Your Guide to Using Google Docs

Setting Up Google Docs and Learning the Landscape

If you have a Google account - for email or otherwise, it’s relatively easy to get started with Google Docs. All you’ll need is your sign-in information. Even if you don’t currently have a Google account, it’s easy to set one up. While using these free document creation tools takes some getting used to, once you know what you’re doing, it will be easy to create whatever kinds of documents you need for your project or business.

• What Are the Advantages of Using Google Docs Over Other Document Storages Spaces?
• How Much Does Using Google Docs Cost Businesses?
• Your Guide to Creating a Google Docs Account with Ease
• Searching Your Google Docs Document FIles
• What to Do if You Find Yourself Unable to Access Your Google Docs
• Using Google Docs on a Windows-Enabled Phone
• A Google Docs Tutorial for Beginners
• Syncing Google Docs Across Computers
• How to Add Other People to Your Google Docs

Creating Documents in Google Docs Word Processor

The cornerstone of any office suite is the word processing software. Google Docs comes with a very simple word processor. You can use this tool for a variety of tasks. Not only can you create reports for yourself, but you can also use the program for shared projects. Make sure that you understand the way the word processor works and that you’re careful not to take people off the project (I’ve done that before and have had others do that before - have no worries, though we have tips on how to get back in if you’re locked out!)

• Working on a Google Docs Project with Multiple People
• Create Labels in Google Docs
• Using Documents to Effectively Communicate in Your Organization
• Using a Resume Template in Google Docs
• Create Your Course Syllabus Using Google Docs
• Making Scrapbook Pages Using Google Docs
• How to Add Footnotes and Endnotes to Your Google Document
• Making a Teaching Rubric in Google Docs

Using the Spreadsheet Creator

Spreadsheets are another important addition to the office space. If you take the time to carefully construct a spreadsheet, then you can save time in the future when you’re inputting data into the spreadsheet. There are all kinds of uses for spreadsheets from the obvious - tracking financial data and keeping grading scores - to creating a workout or lesson plan.

• Sharing Your Google Docs Spreadsheet
• Creating Mailing LIsts Using Google Spreadsheets
• Making Graphs and Charts in Google Spreadsheets
• Create a Checkbook Register in Google Spreadsheets
• Using Google Spreadsheets to Create and Share Forms
• Using Google Spreadsheets to Create a Family Budget
• Using Google Spreadsheets to Create Web Forms
• Make a Gantt Chart in Google Spreadsheets

Using the Presentation Creator

While some people may not be fond of PowerPoint style presentations, that has more to do with how people use them, or should we say misuse them, than the concept itself. If you don’t feel like shelling out the cash or disk space for MS PowerPoint you still have options. Using Google’s presentation creator is not only free, but like other Google tools has features to facilitate online collaboration.

• Creating Spectacular Collaborative Presentations in Google Apps
• Adding and Editing Speaker Notes in Google Presentations
• Adding Themes to Your Google Presentations
• Uploading Your PowerPoint Presentations to Google Docs
• Adding Video to Your Google Presentations

Other Google Docs Tools

The report creator, spreadsheet tool, and presentation tool are not the only Google Docs tools. You can also create forms, tables, and drawings in Google docs as well as store video, photos, and PDF documents. In addition to the various creative tools available in Google Docs, you can get creative by creating traditional desktop publishing documents in Google Drawing.

• Google Fusion Tables Serve as a Database
• Create a Birthday Card in Google Docs
• Creating a Company Brochure in Google Docs

More Great Google Docs Projects

In addition to the standard uses of the above tools, there are many ways that the Google Docs suite can be used to simplify your life - whether it’s through tracking your projects or helping you manage students in a classroom. With a full office productivity suite that runs without anydownloading just a click away, it is hard not to want to find the time to learn more about how to use Google Docs.

• Tracking Your Projects in a Google Doc Spreadsheet
• Using Google Docs for Project Management Functions
• 10 Project Management Templates for Use in Google Docs
• The Best Google Apps Project Management Tools
• Creating Scrapbook Pages Using Google Docs
• Using Google Docs in Your Lesson Planning
• Using Google Notebooks to Organize Your Google Docs
• Using Google Docs to Create a Wedding Guest Organizer

References

• Google Docs logo property of Google Inc.