Google Docs is a powerful online word processor that enables you to create and edit documents from any device with an internet connection. In addition to the basic features you would expect from a word processor, such as formatting and spell check, Google Docs also offers a range of advanced features that make it easier to collaborate with others, track changes, and find and replace text.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most useful features in Google Docs, including collaboration, commenting, Track Changes, Find and Replace, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, you’ll find something in this article to help you get the most out of Google Docs.
Here are some detailed features in Google Docs that all users should know:
1. Collaboration:
One of the main benefits of Google Docs is the ability to collaborate with others in real-time. You can invite other people to view or edit a document, and see their changes as they make them. You can also use the “Suggesting” mode to suggest edits to a document without changing the original text.
To collaborate on a Google Doc with others, follow these steps:
a. Open the Google Doc you want to collaborate on.
b. Click the “Share” button in the top right corner of the document.
c. In the “People” field, enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite to the document.
d. Choose the level of access you want to grant to each person by clicking the dropdown menu next to their email address. You can choose “Can edit,” “Can comment,” or “Can view.”
e. Optionally, you can add a message to the invitation and choose whether to notify the invitees by email.
f. Click the “Send” button to send the invitation.
Once the people you invited accept the invitation, they will be able to access and edit the document. You can see who is currently working on the document by looking for their cursor in the document. If you want to stop sharing the document, click the “Share” button again and then click the “Advanced” link. From here, you can click the “Change” link next to the “Who has access” field and choose “Off – Specific people” to stop sharing the document.
2. Commenting:
Use the commenting feature to leave notes or feedback on specific parts of a document. You can add comments by highlighting the text you want to comment on then right clicking and selecting the “Comment” button. You can also use the “@” symbol to notify someone specific in the document to review your comment.
You then type in your comment and then click the “comment” Button.
You can also use the “@” symbol to notify someone specific in the document to review your comment.
3. Track Changes:
To track changes in a Google Docs document, click the pen symbol and then switch to “Suggesting” mode. Any recommended changes are highlighted in green in the document, making them easier to find.
Google’s Track Changes function (also known as “Suggesting” mode) allows you to track changes before they are permanently inserted into the document. Here’s how to put it to use.
How to Turn On “Suggesting” Mode
By default, when you work on a Google Docs document, you are in “Editing” mode. This implies that any changes you make are permanent and will be saved in the edit history. To keep track of any edits you make to the document as suggestions only, switch to “Suggesting” mode.
To begin, open the Google Docs document to which you want to make changes.
a. A Pen icon may be found in the top-right corner of the window, just below the Share button.
b. A drop-down menu will appear when you click it.
c. Click on “Suggesting”
You’ve now entered Suggesting mode. Any edits made to the document will now be tracked. As displayed below, a green strikethrough will indicate through any deleted text, and any new content will be green as well. Text that was previously included in the document will stay black. If the document is shared, the person who made the edit will also be identified in the margin.
4. Find and Replace:
Use the Find and Replace feature to quickly search for and replace specific words or phrases within a document. This can be especially useful when you need to make a lot of changes to a document or if you want to ensure consistency throughout.
To use the Find and Replace feature in a Google Doc, follow these steps:
a. Open the Google Doc you want to use Find and Replace in.
b. Click the “Edit” menu at the top of the screen.
c. Click “Find and Replace.”
d. In the “Find” field, enter the word or phrase you want to search for.
e. In the “Replace” field, enter the word or phrase you want to use as a replacement.
f. Click “Replace” to replace only the currently highlighted occurrence of your string of text or Click “Replace All” to replace all occurrences of your desired string of text in your document.
Google Docs will replace the given text in your document for. You’re good to go.
5. Word Count:
Use the Word Count feature to see how many words are in your document, as well as how many characters (including spaces) it contains. You can access the Word Count tool by going to “Tools” and then clicking “Word Count.”
Below is an image displaying the word count of a Google Document.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts:
There are many keyboard shortcuts available in Google Docs that can help you work more efficiently. Some of the most useful ones include Ctrl + C (copy), Ctrl + V (paste), Ctrl + Z (undo), and Ctrl + Y (redo). You can view a full list of keyboard shortcuts by going to “Help” and then selecting “Keyboard Shortcuts.”
7. Templates:
Google Docs has a variety of templates available for use, including resumes, letters, and budget sheets.
You can access templates by going to “File” and then clicking “New.”
Choose “From Templates Gallery” for all templates available
Overall, Google Docs is a powerful and versatile word processing tool that offers a range of features to help you create, edit, and collaborate on documents. Whether you’re working on a simple letter or a complex research paper, Google Docs has the tools you need to get the job done. We hope this article has given you a good introduction to some of the most useful features in Google Docs and that you’ll be able to use them to your advantage in your work and personal projects. So, it can be concluded that Google Docs is an essential tool for anyone who works with words and ideas, and we highly recommend giving it a try.
