebook app on Android and iOS, simply open up Google Docs and find the “+” icon to launch a new document.
Give the document a name so you can find it later. This will make file management much easier and you’ll be less likely to have dozens of Untitled Documents in one folder. Plus, no one wants to end up with hundreds of Untitled Documents in their Google Drive folder.
If you’re using a PC or Mac, you can access Google Docs right here. Here’s a link to Google Docs so that you can access your docs anywhere.
After signing in, you’ll have quick access to all of your work and past Google Docs. You can also download a copy of Google Drive for Mac or Windows if you’d prefer a more native interface.
For the best experience with Google Docs, activate your browser’s extensions. There are extensions for Google Docs that will bring up a seamless user interface without leaving your current window. This way, you’ll have quick and easy access to Google Docs without having to type in the address or sign into Google.
To add a bookmark for Google Docs, open Google Docs and hit COMMAND+ D. On Mac you’ll use CMD + D and on Windows you’ll press Ctr + D.
Adjusting Margins
You can adjust the margins of your document to get just the perfect size. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use the ruler in Docs to set them as you like, and also how to use the Page Setup dialog box to do so from within documents.
Setting margins in Page Setup
A good way to increase your margins is by going to the Page Setup dialog box.
A click or two later, in the pages you are developing, you will see a button called Page Setup.
Now you can change each margin by clicking a box and typing a new measurement. Revisions are now available.
adjust margins using page setup dialog box
When finished, click the ok bottom.
clicking the ok button
Once you’re done editing your paper, click the Default button to set your margins as default. Now, they’ll automatically be adjusted when you change text size or type.
clicking the set as default button
You can customize your margins in any document type. This will not affect documents that are already created or edited.
Marking margins with a ruler
One way to adjust the margins is to use the ruler.
If you don’t see the ruler at the top of your document, click View and select Show Ruler.
selecting a ruler button
Start with the shorter edge at either end of a ruler.
A ruler with a top and left edge.
A cursor will appear as arrow
cursor is an Arrow
Select the object, then choose your margin widths.
using ruler to make margins
There are many ways you can use the margins in your docs. We currently don’t have a feature that lets you set different margins for individual pages, but this could be useful when you need to customize your paper and make it better suited for your audience.
Creating a hanging indent in Google Docs
Google Docs has a feature that allows you to create hanging indents in as many places throughout your document as you want. To do this, instead of indenting each line manually using the “Enter” and “Tab” keys, use the special indentation feature in Google Docs.
There are a few steps you should follow in order to get started
Highlight the chosen text and press enter once after each citation entry. This makes sure that the first line of each citation entry will be at the left margin.
Click the “Format” option in the top menu. Go to “Alignment & Indentation,” then choose “Indentations options.”
When you need to indent text, try selecting the “Special indent” drop-down menu and then clicking the “Hanging” option. Adjust the depth of the indent as needed by adjusting the number in the box under “Length in Characters.” The standard depth is 0.5 inches (1.27cm).
How to Delete a Page in Google Docs
The best thing to do when you don’t need a page in Google Docs anymore is to delete it. You can use the delete key to remove any kind of unwanted material.
To erase a Google Docs page using the delete key:
Open your document in Google Docs.
Goto the page you want to delete.
Press your mouse cursor towards the top of the page.
google docs top of page
Drag down all of the text on the page, without dragging across anything. This will ensure that everything is selected.
Press Backspace or Delete
To delete your entire page, click “Delete” at the top of the screen. If there is still some text or blank space on the page, repeat the process above by clicking “Manage Pages.”
Unfortunately, deleting a page from Google Docs may not completely remove it. In many cases, this can only be done using Google’s cache system (more on how to do that in the troubleshooting section below).
Here’s how to remove an unwanted empty page at the end of a document.
Google Docs had a lot of issues that came with it, and one of them was blank pages at the end of documents. If you want to print your document, you can always remove the page. However, if you’re sharing your doc for work, it may be best to keep a blank page at the end.
There are a couple of solutions that may help to remove blank pages at the end of your document.
How to Strikethrough Text in Google Docs
When it comes to crossing out text on Google Docs, there are two options available – using the shortcut option, or by choosing the “Strikethrough” option from the Format tab in the header section.
In order to strikethrough text in Google Docs, use a shortcut command.
Here are the steps for using a shortcut to strikethrough text in Google Docs:
Open Google Docs and create a new blank document.
Add text to your document.
Highlight the text you want to keep.
On windows, press ALT + SHIFT + 5.
On a Mac, press ⌘ + Shift + X.
Don’t worry, we have used a shortcut command to edit the text in this Google Doc.
How to put strikethrough text in Google Docs with the formatting tab
Click on the Format option located in the ribbon of any open Google Doc. In this section, we’ll see how we can strikethrough text in Google Docs using the Format option. Here are the steps:
- Open Google Docs and create a new document.
- Write some text in your document.
- Make sure to highlight text that’s been written.
- Navigate to the Format tab in the top-right corner of the header.
- Select Text.
- Click on the Strikethrough option.
- Once you have done this, your text should be crossed out.
Adding text boxes
There are many types of text boxes and each provides a specific purpose. You can add text or place it in a special format for emphasis with the options available. Text boxes are like shapes in Word – you can apply it the same styles and formats to make the text stand out.
To insert a text box:
- To insert an image on your web page, click Insert and select Drawing. The Drawing dialog box will appear.
- Click the text box command.
- clicking the text box command
- Click and drag the text box to create new text.
- Creating a new text box
Release the window, and a text box will appear. Enter your desired text into the text box.
typing in the text editor box
When you’re finished editing and want to save, click Save & Close. The text box will automatically appear in your document.
How to Double Space on Google Docs
Select the paragraph you want to adjust.
- Line and Paragraph Spacing
- Click the Line spacing button.
- Select a spacing option.
- Line and paragraph spacing
- Additional space is added between lines within paragraphs.
For more spacing options, select Custom spacing in the Spacing tool, found under the More icon.
Change Paragraph Spacing
If you want to increase the spacing between paragraphs in your document, use paragraph spacing instead.
Select the sentence you want to adjust.
Click Format on the menu bar.
Line spacing
Click Line spacing.
Select Add space before paragraph or Add space after paragraph.
How To Create A Google Doc
When you’re on the Google Docs app, you’ll see a + icon inside a circular button. Click the button to create a new document that can be shared and opened by anyone.
We’ve created an easy way to switch Google Docs from light mode to dark mode. If you change your mind, simply follow the same steps but toggle the switch back to light. That’s it! Easy!
Here’s how to make your Google Docs presentation landscape.
While viewing your Google Docs editor, you have the ability to easily change your document’s orientation from portrait to landscape. Click FILE > PAGE SETUP > Choose Orientation (PORTRAIT OR LANDSCAPE > Click OK. And that’s it! Your Google Docs document is now in landscape.
Google Docs Also Works Offline Too
Previously, Google Docs would stop working if there was a disruption in your internet connection. That’s something that bothered us because it meant you couldn’t start or finish a project. You can avoid that with an update to Google Docs now that places the app in offline mode whenever there is a disruption.
First, you’ll need to set up Google Drive and Google Docs so that offline mode can work for your benefit. Then, in order to make this mode complete and user-friendly with updated features and options, you’ll need to be connected to the internet.
11 new Google Docs features to try in 2022
Google Docs have undergone many changes in the past year, with some solely cosmetic and others functional. If you’re dismissing every notification for new features, you might miss important changes.
If you’re like us and love Google Docs, then these tips will make your life easier. Whether you’re an experienced power user or just a casual user, it’ll be worth a visit to see what the newest features have in store for everyone.
1. Pageless view
Create a Google Docs template your business can use as a document that includes all the information necessary for you to follow.Here’s
If you’re in need of a great way to work with large images or if you’re writing web content, this is our top pick. It’s useful if you work with a lot of content, too: the scroll will continue on the same line when your document reaches bottom.
If you want to activate pageless view, click File > Page setup. Once you do, click the Pageless tab and confirm your selection. You can also set default to always use pageless view by clicking Set.
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Google Docs has a unique feature called “pageless view.” This option prevents apps from getting cut off mid-paragraph and gives you a sense of wholeness in digital content like Google Slides.
2. Menu shortcut
If you’re working in Google Docs, you can use the “@” shortcut to tag and add notes to your document. You’ll also be able to use a wide range of features without reaching for your mouse.
With Google Keep, you’ll get suggestions for formatting, people, files, and events— so if you use lots of other Google apps, everything will feel a lot more interconnected. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to add any of these items to your document.
3. Dropdowns
I was looking for one of the menu shortcuts (found by typing @, or by clicking Insert on the top menu and selecting Dropdown) when I accidentally opened the root menu shortcut thing. I realized this means you can also find it by just typing @ and then typing dropdown.
It’s simple to insert dropdowns on your website. You can either choose a pre-made one or build your own. Either way, you’ll be able to add or remove default options as needed.
The pre-made dropdowns are useful for tracking the status of your projects or document sections.
4. Table templates
You can easily create tables in Google Docs. There are templates there so that you don’t have to create the same look again and again and again.
A product roadmap with four columns–Project, Status, Related files, Notes.
Template for product roadmap table in Google docs
Reviewers can now track reviews using three columns: Reviewer, Status, and Notes.
Review tracker table template in Google Docs
A project assets table with three columns: File | Description | Status
Project assets table template in Google Docs
A launch content tracker with six columns: Type | Description | Publish Date | Published | Outlet | Link to Content
Launch content tracker table template in Google Docs
As you’re starting a project, it can be tricky and time-consuming to track its progress. We’ve created handy building blocks for resumes, business plans, sales proposals and presentations which can save you time and make the process more streamlined.
5. Meeting notes
There are a variety of event templates you can use in Docs. Just pick out an option from your calendar and type it in and everything will be set.
When you do, a template will appear. Use it to jot down notes about the event and other thoughts, attach them to the event in question, and create a checklist for any action items.
6. Email draft
We’re excited to share a unique new feature with you – composing an email within Google Docs and sending it via Gmail! You’ll receive everything once you send the message, including photos and tables that appear in your draft. Yes, that means you can place all sorts of usable digital designs right into the content of your email.
Inserting a message is easy with the Email builder. Select your option from the Building Blocks menu, and click on Mail Draft Email Builder. Fill in all the fields and then click “Send” when you’re ready to send it out. For a preview, before you send, click on Send Email Draft where you’ll see your finished product in an email reader.
7. Checklists
Google Docs now includes a simple checkbox that marks your work as complete which substitutes for colors. This saves you some time and makes tracking all the tasks in your life easy.
Creating your own task lists is easy with Google Docs. Just open and close square brackets [] and press the spacebar to create a fully interactive checkbox. The menus also have checklists, so if that’s more your style, we recommend using Format > Bullets and Numbers > Checklist.
One of the toolbar’s bullet or numbering section will have a checklist icon.
Checklist option in the Google Docs toolbar
8. Document summary
The new summary feature in Google Docs is designed for students and professionals who love to use the outline tool. When you expand the outline on the left side of the screen, you’ll see that there’s a section where you can add your document summary.
Successful blog posts are those that succinctly summarize what the reader can expect. Simply click the + sign, write something short and clear, and you’re done.
9. Watermarks
Sometimes you have to add a subtle hint to point out some important facts. Or that this is your work and it isn’t meant to be reproduced without consent. Or maybe you just want to put your brand in a high relief.
To begin, make sure your document isn’t in the pageless style. Then, click Insert > Watermark. You can upload an image or write the text you’d like to use as a watermark. Simple!
10. Emoji reactions
The makers of Google Docs have recently confirmed that emoji reactions will soon be possible. The addition of this feature means that we’re closer to understanding just how many words a picture really can say.
To react to anything inside a Google document, highlight the text that’s making you feel something and click the smiling face between the comment and edit buttons.
Then you can pick the emoji that’s most an accurate representation of your feelings.
Want to place some emoji on the document itself? Just type @ and then type a colon : followed by the name of the emoji you want to apply. Use the arrow keys to select your choice, and it’s applied!
It’s not a good idea to use vegetables or fruits, or to punch people in the face.
11. Google Meet integration
The age-old stereotype that writers live in isolation is no longer true thanks to the new Google Docs tool. To make a meeting, simply click the Meet button at the top right of your screen. All meetings are saved directly on Google Drive and you can join them from any computer!
Presenting your document to others can be a headache without Doc. These features make it possible for you to screen share, making your work accessible and more than just an ordinary spreadsheet or presentation. They’re also available in Sheets and Slides, so the more analytical among you can make your work public.
New Horizons
The features and functions of Google Docs are changing constantly and unexpectedly. You can be quite lucky to stumble across a new feature that you didn’t see before in a part of the menu. Keep your eyes peeled and keep exploring so that you don’t miss the latest updates and additions.
