Google Docs Productivity Tips

Introduction

This guide offers 10 practical tips to enhance your productivity using Google Docs.

Tips

1. Using Building Blocks

   • Insert Bookmark: Place your cursor, type @bookmark, and press Enter to insert bookmarks quicker than using the menu.
   • Use Cases: Besides bookmarks, use the @ command for tables of contents and pre-formatted tables like product roadmaps.

2. Enable Pageless Mode

   • Benefits: Removes page constraints, allowing flexible table and text formatting. Utilize the view text width for more space.
   • Features: Collapse headings for better document organization. Minimize comments for a cleaner view.

3. Set and Save Font Defaults

   • Customize fonts for headings and normal text to make documents more readable. Use a template to quickly update styles.

4. Link to Headings and Documents

   • Hyperlink Requests: Copy links to specific document sections for efficient collaboration.

5. Preview Suggested Edits

   • Enable suggestion mode to make collaborative edits and preview all proposed changes.

6. Restore Version History

   • Recover Changes: Use version history to restore previous document versions when needed.

7. Compose and Send Emails Directly

   • Draft emails within Google Docs, tag colleagues for review, and send directly through Gmail.

8. Email in PDF Format

   • Send document PDFs directly without downloading. Use the email collaborators feature for bulk notifications.

9. Work with Tables

   • Customize Cells: Use split cells to adjust table layouts. Hide table borders for cleaner formatting.

10. URL Tricks for Document Sharing

    • Copy Prompt: Replace edit with copy in the URL to prompt recipients to create a copy.
    • Preview View: Replace edit with preview for a cleaner document view.
    • Direct PDF Download: Change edit to export?format=pdf in the URL for direct PDF download prompts.

Conclusion

Implement these Google Docs tips to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity. Share these tips with colleagues and explore more productivity resources for continued improvement.