What is Google docs: features and functions

What is Google docs

If you work a lot on the Internet, or work with documents and you have to take flash drives with the information, you will surely be interested in knowing what Google Docs is. Maybe you already use it, or maybe you haven't given it a chance yet.

On this occasion, We want to bring you this Google tool that, if you have an email from Gmail, surely you have seen it. Do you want to know what it is, what features it has and what are the functions? And why should you use it or why not? So, keep reading what we have just collected for you.

What is Google Docs

Document

The first thing you should know is what Google Docs is. And in this case we are talking about a online text processing service. In other words, it is an online program in which you will be able to create and edit text documents online. Also, by being connected to the Internet, anyone with the link to that document (and permissions to edit) will be able to work on the document. This allows real-time collaboration with other users.

And to that we must add the power access documents from any device with an Internet connection.

Google Docs features

Collaborative work in docs

We have already discussed some of the most significant features of Google Docs, but we want to go a little deeper so that you understand everything that this tool that is within the services offered by Google Drive offers you.

Between them, the most notable are the following:

  • Word processor: allows you to easily write, edit, format and format texts.
  • Being able to collaborate in real time: allows you to work on the same document with several people at the same time. Of course, it is necessary that these people have access to the document and permissions to edit it.
  • View Change History – Allows you to see who has made changes to a document and revert them if necessary.
  • Make comments and suggestions: You can add comments and suggestions to a document to discuss changes.
  • You have several templates available: for different types of documents, such as resumes, letters, etc.
  • It is integrated into Google Drive: in fact, this service is one of those you have in Google Drive along with others such as the possibility of creating slides, spreadsheets...
  • It is compatible with different formats: you will be able to import and export documents in different formats, such as Microsoft Word, PDF, odt, etc.
  • You will have advanced editing tools: such as tables, graphs, images, etc.
  • You can search for information on the Internet within the document.
  • It has accessibility tools: to adjust the size of the text, the contrast, etc.
  • It integrates with other Google tools like Google Calendar, Google Meet, etc.

For all this, It is one of the most complete tools and offers multiple advantages when using it. But what can you really do with Google Docs?

Google Docs Features

Google Docs open document

You already know what Google Docs is. You know its characteristics. And you might have an idea what this tool is for. But, just in case, you should know that we are talking about a word processor in which you will be able to create new text documents. Together with your classmates you will also be able to make spreadsheets and presentations.

But not just create the documents. If you have any, you will only have to upload them to Google Drive and Google Docs will take care of opening them (or converting them for this) so that you can edit them from anywhere you are (as long as you have Internet).

One of the main functions, and advantages, of Google Docs is the possibility of several people working on the document at the same time. In this way, you can see when a person writes on it or make changes in real time. In addition to these, the possibility of commenting and suggesting changes (as we can do in Word, LibreOffice or OpenOffice) is possible.

When downloading those documents, we can share them with other users and give them editing permission, but also export them in different formats such as PDF, Word, RTF, among others.

As you can see, it is a tool that has practically thought of everything. Now, there are always some pros and cons of using it or not. One of the biggest fears is the fact of uploading "compromised" information and that it could be leaked. On the other hand, you have the possibility of traveling anywhere without having to carry flash drives, disks, etc. with that information, and thus work wherever you go. Shall we talk about all the good, and not so good, that Google Docs has?

Advantages and disadvantages of using Google Docs

Up to this point we have told you many good things about Google Docs. And we will continue to do it. But we want to be objective and every tool, program... has its advantages and disadvantages. And this is no exception.

Among the advantages of using Google Docs, the first and foremost is that it is free. You also don't have to download it or install anything on your computer. Simply with a Gmail email you will already have access to this and many other tools. As a second advantage, you have real-time collaboration with several people, which facilitates communication and teamwork.

The fact of being able to access the documents from any device with an Internet connection is also a plus, especially since it does not limit you only to the computer, but you can also enter from your mobile phone or tablet.

Now, what's wrong with it? In fact, There are several points to keep in mind that we would like you to review:

  • It depends on an Internet connection to work. If there is no Internet you will not have access to the documents (although now you can work without Internet and the changes are uploaded as soon as you connect).
  • You may have security problems if it is not configured correctly.
  • Compatibility issues with some file formats. It is something unavoidable. If you import a document and Google Docs is unable to read it, you won't be able to do anything with it.
  • Performance crashes if working with very large or complex documents.
  • Privacy issues if documents are shared with unwanted people. Or if, for example, you share it with a team and a member of the team leaves but you forget to remove it from the users who can see that document.

So is it reliable?

Answering this question is not easy. And it is that, depending on the use you want to give it, we could say yes or no.

For example, If you are going to use it to have a document with all the references of your products for your online store, we could say yes, It is reliable and it will also help you to have that documentation wherever you go. If you use it to have a copy in a document on your mailing list to which you send a newsletter, it will depend on how secure you think that file is. Although Google protects the most "compromised", "personal" information that requires high security, for us it should not be uploaded to Google Drive or Google Docs.

The decision must be made by you, but there is no doubt that Google Docs can be a good solution and avoid having to install a text editing program on your computer or even rely on a computer to work (because you can do it by mobile or the tablet).


Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.