Google Docs is a word processor that enables users to easily create documents, edit and collaborate with others (if access is granted), and share it with anyone. Google Docs is probably one of the most used applications provided by Google and although you may use it on a daily basis, it doesn't mean you are completely familiar with all the features of this free Microsoft Word alternative service.
So, here we are with a list of the best Google Docs tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of this application. Here are some of the things you'll learn, after reading these tips and tricks: Use voice typing to convert your voice to text, send fax from Google Docs, edit images and apply some filters, insert equations, and a lot more.
What are the Google Docs tips and tricks?
Voice typing: With this cool voice to text feature, simply speak as much as you want and see how accurate the output will be. To enable Voice Typing with your desired language, Go to the Tools followed by the Voice Typing option. Now choose the language, click on the Microphone button and start speaking.
The Explore tool: The Explore tool lets you research and get information about any text within your document, without the need to open a new tab. Simply highlight the word you want to learn more about, right-click on the highlighted text, and on the opened menu, click the Explore option. A sidebar opens and you get to read the search results and browse through related pictures.** Special tip: The Explore tool is also useful to find the related images to your highlighted text. It is very helpful to add pictures to your document without leaving it.
Send fax for free: Google Docs doesn't come with a native application for sending fax. But the FAX.PLUS Google Docs add-on brings functionality to the entire documents. To get started, download and install the FAX.PLUS add-on for Google Docs for free, open the add-on and wait for the sidebar to load, complete the sign-up process (If you are already a FAX.PLUS member, you don't need to register for a new account). Now you just need to enter the recipient's fax number, prepare the document to be faxed, and click on the Send button.
Save the document as PDF: If you need to create a copy of your document in PDF format, go to File > Download as > PDF Document (.pdf) from the list to export your document to PDF. As you can see in the list, there are some other file formats including Microsoft Word (.docx), Plain Text (.txt), EPUB Publication (.epub), and Rich Text Format (.rtf).
Version history: What do you think about these Google Docs tips & tricks so far? Well, let's talk about the version history which is very much used when there are several people working on a single document. This wonderful feature of Google Docs enables you to go back in time and see the older versions of your document. It's also helpful when you want to track the changes of a certain author. Go to File > Version History > See Version History, and find out what has happened to your document over time.
Edit images: There are different ways to insert an image into your document, including uploading from a computer, adding from a URL, and searching the web. Once you insert an image, right-click on the picture and then click on the button for Image Options. From that editing menu, you get to customize the transparency, brightness, and contrast of the image. There is also the option to recolor the image, crop the image, and add a border with customized color, style, and weight.
