Google Docs is a word processor by Google that allows you to create and edit documents online, which you can then share with other users, download to your device, or print. The beauty of using an online word processor is that anytime you log in with your Google account, you get access to all your files. As long as you have internet access, with Google Docs you will be able to write and edit your work whenever and wherever you want.
How to access Google Docs
To access Google Docs you will have to log in from a computer or download the Google Docs app on your device (smartphone or tablet). To download the app, simply go to the App Store or Google Play app, search for the Google Docs app, and tap the Install button. Once the download is complete, log in with your Google account credentials or create a new one if you don’t have one. The sign-up process is quite simple and requires little personal information.
Key features of Google Docs
- Smart Compose: This feature allows you to write faster by predicting what your next words are going to be.
- Spelling and grammar checks: Make sure your productions are perfect with the spellcheck and grammar tool. This feature will underline the words or expressions that need extra attention.
- Voice typing: This feature is one of the most practical ones. If you are tired of typing, you tend to make many typos or your thoughts move faster than your hands, try the voice typing tool, which will transcribe everything you say.
- Translation: Google Docs is connected with other tools provided by Google, such as Google Translate. Use this tool to easily change the language of your document. Bear in mind that the translations might not always be accurate. I suggest having a professional translator check it before making it public.
- Connection with other Google apps: Most Google apps are connected, which allows you to exchange information with one another easily. For example, you can answer comments on a file from your email address. You can also embed charts for Google Sheets on your Google Docs file, or share your document via Google Meet during a video call.
- Upload of files from other word processors: You can easily upload files in Word or PDF format to Google Docs and edit them. You can even download them in those same formats after you are done modifying them.
- Offline editing: You can edit your files even without an internet connection. The changes will be uploaded to the cloud when your device regains access to the Internet.
Collaborate with Google Docs
One of the biggest innovations and most practical features of Google Docs is that it allows you to share your files with other colleagues, who can edit the same file as you in real time. On this app, you can also add comments and suggestions for other users to see in a shared file, and mention them individually in the comments so they get notified via email that their attention is required.
This innovation allows you to always work on the latest version of a document, since the editing takes place live and all other collaborators can see it. You also have a sidebar with the editing history of the file, where you can see who has done what and when, and even reverse the file to a previous version.
Personal and Business accounts on Google Docs
Google Docs personal accounts are free of charge and include most key features. If you have a company, however, you can opt for a paid subscription with other features that can be convenient for you, such as extra storage space, a custom business email, shared drives for your team, and recording of meetings, among others.