The top Google Docs tips and tricks to try today
Google Docs is one of the best word processors available. The productivity tool is part of Google Workspace and is available with afree Google account. Google Docs allows you to edit documents online or offline and offers advanced features for seamless collaboration with others. The app supports integration with Gmail, Google Drive, Sheets, and a growing list of add-ons for enhanced capabilities on your PC,Android phone, or tablet.
Google Docs also allows you to sign documents electronically, add more fonts, and create attractive illustrations without leaving the word processor. To help you take advantage of this tool, use these Google Docs tips and hacks for a better workflow.
You are using Google Docs wrong if you haven’t tried these Smart Canvas features
Add more fonts
If you’re bored with the Arial and Times New Roman text styles, Google Docs allows you toadd more fonts to your documentfrom your browser. By default, 25 fonts are available in theFontsmenu. it’s possible to include hundreds of new ones when you tapMore fontsfrom the list.
Google Docs only supports web-based fonts, so you can’t add local or custom fonts to the application. The best you can do is get a supported extension from the Google Workplace Marketplace. The mobile app doesn’t offer the option to add more fonts. Even if you try the process in your browser, the fonts don’t appear in your mobile app. The app also doesn’t have a font add-on you can download.
Insert images with URLs
it’s possible to embed an image from a web page into your document without downloading it from the source ortaking a screenshot. You need the image URL, which saves time and storage space. On Android, the procedure is different. You can only search and add an image from the web. If you have a URL you want to add, use Docs in Chrome or another browser.
Inserting images via a URL in Google Docs doesn’t make you immune to copyright laws. Ensure you have the license to use a picture before adding it to your documents. Copyright infringement makes you liable to pay fines or damages to the copyright owner.
Insert images on browsers
Use a URL to insert images in the mobile app
Use extensions to boost functionality
Extensions and add-ons are a valuable part of the Workspace Marketplace. They enhance the capabilities of Google Docs. Some add-onscorrect your grammar, include math equations, and create a Google Form.
If you don’t find an add-on that does what you need, create one using Google AppSheet or AppScript. You don’t need to be a developer to build your add-on with App Sheet, as coding is not required.
How to use extensions on browsers
How to install an add-on on the mobile app
Some of the following tasks can be accomplished on the Google Docs app for Android or iOS, but the processes are difficult, frustrating, or both. We recommend using Google’s PWAs on your browser.
Use outlines to organize your document
A Google Docs outline acts as a visual roadmap to give you a clearer sense of direction in structuring your document. Outlines also work as jump links to help you find specific parts quickly. Instead of scrolling until you locate the section, click a heading, and Docs takes you there. You cancreate a Google Docs outlineon the web and mobile apps, although Docs does it automatically when you insert headings in your document.
The outline appears as a table of contents in a left sidebar, which you may hide or expand. On Android, expand the app’s menu options and selectDocument outlineto view and manage your outline. If you don’t want a heading visible in your outline, remove it from the list without affecting your document. You can also turn off the outline feature in the web app, and headings don’t appear in the sidebar until you turn on the feature again. This setting applies to old and new documents.
Sign documents electronically
Google Docs is many things, but a professional electronic application software isn’t one of them.Google plans to roll out eSignature supportfor Workspace Individual subscribers. Top competitors like Microsoft Word already let you sign documents for free, but not without making you go through a lengthy process. There’s a drawing tool under theInsertmenu that you can use tocreate and insert your signature in Docs.
Although drawing your signature is not as authentic as doing it with professional eSignature software, it’s useful when you need to sign a document urgently. The signature isn’t permanent, it doesn’t require authentication, and you can alter it whenever you want.
The drawing tool is only available on the web version of Docs. it’s possible to sign documents professionally with DocuSign and other add-ons on browsers and the mobile app.
Create illustrations
You cancreate illustrations in Docswith functions such as word art, images, and 3D shapes. The drawing tool is under theInsertmenu, and clicking it opens a checkered window for drawing within Docs. Actions you perform in the window automatically appear in your document. You don’t need to insert every drawing you create manually. You can also download drawings in PDF, JPEG, PNG, and SVG file formats to your device.
The drawing tool doesn’t offer advanced features for drawing with a stylus pen. You’re restricted to using your mouse for clicking and dragging elements to create art. You can draw on your screen with your finger if you own a touchscreen PC.
The tool isn’t available on the mobile app. You can use otherprofessional drawing appsif you want an advanced illustration toolbar.
Voice typing
Docs has a built-in voice recognition function that allows you to create and edit documents through speaking. Your device needs a built-in or connected microphone before you can activate and use voice typing. When you activate voice typing, a microphone pops up on your screen, and you can drag it to any position. Clicking the microphone turns it red, which means it’s activated, and you can start speaking.
Words appear in the document as you say them, and you’ll need to be as audible as possible to avoid errors. You can also dictate punctuation and use formatting terms, such as “comma” or “insert a page break.”
Google Docs voice typing is not available on the mobile app. However, you can make dictations with your keyboard’s microphone icon.
Check definitions in the dictionary
English can be tricky. Sometimes, you forget the meaning of a word or how to spell it. You don’t need to download a dictionary app, as Docs has one under theToolsmenu. Clicking the dictionary option opens a right sidebar where you can search a keyword and get its meaning. Some synonyms are also hyperlinked. You can click them to open their meanings.
The dictionary is not available on the mobile app.
Automate citations and bibliographies
It’s important to give credit to an information source when writing a research paper, proposal, or project. Referencing can be time-consuming, and you could make mistakes, especially if you’re new to the concept. Google Docs allows you to cite sources automatically with the source type and the channel you accessed it with. For example, your source type can be the book, journal, or TV series where you got the information. The channel can be a website or print media you used to access the source type.
You can reference sources in any language, but the tool’s field titles or elements always appear in English, no matter what typing language you use in Docs. For print media or websites, enter the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or Uniform Resource Locator (URL) into the referencing tool, and Docs automatically pulls the citation from the internet. You can then add it to your document.
You can also do referencing manually. Docs provides input fields for the author name, publisher and publication year, and other data. Docs only supports MLA, APA, and Chicago Author-Date referencing styles.
Referencing isn’t available on the mobile app, so you must access Docs from a browser.
There’s more to life than Google
Google Docs is cloud-based, has a load of collaborative features, and integrates with an impressive suite of extensions. Plus, you rarely have to rely on additional tools to find what you need, be it illustration tools, charts, or tables. This flexibility and accessibility make Google Docs a popular productivity tool. And it’s free.
Docs has downsides. Mobile users can only access the basic features. You can view a document and do simple edits. Anything beyond that is a job for the browser version, which is mostly unusable on a mobile device. Try it, and you’ll put your phone down and use your desktop. If you want a mobile-friendly word processor, some greatalternatives to Google Docshave everything you need to edit documents.
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