Google Documents: Create and share your documents online

A File Explorer folder structure
The user is able to organise their folders by using "My Folders", or by creating their own new folders. The elements are automatically organised by file type, and you will find all elements linked to word processing in Documents, all spreadsheet files in Spreadsheets and all PowerPoint files in Presentations. The Files folder, and its sub-folders which you have created, will contain all working objects (clipart, pictures…) which don’t fit into any other category. The other folders are Document follow up, the Recycle Bin and the Hidden folder where confidential files can be stored. Dragging and dropping elements is possible, along with the right click mouse functions.

Conserve your working habits
With Google Docs you have storage space shared with the Gmail and Picasa services, with document editing being done in a secure fashion. When you are used to working with a traditional office suite, then you have probably already formed some strong working habits. Under Google Docs, no user adaptation time is required as the user will find themselves in front of a WYSIWYG program, with the usual toolbar menu’s (File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Table, Tools) and the icon shortcut bar (Ruban).  A lot of users may not be aware of these, but the keyboard shortcuts used in this program are exactly the same as in Word or Excel. A detailed list of these can be found here.

Working tools, correction and layout
If you are looking for inspiration, then simply take a look through the models gallery and select from the public models provided by Google, other users or even yourself if you have already managed one! There are thousands… An open working document can be manually saved at any time or downloaded to your machine in the file format of your choice, with these files being saved in your Google storage space by default.

The user has a spell checker, styles, dozens of character fonts, numerous statistics, numbered lists, text justification and almost instant translation of 40 languages available to them, with it being possible to undo any changes if you make a mistake. It is even possible to insert all object types like pictures, drawings, graphs, tables, calculations, links and even gadgets. Only the grammar check tool seems to be missing.