How to Use Google to Create Documents

Google Docs offers a free web-based word processor. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. As Wikipedia describes Google Doc features, "Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations can be created within the application itself, imported through the web interface, or sent via email. They can also be saved to the user's computer in a variety of formats. By default, they are saved to the Google servers. Open documents are automatically saved to prevent data loss, and a revision history is automatically kept. Documents can be tagged and archived for organizational purposes." Google Docs offers much more than the popular Microsoft word processing programs. Learn how to use Google Docs for your Document needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to http://docs.google.com/#all. You can link directly to this site by visiting the Resources section of this article.

2. Near the top left of the screen you will see "New." Click on "New" and you will be given a drop down menu. Your choices will be "Document," "Presentation," "Spreadsheet," "Form," and "Folder." Scroll down to "Document," and click there.

3. You will now be taken to a blank document that is ready for you to begin typing your information. You will notice that like most other word-processing programs, you can select your own font, font size, and styles. You are also able to use Bold Face print, Italics, and Underline features, as well as choose the desired color for your text.

4. Notice that there is a link at the top right of the page that is titled "Share." By clicking "Share" you are able to Share with Others, Email as an attachment, Publish as a Web Page, and View as a Web Page. Documents can be shared, opened, and edited by multiple users at the same time, making online collaboration a great benefit of using Google Docs.

5. The possibilities that Google Docs offers is near endless. Fortunately, Google Docs offers a Tour of the many features and capabilities of their program. Simply click on "Help" at the top right corner of the screen. You will be taken to the Google Docs Help screen. Here you can choose to tour the many word processing capabilities available to you. You can also choose to search for a specific help topic if you choose.

Resources

• Google Docs-Creating a Document

[sonni57]

on 3/12/2009 Well done article on how to use google to create documents.

[kskaggs]

on 3/6/2009 Well written article with lots of useful information. 5*

[hazelknows]

on 3/6/2009 I am going to try this information out when I get home today. If my mind is not mush after babysitting my two year old and four year old grandchildren for five hours.