Get Started with Google Docs 2018-- Back to Basics

[@nat3803]

I enjoyed your video. I am a retired school teacher as of 2017. This was a good refresher for me, and I also learned a lot that I wish I knew existed when I was teaching. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. You are awesome!

[@maz2bou]

Just discovered you about a month or so ago and have learned loads. What a wealth of information regarding a Free asset that I did not know was there. I recently uploaded all my pictures to Google photos at the request of my niece. That dictation thing will be my new best friend. Thanks for your helpful, to-the-point videos. I am a subscriber.

[@KennethLawsonAuthor]

I LIVE in google docs. For a variety of reasons, such as automatic back up, ease of use, and available on any machine can log into, even my phone as a last resort. I do all my writing in Docs. I'm on my second book in docs, that's not even counting the many short stories I've written over the yrs. They're all saved in my docs. I never throw anything out, SO it's all there. Evey story I've started that didn't go anywhere, any letters etc. As for printing, I don't have a problem with it. The biggest thing is to make sure you have it formatted the way you want it first. You can also save a project as a Doc. PDF or wepage, Plain text, or epub file. so there are a varity of ways to save and send a doc.

[@DennisGailey]

Printing has gotten much better over the past few months. Go GSuite!

[@roseannesamaraweera9621]

Great Job. I learned this few days back and it was exciting seeing you elaborate on it. Am in Sri Lanka and have been a secretary for over 30 years. People are so lethargic that they never want to learn new things and make it a tool in their day to day work. I have super typing speed together with my shorthand. Wow I was so thrilled and excited when I used the voice typing on goggle docs and don't tell me how happy I was. I am really planning to do a small tutorial to have a class in my former workplace and share this. Work can be done in high volume and express.

[@Aishatu11]

Dictation AND translation features - awesome! Thank you!

[@DarylBambic]

Version history is my #1 favorite thing about Google docs. You can go back in history and restore previous versions; especially helpful when collaborating with others. The day my students discovered I knew exactly when they began their work, it was ALL OVER! :D

[@dottotech]

Great point, I should have included that!

[@raminguyen7940]

Yes. You can also type information by using 3 same devices at the same time.

[@tmpatklk]

Prior to my retirement, I used Microsoft Word and Excel exclusively for work and personal documents. I switched to a Chromebook when Microsoft XP support ran out. I then began to use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on a regular basis. I like them a lot. Improved features come along on a regular basis. There are some features in Microsoft Word that I miss, but for the most part, I can work around them. Google Docs is easy to use. I rarely print things anymore. I agree with you that Microsoft Word is easier for printing. I share several family history type documents and slide shows of trips with children, siblings, and in-laws. Collaboration is a nice feature. The nicest thing about a Chromebook and Google Docs is the cost. I don't need to invest in an antivirus or security suite or a subscription for Microsoft Office programs. I haven't tried voice typing except for a brief paragraph. I may put more effort into it as I'm not the fastest and most accurate typist on the block. Thanks for your review, Steve. You did a great job as always.

[@psdaengr911]

I have similar experience. If you are using a Chromebook, as I am, and having difficulty printing, it's most likely that your printer isn't fully Cloud Print compatilble or you've selected the wrong printer type (server-installed driver) when setting up your printer. Google is continously updating ther driver library, so it may be worthwhile setting up the printer again.

[@tmpatklk]

My printer difficulties are due to the fact that I print so rarely that my ink jets get dry. I then need to run the cleaning feature which uses a lot of ink.

[@livelife7607]

Truth to printer trouble comes from lack of updates from manufacturer (or whomever is accountable for updates). When we report to Apple, it's fixed.

[@lyndayoung8761]

Oh about printing...I make handouts in MS Word and MS Publisher for our local Medicare counseling program. I take a lot of time to make the layout work. I have found that different printers change the pagination so it messes up my design. I"save as pdf" to avoid that problem. Google Docs also allows that and may be a solution for those who have found printing to be a problem.

[@mccannms]

Google docs will allow you to open a pdf file as an editable file. From Google Drive, right click on the pdf file, then open with Google Docs.

[@philipmatthews7128]

Thank you Steve love your videos they are educational and easy to understand. Also enjoy your Vlogs. Makes my day when I see you have posted something.

[@gregnixon1296]

Thanks for mentioning the equation editor that is accessible through the Insert tab. Very helpful.

[@j73stuart]

I work with Libreoffice Writer a lot and Google DOCS supports the .ODT file very well. If you have trouble printing from Google DOC try from Libreoffice Writer! Just make sure your using FONTS both programs share! I've never had any printing problems. These two FREE office suits play well together. Libreoffice also has a good mail merger without an ADD ON. I use the AVERY design & print online over the the DOCS add on. Works great, you don't have to pay for MS ,and it its all Linux friendly. I think Avery design & print online might make good video for you to do. It up'ed my Christmas card game and lowered cost.

[@stebnalang2824]

I use Google Docs exclusively, and I have no issue with printing to paper. However, I must qualify that by saying that I am not an advanced user, and I dont put a lot of time in to complicated formatting. For my needs Google Docs does everything I want it to do with no problesm at all.

[@sujathaprakash3098]

Dottotech Steve you are so knowledgeable person so amazing me but Google life long to learn something new new comes up I am Thankful and greatful to you sharing your knowledge to us

[@TheEndeavoringFamily]

We LOVE Google Docs. I don't have to pay for it and I can literally watch my kids doing their homework from the other room.

[@mohammedalkhafagy7158]

always optimistic and creative

[@cathya586]

You do a GREAT job of teaching us new things about the software we use every day. Years ago I bought the Dragon software for "voice typing", but it was always a challenge to use. It didn't recognize many words and I spent a lot of time doing corrections. I am so thankful you showed us voice typing with google docs. I will absolutely check it out. Thank you!!!

[@dennisdiede]

I never have time to dig down deep into apps like this - SO - that you do makes my learning much easier. Thanks for another great learning experience.

[@5satya]

Thank you, the way you present info is the best!

[@dottotech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidgmarkham]

Steve: Another great video. Like you, I use my microsoft word sometimes and google docs other times. It is a good review of google docs. I find you videos very informative and entertaining. Thanks so much for your good work!

[@JoylieC]

I love your teaching!

[@berniesr]

I enjoyed your hop skip and jump through google docs

[@sfmech]

I started to use google doc like 10 years ago. Always like it. Never have a need for a paid office suite again. My current issue with Google doc is with the footnote. I use footbote a lot now, but i can only create a footbote on desktop version, cant do it with smart phone app.

[@landonpraught5958]

Thanks Steve I have not try Google docs yet I write a lot so I have been using Open office it works good . A lot of writers use Google docs then pull in to Microsoft word or Open office . I enjoy the video I might give this a try some time . Thanks Landon

[@EtherealEncountersUnveiled]

Wow, I love the dictation feature. WIll have to use that for sure. Thanks so much for sharing this. You vids are always so informative!

[@psdaengr911]

dottotech:I also have used many wordprocessing programs over the years, Word heavily. I am an advanced user. Since starting to use Docs, I've come to prefer it to the newer versions of Word. I have composed and printed several tightly formatted +100 page manuals with graphics and photo images used as illustrations, and the output matches the screen display exactly. I have had NO printing issues printing. The thing is, I print entirely through Google Cloud Print. My suspicion is that you are printing through some kind of local print driver/app on your computer, and the problem is there. I've used Google apps with WIndows and Chrome OS. When used with the Chrome browser or a Chromebook, Docs is able to be used without an internet connection, providing all of its basic functionality, by installing one extension in Chrome.

[@KimbleyIT]

Great video Steve. We've found printing docs with headers can sometimes have issues, where the header can get slightly chopped at the top.

[@mrmartywaring]

Thanks! I'm now starting to transition into Google Docs. I didn't like it because of formatting & printing. Now, I just create in Google Docs & export to Word. I still pay for Microsoft 365, but that may change

[@nickatkins2101]

Voice type, will try that over the next few weeks.

[@walterstrong2291]

Great video and very informative for me as a writer and a blogger.

[@keithjohnson5398]

Didn't take long to find out that purchasing MS Office Suite was no longer a must. There are a number of free options for similar apps, I've been using Libreoffice for a number of years & seems to print fine. I've used google docs too but forget why I never really jumped on board.

[@skipperhammond]

Did you ever see XyWrite, ran with DOS? In 1980s, the Harvard Office of Copyrights and Licensing and Harvard Med School used it, on IBM Desktop that didn't even have a hard drive. You had to use code for formatting, kind of like LaTex.

[@warrenmaloney]

Thank you - particularly the printing tip

[@chrish9027]

Yes! Vic 20! I still have mine and it works great!

[@eddieaaronson3775]

Great Video! Thanks for the help!

[@raminguyen7940]

I use google docs for a long time, you can integrate with keeps and calendar to manage your time ah.

[@ronmullen8690]

Google documents seems to be an hidden treasure and I am amazed at the many features. I use 2011 Mac for Word and I need their mail merge feature and I print reports and certificates. I need a good job in this area. Anyway I will still check out it application in my space. Just to let you know I use these types of presentation for CPD (Continuous Professional Development) records. I like the way you identify the learning elements in the text and sometimes at the end and beginning of your presentations. When I press the like button this becomes my initial record for CPD.

[@dannymcphee]

Google Drive Docs, I have never had a problem with printing. and the Equation writer is great too!!

[@irosenth100]

continued fine work....and there is so much more to check out...

[@LamarMorgan7777]

We are both Google Doc users. In my case, I am also a Chromebook user - so I pretty much have to make the most of Google Docs. Yes, those "Add-on's"" are impressive. What helps me make the most of Google Docs is not found in the Google Docs Add-on's. It is found in the Spreadsheet Add-on's. Guess what it is called, "Document Studio." What Document Studio does is empower me to do mail-merge applications that PRINT out the documents. You mentioned in your video that Google Docs often was problematic when it came to printing. Amazingly, Document Studio is not found in Google Docs as an "add-on." Instead, you must go to Google Sheets to find it as an "add-on." Well, I encourage you to check out the Document Studio add-on for printing out documents and keeping a record of those printed documents through a Google Sheet that is maintained for you on Airtable. Come to think of it, you could no doubt turn the collaboration between Google Docs, Google Sheets, Document Studio and Airtable into a dynamite educational video for Dottotech. I encourage you to GO FOR IT! (Remember, I'll be watching. I am a subscriber.) Lamar Morgan

[@lyndayoung8761]

I'd love a video of Google Docs Add Ons that you have found helpful and are safe if they are 3rd party apps. Maybe other viewers have some to share as well?

[@NicoleRossSpokenWordNewYork]

Thank You for sharing!

[@johnfduffek7257]

Did you ever hear of Timeworks Writer? I used that on my first computer - a Commodore 64! Timeworks also had a data manager and a spreadsheet program. All three programs were ahead of their time.

[@dottotech]

I remember those! Great memory John!

[@marcelwolters8315]

Geoworks was what we used on c64. Old skool here. Nice!

[@sonjiruttan8342]

Do you have to be online to use google docs, sheets, etc.?

[@abhay21849]

I love Google docs. I have all of my previously Evernote Notes in Google Docs. If I clip any long word document in Keep, I just copy it to Docs and edit.

[@bobzani]

Google Drive/Docs is a great back-up for everything on the computer.

[@lynetteford2103]

I am getting started with google docs and google drive which textbook to get started from.

[@seanwoolford5928]

Hi all and hi dottotech. This question is on saving a sending a document. There are a lot of people now using Google suite (Docs, Sheets & Slides) but a lot more using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & Powerpoint) or use other software like LibreOffice. Question is as the file format for Microsoft Office is different to Google Suite can either system read each other's file format - I send a Google Doc file to someone and they can open and read in Microsoft Word, as that is all they use and in turn I receive a Word document and can open in Google Docs . If this is not the case, possible to do a video on this

[@rfgeor]

For the VIC20, it was probably SpeedScript. Had to type in the code to use it.

[@cathya586]

Can you now do a video on more advanced info on Google Docs?

[@Pintopam321]

Great video! Very informative.

[@HAEngel-cr5gp]

As always, super well done Steve. A million thanks.

[@skillseizer4557]

as always ur vdos help esp me a lot. plz sir next 2nd part thz :) take care :)

[@pssst3]

I've been using Google Docs for a while and finally found a basic business operation that I would do easily in Microsoft Word that is almost impossible with Docs: directly printing an envelope. I have been using Docs at home to write manuals and am working on a book. These convert to Microsoft format without a problem. I've used the Avery add-in to do a mass mailing. A few weeks ago I was asked to send out the family Christmas cards for my mother. She was repulsed by the idea of using mailing labels on those cards, found the idea of printed envelopes barely acceptable when I said that I had a handwriting font that looked pretty good. It never occurred to me that something I;d been doing for literally decades with Word for sending job applications, and business letters was something that couldn't be done using Docs, which is supposedly being used by corporations. But after a half-day of research I could find no way to directly print an envelope from Docs. I ended up carefully hand addressing 100 Christmas card envelopes which took me a full day. I'd like to avoid this next year. (The former Envelope add-in isn't available. ) Any recommendations?

[@rezine8338]

Thanks, great video.

[@JimBailie]

I had no idea, this is great thank you. Have you done a video on Microsofts Sway?

[@rmt9321]

Another good video buddy

[@prospeaker58]

Steve, I too LOVE GDoc. As much as I appreciate the quick look at its features in this video, I would suggest you make a video on the collaboration aspect more thoroughly. I find this the #1 aspect that makes sense to use GDoc over other writing tools. I write books with a co-writer (4 hours away) and years ago, we started off using Pages and emailing it back and forth. CAN YOU SAY NIGHTMARE? Then I found GDoc's and it was love at first use! Now we can write, edit and comment through GDoc and now even our editor has joined the party. It's BRILLIANT. But my issue is that I tell my friends, family, and clients about this feature but I wish I had a video that could explain and demo it better then I can (and I don't have to take the time - patience is NOT one of my virtues). Maybe there is a video out there that simplifies it (some of my people are not very techie). But tell you the truth, I only look to you for such things. You're my go-to-guy with all techie stuff. So could you consider making just a combination Voice Typing (I use this ALL THE TIME- I even wrote a kindle book on this for the iphone @ How to Speak your next book: Writing your first draft without typing) and the Collaboration aspects of GDoc? How TO USE COMMENTS correctly (have to hit the blue button to enter the comment) and the real-time aspect. And the use of Editing mode verses Suggesting mode (my writing partner and editor have hiccups here). People need a visual demo and that's where you shine. PLEASE STEVE? They I can just link your video to all my people and they can elevate their workload. Ok, enough begging. Thank you kind Sir.

[@dottotech]

I like this idea, thanks for the suggestion!

[@lindagray1809]

This would be awesome - along with what is happening when using the SHARE button (I aeem to end up with too many copies and then have to sort by date)

[@lindayoung4912]

good presentation for a beginner

[@mohdmashi]

I have no issues with printing It works fine with all of my needs

[@b991228]

To help jog my limited memory I originally used a Windows text document to do a daily log and at the beginning of every entry I auto inserted a date & time stamp (F5). Alas on Google Docs there is no date & time stamp. I see there is a script available to copy/paste for date stamp but not both date & time stamp. Help! Is there a script to copy/paste for someone who doesn’t speak java?

[@dottotech]

You have to use a script editor like apple script to successfully do this at this point

[@MrGeralt53]

Great informative video! Is it possible to use Google Docs (as well as the other Google Office apps) offline? Is it also possible to save the files in the computer instead of in Google Drive?

[@dottotech]

Yep, good suggestion for a video

[@vishnusuraj9914]

Thank you very helpful

[@dottotech]

You're welcome!

[@teresamonastero]

Thank you, Steve. Did you ever live in Santa Cruz?

[@rickmortimer2933]

HI Steve. Thanks for this video. Very helpful. I am wondering if you have any information on how to create a table of conrtents for some of (or all of) my Google Docs? I see it listed under 'insert' but for the life of me I cannot fgure it out. I did find some helpful 'tips' someplace but nothing has worked for me. Can you help me out with this? I am so used to using Evernote and the Table of Contents feature that I am feeling lost without it here in Google Docs. Thanks again!

[@cathya586]

How do you get to the collaborative feature within the google docs?

[@dottotech]

Under the share menu, right side of the screen

[@ragarcia817]

Where do you find the ability to do real time collaborative work? You mentioned it, but didn't show how you did it.

[@lasalleschoolcollegecounse2234]

Very good information - one feature that I can't seem to find in Docs is activex controls. I have a word document using the developer tab and activex features; date picker, rich text, drop down list etc. When uploading the word document into drive, I lose the activex controls. Is there a way around this or an add on that will help?

[@dottotech]

I am not sure, I suspect you will not be able to, but check here to be sure. productforums.google.com/forum/

Hi. İn Turkey we have no templates collection. When we open it , only recent files that we created are listed!

[@AlexanderJansen]

I don't often print stuff, but when I do, I convert to LaTeX first.

[@ismailhussain4969]

Very Very useful nowadays. I like GDocs.

[@poladelarosa8399]

Word Perfect, too perfect so they killed it. Of course.

[@tgk789123]

Does anyone know how to manage your google doc homepage, so it doesn't look so messy with multiple documents saved? im a writer, so I have loads of drafts, and it's getting overwhelming.

[@coolgamemaster812]

Hi Steve, nice video. Just wanted to know does Asana have push notification options when you pass the timeline of a particular task? Also, do try out and review a task manager app called 'Tick Tick'. Would love to see your thoughts on it.

[@dottotech]

You can set up task notifications, not sure if there is a past due trigger, but you will get a summary of tasks not completed I will take a look at TickjTick, thanks!

[@marcelwolters8315]

Nice vid, as always! Was wondering though if I could save a created doc as a template in a library? Or the template section? For now I need to copy a doc. Any ideas? Ciao, and thanks again for your video’s. Marcel

[@Lav_A]

Can I add a video in Google Docs?

[@JOAOEPFPEREIRA]

Hi, Steve, great video. My problem with Gdocs is when I send it to someone and they are not able to open the files. Any way around it without having to download Gdocs apps to the computer?

[@FiscalRangersFlorida]

Thanks for the overview!

[@cinnamongirl5410]

wow... thank you

[@keithmorley7297]

I like Google Docs because I can use it with Google Keep.

[@aaronpaxton4026]

Have a question, Google is no longer supporting Doc Hub. I am trying to import paperwork i do each month into Google docs and it is presented as a jumble of words and look like a total mess. How can i fix this? Thanks

[@TheCooperDawson]

Thank you very informative :)

[@mehardin]

I don't find dictation very handy. By the time you go back and edit to fix the errors it heard wrong, you could have just typed it. For example it wrote "romantically" where you said dramatically, and as you said, it didn't catch the open and closed quotes.

[@geraldkyle5819]

Thank you.

[@uma9183]

Hi, I need your help , how to fix text in fixed page in google doc

[@dottotech]

A formatting issue maybe? See here : www.lifewire.com/changing-default-document-formatting-google-docs-3540182

[@RawFitChris]

Hey Steve good one. I'm presently using GD to make an ebook. I learned more features through you. PS Do you remember AppleWorks? That was the one I used most way back when, other than Aldus Pagemaker which was my favorite.Later on I got into Bean and Swift Publisher.

[@dottotech]

YES, all the apps of my youth!

[@donaldbakaitis4130]

The OCR in Docs is my favorite feature. Just import a JPEG and the OCR runs automatically.

[@m.kayewilliams2550]

Always love your viideos! My first word processing experience was using a DOS program to type 5 tiered physics equations--with no idea what it would look like, Wang, Apple progtams, Microsoft products (55 years of production typing)! Now I'm typing my memoirs for print. I've seen too many changes in formats and platforms to believe anyone in 20 years will be able to easily access electronic docs generated today. That said, it is getting difficult to keep up with payments for Microsoft products (let alone the hardware on a fixed income). I recently used a trial of Scrivener which seems to fit my needs and the price is a modest one-time fee. You mentioned it in this video. Would you be kind enough to do a review? You have been invaluable in helping people with limited means make decisions before wasting their funds. Many people my age love computers but simply can't afford new tech or $100 a visit from the Geek Squad, and it is especially galling when young people who get upgrades every year make fun of us. Anyone out there--please donate some time to volunteer to help.

[@mariuslevin5785]

Haha!!! I speak Danish and the text wasn't that bad. 🙂👍🏻🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰

[@michaelpraschma5937]

PRINTING ISSUES: Did you ever try to avoid this kind of problems by just saving you document as PDF before printing?

[@ΔημήτρηςΛάρδης]

when I delete Google documents,from google drive,they show up again and again!'(even when I empty the trash) I want to delete them,how can I do this??please tell me...

[@denisepinet9472]

The spelling is weird sometimes for example shed isn't corrected to she'd and some names the first letter isn't corrected. I have added words into the dictionary and they are shown as small print. I wish it had a spell check like the one I use on my laptop all I have to do is add the word and it corrects it.

[@dottotech]

Have you tried using Grammarly?

[@denisepinet9472]

@@dottotech no I will look it up.

[@jimestus7506]

Do you remember WordStar? In the DOS-days, it was very good, then WordPerfect came along an knocked them out of the market.

[@TenphelAdventures]

Good

[@MitchellCoker]

Learned a new word today "slaunch"

[@WoodHughes]

I write short stories and novels. When I try to use G Docs on my desktop, it’s too laggy. I don’t have that problem on my IPad. Any way to correct that problem?

[@dottotech]

Try in a different browser, it should be snappy.

[@nr3rful]

I use it all the time. Microsoft is way to expensive for something I can get for free.

[@ΝίκοςΠαγώνης-κ4β]

office 365 online is also free

[@StephenSE9]

👍

[@loskundos9617]

"Let's converted in to Danish." People in Czech Rep. (including me) ragey 😡😡😡. 😂😂😂