Google Doc Tips

Here are a few Google Docs Tips you may find useful.

Create Shortcut for Repetitive Text
Find yourself frequently repeating a string of text in a Google Doc? You can save time creating a shortcut for the string of text in the Tools, Preferences menu and make sure Automatic Substitution is checked. Here’s how:


 While this is a handy feature, currently it will only replace with lowercase text. So if you were to create a shortcut like "ssa" for Sandwich STEM Academy you would have to edit the first letter of each word. Still easier than typing the entire string. I imagine Google will update this feature as time goes on.



Word Count
Need to know the number of words in you document? Use the Word Count tool in the Tools menu. If you only need the word count for a small section of the document select that text first.




Custom Dictionary

Do you have words that keep coming up as misspelled? Add them to your Personal Dictionary.  This feature lets you add words uncommon words or names to prevent Google Docs from flagging them as misspelled.  Go to Tools, Personal Dictionary.  Type in the word and Add.

To delete words added to the dictionary click the "X" next to the word and Save.







Translate Document Text

Did you know you can translate an entire Google Doc in a few simple steps?
Simply open the doc you want to translate, choose Tools, Translate document.  Give the document a new name (title), choose the language, and click Translate.

A translated copy of the document will open in a new tab and save in Google Drive as a separate file.
While the translation isn't perfect it still can be a useful tool.