Create and edit Google Docs on the fly
Google Docs offers a handy way to view and edit your documents on the fly. It's now a separate free app from Google Drive, though it is heavily integrated with Google's cloud storage service, giving you easy access to documents stored there.
What's the point of Google Docs?
Google Docs lets you create and edit text documents on your phone or tablet. It synchronizes with your Google Drive so you can open documents that you've already been working on either on your device, on the web, or on another device. The application allows you to create, view and edit Microsoft Word documents, which is a big plus if you don't get on with the Microsoft Office Android app.
One of the key plus points of the Google Docs app is that it lets you collaborate on documents, giving you the ability to edit in real time with others. It's a very seamless process and is great for remote working.
Another great thing about the app is that it supports offline viewing and editing, meaning you can work without an internet connection. The app supports auto-saving too, so you never need to worry about remembering to press a Save button.
In terms of editing features Google Docs handles all the basics: changing fonts and point size, formatting paragraphs, inserting tables, and annotating documents with comments.
There are plenty of features missing from Google Docs which you'll miss if you're looking for a more comprehensive formatting tool. For instance, you can't insert images or hyperlinks, you can't tweak column widths, and there's no support for document encryption. There's no word count in Google Docs, either.
You should note that Google Docs only supports text documents. If you want to manage spreadsheets you should download the separate Google Sheets application.
What's it like to use?
Google Docs has a fairly basic user interface, though it's generally very easy to get around. The main pull-out menu gives you quick access to your documents from Google Drive, including starred items, plus docs that are stored locally. You can view folders and documents as a list or in grid view, with thumbnail previews shown to help you quickly identify what's what.
Once you've opened or created a document, editing features appear in a ribbon above the document panel. On a phone the editing options can be a bit fiddly since you need to slide the ribbon across to see all the tools. The tablet support is great though, and the larger interface provides a very comfortable way to format documents.
One improvement that would benefit Google Docs would be the inclusion of tabbed documents, which WPS Office does so well. This would make it much easier to work with multiple documents at the same time.
Why is Google Docs very popular?
Google Docs is a popular word processing and document collaboration tool for several reasons:
- Free and Cloud-Based: It is free to use and is cloud-based, which means that documents are stored on Google's servers and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for local storage, backups, and expensive software licenses.
- Collaboration: It allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, with each user's edits and changes visible in real-time. This makes it easy for teams to collaborate on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets, regardless of their location.
- Accessibility and convenience: Because it is cloud-based, users can access their documents from any device with internet access. This means that users can work on their documents from their home computer, work computer, or mobile device.
- Seamless integration: Google Docs is integrated with other Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar, making it easy to share and collaborate on documents. It can also be integrated with third-party applications and services, such as Slack, Trello, and Zapier.
- Versatility: Google Docs offers a range of features, including formatting options, commenting and revision tools, and add-ons and templates. This makes it a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from drafting a simple letter to creating complex spreadsheets and presentations.
Not for everyone
For basic editing of Google Docs, the app does a good job. It makes it easy to work with documents you've already created and collaboration support is great.
Changes
Besides undergoing very slight Material Design tweak to the 'hamburger' icon, the menu in Google Docs now includes an 'Incoming' option. This allows you to quickly see all documents that have been shared with you, in chronological order.
Other changes in the latest Google Docs update include the ability to make a copy of a document, support for shortcuts with Bluetooth keyboards, and improved accessibility.
