How to use Google Docs
What’s on this page?
This Google Docs tutorial will guide you through basic functions and features so you can begin learning how to use Google Docs proficiently. You’ll learn how to create, upload, manage, share, collaborate, and comment on the various types of Google Docs.
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What is Google Docs?
Google docs is a powerful set of cloud-based office tools that allows you to create and collaborate on documents, presentations, spreadsheets, forms, and drawings. However, unlike emailing a document or presentation around for revision, Google Docs allows the people on your team to securely comment and edit live from their own computers.
How to Create Google Docs
To create a new document, find the Create New drop-down button in the upper left corner of the screen, and select the type of document you’d like to make.
To name the file, click the box labeled Untitled Document. A dialog box will open where you can enter a new document name.
How to upload to Google Docs
To upload an existing document, like a Microsoft Word document or an OpenOffice presentation, click the Upload button. To upload specific files, click Files… or click Folder… to upload an entire folder to Google Docs.
How to create a Collection
Like folders on your computer, Google Docs can be organized into collections. To create a new collection, click Create New and select Collection.
Enter a name for the collection, and click Ok. The collection will now appear in the left menu bar of your Google Docs screen, and you can drag and drop documents to add them to the it. Unlike folders, Docs allows you to place your files in more than one collection.
How to share Google Docs
With a document open, click Share in the upper right corner. To allow other people to view and edit the document, enter their names in the Add people box. If they can view and edit, select Can edit in the drop down on the right. If they can only view, select Can view.
Collections can be shared in the same way. Select a collection in the left side menu bar, click the small arrow, and click Share.
How to chat on Google Docs
When other people are viewing or editing a document, you’ll see a notice bar in the upper right corner of the screen. Click it to open a chat conversation with the other viewers where you can talk about changes being made and make suggestions.
How to comment on Google Docs
To leave a comment on a particular part of a document, highlight that part and click the Insert menu bar, and select Comment.
Your comments will appear in the margin, where others can reply to what you said. When the consideration is resolved, click Resolve in the upper right corner of the comment window, and the conversation will disappear.
How to print Google Docs
To print a Google Doc, click File, then Print. A dialog box will appear that allows you to select your printer and print settings. Press Print when the settings are correct.
If you feel as though you or your employees need further training, check out our step-by-step eLearning program designed to jumpstart your proficiency in Google Docs.
