Beneath their surfaces, phrase processors like Google Docs have a treasure trove of hidden options that make it simpler to draft massive paperwork and collaborate on them with coworkers. I’ve lined just a few Google Docs suggestions earlier than, however now I’ve just a few extra to share.
1. Write in Markdown in Google Docs
Credit score: Saikat Basu
Google Docs helps a few of the Markdown syntax. This gives a easy approach to format paperwork utilizing plain textual content symbols, making them simple to learn and write whereas permitting for conversion into richer codecs. In case you are proficient with Markdown, it may make it easier to draft paperwork quicker, shortly formatting your textual content with italics, daring, strikethrough, and hyperlinks. To allow it, go to Instruments > Preferences > Mechanically detect Markdown.
However do bear in mind: Google Docs helps a restricted subset of Markdown syntax, not all of it.
2. Enhance navigation with line numbers
Credit score: Saikat Basu
With the assistance of the standard line quantity, you and your collaborators can simply reference and pinpoint actual areas in complicated and lengthy paperwork. They will additionally make it easier to take exact notes as you’ll be able to join them to the road numbers. However word that line numbers work solely within the Pages format and never within the Pageless view.
Allow them by going to Instruments > Line numbers. Within the line numbers sidebar, choose Present line numbers.
3. Use alt textual content to make docs extra accessible
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Pictures assist your doc, however they cannot be “seen” by display readers. Including alt textual content to your photos helps folks utilizing display readers perceive what the picture depicts.
So as to add alt textual content, right-click on a picture and choose Alt Textual content. Within the Picture choices sidebar, describe the picture briefly. Do not embrace “picture of” or “image of,” simply concentrate on the data the picture reveals.
4. Use the Translate Doc function to apply studying and writing in one other language
Credit score: Saikat Basu
Google Docs will not substitute a language studying course anytime quickly, however it makes use of the identical Google Translate wizardry to translate a doc into any language. You’ll be able to share translated paperwork with collaborators and use them to apply writing in a overseas language.
Open your doc. Go to Instruments > Translate doc. Within the overlay window, select your language, and Google Docs will create a replica within the overseas language.
Keep in mind, it’s also possible to use Google Sheets to translate languages.
5. Pressure the receiver to make a replica of the Google Doc
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You might come throughout situations whenever you wish to share a doc however need the collaborator to make edits in their very own copy of the unique. Docs would not have an official technique to pressure a replica, however there is a neat little unofficial hack that works.
Click on on Share on the highest proper of the doc. Change the hyperlink settings to Anybody with the hyperlink and select Editor from the dropdown subsequent to it. Now, copy the hyperlink and paste it into the e-mail or messenger you’re utilizing to share the doc. Earlier than hitting ship, edit the tip of the hyperlink by changing the phrase “edit” and the whole lot after it with template/preview.
When the receiver opens the doc to edit it, it is going to be their very own copy. The “template/preview” URL suffix permits them to view the doc contents earlier than they begin enhancing them (choose the Use Template button within the preview).
6. Embed a doc in an electronic mail
Credit score: Saikat Basu
You needn’t ship a protracted doc to a collaborator as an attachment. E mail it straight from Google Docs to the receiver’s inbox as an embedded doc. This makes sharing paperwork simpler and cuts down the variety of attachments everybody has to trawl by way of.
Go to File > E mail > E mail this file. Write a message within the subject supplied. Then, choose the checkbox for Do not connect. Embody content material within the electronic mail.
7. Brainstorm with Google Preserve
Credit score: Saikat Basu
When mixed with the long-form writing in Google Docs, the minimal Google Preserve (Google’s free, digital notepad app for capturing ideas, lists, and reminders) is usually a helpful brainstorming assist.
Seize fleeting concepts as notes or lists. Whenever you want these concepts in your Doc, open the Preserve aspect panel (the yellow gentle bulb icon on the precise) and drag and drop your notes straight into your doc. You may also copy textual content out of your Doc and reserve it as a Preserve word for straightforward entry later.
8. Collaborate on an electronic mail
Credit score: Saikat Basu
Gmail gives collaborative inboxes to Google Workspace accounts, however there’s one other approach to collaborate on an electronic mail without spending a dime that makes use of Google Docs. In a Google Doc, insert an electronic mail constructing block from Insert > Constructing blocks > E mail draft. Alternatively, sort “@electronic mail” within the doc and press Enter. You may also go to File > E mail draft.
Write the e-mail and fill out the fields. Then, click on Preview in Gmail on the high left of the draft. Whenever you’re carried out, hit Ship.
The trove of options and suggestions would not finish right here. The Google Drive suite is extra versatile than ever earlier than, and you’ll at all times discover other ways of working with Google Docs that suit your particular wants.
