10 Google Docs Tips And Tricks To Boost Work Efficiency
Professional writing is a skill that a lot of people don’t consider in their careers and work life. Fortunately, over the years, writing has upgraded from pen and paper and become heavily dependent on technology.
Whether it’s a 20-page report or an email, Google Docs is an essential Ed-Tech productivity tool for all platforms and devices.
Google Docs, a cloud-based document tool, has been a reliable writing, editing, and styling application for many users. It boosts work efficiency and allows a lot of multitasking in the same space which is crucial to a busy work environment.
As a first-time user or current user, you can apply these 10 tips and tricks of Google Docs to improve work efficiency and productivity.
Google Docs Offline
Although Google Docs is a cloud-based tool, its usage is not restricted to an active connection. The offline mode feature enables you to create or modify a document without being connected to the Internet. Following the steps below will allow you to opt for Google Docs offline:
- On your chrome browser, open Google Docs
- Click the menu button on the homepage and select setting on the screen
- Slide the button on the offline bar to switch ON offline mode
- Now, Google Docs can function both online and offline.
This feature is also great for those looking for ways to curb distractions on the internet while working to boost efficiency.
Google Docs Template
From the Google Docs application, toggle the “+” button and select “choose a template” to choose from several relevant templates to get started on a project. The templates are not restricting or confining because they can be easily edited to your taste. They serve as a great structure needed for smooth and efficient work.
Chat and Video Features
This feature on Google Docs allows for real-time team editing and collaboration. Group projects have been made easier with this feature. The feature defeats traditional document sharing for edits across the team members.
The chat and video call feature allies members to share ideas, edit a project, comment and communicate directly on projects. The video chat is connected to Google Meet while automatically screen-sharing the document with ease. With this, team collaboration and work are boosted efficiently.
Voice Typing
Google Docs easily transcribe audio into the document version thereby reducing the workload of typing word for word, typical in a traditional transcription.
Likewise, the same audio feature can be used to hasten document writing using voice. You can dictate or clearly say what you intend to type and Google Docs will do the writing hence making your work easier, faster, and more productive.
Text Formatting Feature
Google Docs has a lot of smart text formatting that allows you to modify your document and add different styles to make it unique and professional.
Some of these features include a variety of font styles, special characters, table of content which updates automatically as you edit content in your document. Smart Compose also provides suggestions and predictions that make typing easier.
Exploring while Typing
Sometimes, work demands extensive research and exploration of a project and this can be time-consuming and painstakingly hectic. But with Google Docs, you can do all the required research on the go.
Google Docs allows navigation to Google Search within the application saving you crucial time and boosting work efficiency. All that is needed is to click Explore icon that you can find at the bottom right and a sidebar will appear. You can type the words or phrase you want more knowledge on and it will display detailed and relevant results from the web.
SEO Optimization
Getting a good ranking and traffic conversion is the first preference for web pages and content writing. Google Docs has made it super to install the SEMRush extension to optimize your document for search engine ranking. Use the following tips to get started.
Version History
As an Editor, take ample advantage of version history on Google Docs. You can check past versions of edited projects or a previous phrase you wrote in a text as well as recover the very first draft of a work.
Version history keeps records of all the changes made to a document either by the current writer/editor or a previous collaborator. This helps you to revert changes you have changed your mind about or make note of certain corrections as well as track your work progress.
Linking
Linking documents is very easy in Google Docs. When working with multiple people or multiple documents, you can link to other documents instead of external web pages.
This type of linking shows the last time a document was edited, the owner, and the title of the document. This contributes greatly to boosting work efficiency in a dynamic work environment.
Email Writing Made Easy
Google Mail is securely linked to Google Docs and you can write emails inside Google Docs. You can get started thy clicking the Insert menu from the toolbar, then selecting Building Blocks and Choosing Mail draft to start writing.
You can also use the “@” tag to fill out the addresses by mentioning the people and Google Docs will send the email when you click the blue icon.
Google Docs has intrigued many users with its clear and simplified usage. The software automatically backs up data to its cloud storage ensuring the continuity of editing and modification of documents. Google Docs’ all-in-one productive solution has made it possible to boost work efficiency among users and corporations.