Google Docs is Google's browser-based word processor, which many use as a free alternative to Microsoft Word. While you can use it to create and format documents, an interesting feature of Google Docs is that it allows people to collaborate in real time. You can work with others on the same document, whether using your laptop at work or a budget Android smartphone while traveling.

This article explains what Google Docs is, what it does, and how to use it so that you can get up to speed on the platform quickly.

What is Google Docs?

Google Docs is a cloud-based word processor. Word processors are tools that help you create and revise digital documents. Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processors. Google Docs is cloud-based, which means everything is stored in the Google cloud instead of on your computer.

Image shows the Google Docs icon over a blurred screenshot of the Google Docs main page. Many previously made documents are displayed in the background.

You may have heard of Google Sheets or Google Slides. These productivity tools are similar to Microsoft Office Excel and PowerPoint in the same way that Docs is similar to Word. Google's analog to Office is Google Workspace. This paid service includes Google's productivity tools and more. You don't need to pay for Workspace to use the individual tools, and Google Docs is at the top of the list for free Google software that's worth using.

What can you do with Google Docs?

Google Docs can be boiled down to a simple workflow. It's best used for creating, editing, and sharing documents. Here's a brief look at the key features of this software.

Create documents in Google Docs

Creating documents is pivotal for making the Google Docs workflow hum. Docs has a + icon in the lower-right corner that you can click to generate a blank document to start working on.

This document is stored on Google's servers, so it doesn't take up space on your computer. It is only accessible by you, unless you choose to share it. Documents you create in Google Docs display on the main page under Recent documents. When creating documents, give them names that you'll recognize later.

Edit documents in Google Docs

Document editing is the bread and butter of word processors. Docs is neat because the edits you make are automatically saved. If you're new to word processors, it's worth looking into how to edit using Google Docs. Start with simple things like how to check your word count and how to change the margins. There are more complex features if you want to use text boxes in documents or insert a personal signature. Learning a few keyboard shortcuts speeds up the editing process.

Share documents and work with others

The document-sharing features in Google Docs are exceptional. Integration with Google Drive and Gmail means sharing documents is quick and easy. You can also import Word documents to the Google Docs platform. Docs is compatible with various file types, including DOCX, HTML, RTF, ODT, PDF, and more. So, no matter how you want to share your work, there's a convenient option.

You can customize sharing permissions when sharing a direct Google Docs link. This involves choosing the recipients and what they can do (view, comment, or edit). When shared, you can collaborate with others on that document in real time. These options make collaboration precise and simple.

Edit documents while offline

Since this software relies on storage in Google's servers, people may assume they need an internet connection to work with Google Docs. You can use Google Docs offline. Google has tutorials for how to use Google Docs offline, but you need to activate offline access in Google Drive. Before doing offline work, you may need to prepare and check some document settings in Google Docs.

Download add-ons for Google Docs

Docs offers extra features, known as add-ons, that make it a versatile word processor. You can download hundreds of add-ons for free from the Google Workspace Marketplace. These add-on features range from simple things like adding more fonts to more complex functionalities. For example, the table of contents add-on is great for anyone working on longer documents with many subheadings. There are helpful add-ons available for all kinds of document work.

How to use Google Docs in the web browser

Using Google Docs through the web browser is a common way to get work done from anywhere. These steps outline the basics of using Google Docs on the web.

  1. Create or sign in to your Google account.
  2. Visit the Google Docs page and click Go to Docs. You can also go to docs.google.com.
  3. Click the + icon in the lower-right corner to create a new document. You can start with a blank document or a template.
    Screenshot shows the Google Docs main page with many 'Recent documents' displayed. A red square surrounds the + icon button in the bottom right corner.

  4. To import a document file, click the folder icon in the upper-right corner and select Upload.
    Screenshot shows main page of Google Docs with many 'Recent documents' displayed. A red square surrounds the small folder icon in the top-right corner.
  5. If you opened a new document, give it a title.
    Screenshot shows a blank document in Google Docs. A red square surrounds the words 'Untitled document' in the top left corner.
  6. Experiment with the writing and editing tools visible in the toolbar at the top.
  7. Click the Share button in the upper-right corner.
    Screenshot shows a blank document in Google Docs titled 'AP Doc'. A red square surrounds the 'Share' button in the top-right corner.
  8. Use the drop-down menu to customize your sharing settings.
    Screenshot shows the sharing settings pop-up for a blank document in Google Docs.
  9. Click Done.
  10. Click the hamburger menu icon in the upper-left corner of the main page for more options and settings.
    Screenshot shows the main page of Google Docs with many 'Recent documents' displayed. A red square surrounds the hamburger menu in the top-left corner.

After completing these steps, you're ready to move forward with document work and collaboration. The most convenient browser is usually Google Chrome, but Docs works with most browser options.

How to use Google Docs on your mobile device

You can use Google Docs on Android or iOS. The Google Docs app is similar on both platforms. These steps help you use the Docs app on most mobile devices.

  1. Download the Google Docs app.
  2. Open the app, and create or sign in to your Google account.
  3. Tap the + icon in the lower-right corner to create a new document. You can start with a blank document or a template.
  4. To import a document file, tap the folder icon in the upper-right corner, navigate to where the file is located, and then select the file.
    Screenshot shows the main page of the Google Docs app, with many 'Recent documents' displayed (the titles are blurred). An arrow points to the + icon button in the lower-right corner.
    Screenshot shows the main page of the Google Docs app. An arrow points to the folder icon in the top-right corner.
  5. Give your new document a title.
    Screenshot shows the title pop-up in a new blank document in the Google Docs app.
  6. Tap the pencil icon in the lower-right corner to use the writing and editing tools.
  7. Tap the checkmark icon in the upper-left corner when you finish writing and editing.
    Screenshot shows a blank document in the Google Docs app titled AP Doc. An arrow points to the pencil icon button in the lower-right corner.
    Screenshot shows a document in Google Docs app titled AP Doc with the words 'Hello World :)'. An arrow points to the checkmark icon in the top-left corner.
  8. Tap the Share icon in the upper-right corner.
  9. Customize your sharing settings.
    Screenshot shows document in Google Docs titled AP Doc with the words 'Hello World :)'. An arrow points to the share icon in the top-right corner.
    Screenshot shows the share settings page in Google Docs app. Arrows point to the search bar to add people at the top and the words 'Manage access, Not shared' near the middle.
  10. Tap the back arrow in the upper-left corner to return to your document, and tap it again to return to the Docs main page.
  11. Tap the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner for more options.
    Screenshot shows document in Google Docs app titled 'AP Doc' with the words 'Hello World :)'. An arrow points to the back arrow in the top-left corner.
    Screenshot shows the main page of the Google Docs app with many 'Recent documents' displayed (they are blurred). An arrow points to the hamburger menu icon in the top-left corner.

You now know how to get started with Google Docs on your mobile device. You're ready to get work done on your phone or PC, no matter where you are.

A useful tool for productivity and collaboration

Google Docs is a reliable word processor. If you enjoy the collaborative features of the tool and don't want to use a paid platform, you can't go wrong with this browser-based word processor. If you enjoy using Docs and want to try similar tools, check out the top PC-based and mobile-based alternatives for Google Docs.