11 helpful tips all Google Docs users should know

4. Compare two Docs with ease

Occasionally I have to review two versions of a document — and that can be tricky when they both look the same at first glance. Whenever this happens, I use the "Compare documents" feature, which creates a new document that shows you the differences between them.

Try it yourself: Click Tools in the menu of one of the Docs and select "Compare documents.” From there, you can select a Doc in your Google Drive to compare. Google Docs will then create a new document that highlights the differences between the two in red, making it easy to see what’s changed — and catch potential errors.

5. Customize your dictionary in Google Docs

When I’m organizing my personal to-do list or writing for pleasure, I sometimes abbreviate words or use shorthand. “Mtg” instead of “meeting," “cal” instead of “calendar," the list goes on. To save time, I’ve personalized my Google Docs dictionary by adding these custom words so Docs doesn't identify them as misspelled.

Try it yourself: Go to Tools, click "Proofread" and then "Personal dictionary.”

6. Make a Doc more accessible with alternative text

Since it’s important that everyone I share a Doc with can read it, I always add alternative text to images, drawings and other graphics. This provides screen reader users with an audio description of all the visuals I’ve included.

Try it yourself: To add alternative text, right click on an image, drawing or graphic and select “Alt text.”

7. Present in and join Google Meet calls right from Docs

Using the Google Meet feature right in Docs is an easy way I keep browser tabs to a minimum. When I’m collaborating with coworkers in a Doc and want to quickly sync about what we’re working on, we can join a Google Meet call directly in the Doc.

Try it yourself: Click the Google Meet icon next to the Share button at the top right corner of a Doc. From there, you can choose to join an already scheduled meeting that autopopulates from your Google Calendar, start a new meeting or enter a meeting code. Once you’re in the Google Meet call, you can present a Doc while still seeing other participants on the right side of your screen.