Google Docs has proved to be a worthy competition of Microsoft Word. Many people have switched to the free, cloud-based application due to the obvious convenience it provides. But sometimes, it doesn’t really have to be one or the other, you can use both tools for efficiency and to complement each other.

1. Google Docs Vs Microsoft Word
2. Google Docs Microsoft Word Format

Google Docs has proved to be a worthy competition of Microsoft Word. Many people have switched to the free, cloud-based application due to the obvious convenience it provides. But sometimes, it doesn’t really have to be one or the other, you can use both tools for efficiency and to complement each other. Create and edit web-based documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Store documents online and access them from any computer.

Due to its flexibility, you can open and edit Word documents in Google Docs and even (re)download them again as Word documents. This is great to use if there’s a particular feature/tool that Google Docs offers and isn’t available on Word. A great example is voice typing.

In this post, we’ll show you how to edit word documents in Google Docs and downloading them again as word documents.

READ MORE: How To Convert Word Document To PDF (And Vice Versa).

Edit Word Documents in Google Docs

• Sign in to your Google account and open your Google Drive (drive.google.com) on your browser. This shows you all the documents you’ve created on your Google account.
• At the top left corner of your screen, click on the New button to open a new file.

• Select File Upload.

• A window opens that lets you select a file to upload. You should locate your Word document on your computer to upload it.
• Once the import is complete, the document shows up on your Drive.
• Select and open the imported document in Drive.
• Once you double-click on the document to open, it automatically opens in Google Docs.
• From here, you can type in the document to edit text or any other part of it.

The ability to edit Word documents in Google Docs is a very helpful feature especially given that the typing interface and shortcuts are similar for the most part. Hence, it’ll be easy for a user to work across both platforms effectively.

1. How to use and access Microsoft Word and Google Docs You cannot purchase Microsoft Word as a standalone program. It comes as part of the Microsoft 365 package (formerly called Office 365), which includes other programs like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.
2. For convenience, Google Docs lords it over Microsoft Word. It’s accessible on any computer or mobile device, regardless of the operating system. You don’t have to worry about having the latest version of the app since Google updates it automatically in the background.
3. Collaborate for free with an online version of Microsoft Word. Save documents in OneDrive. Share them with others and work together at the same time.

If you use Google Docs and want to learn to use it even better, we’ve compiled a number of tips and tricks for you. You should read through, try them out, and let us know what your thoughts are in the comments section.

Will never let you crash

You’re just in the middle of adding the finishing touches to a word doc when your computer crashes. Do you panic? Of course not. You have Google Docs, the free online word processing software created by the information tech giant. Its web-based program provides Google account users with the platform to write documents without having to download a desktop word processor. With a simple Google account, you can create and access documents online. No longer do bosses, co-workers and students have to email or IM files! Viewing, commenting and editing can all be done in one document. The best part? No more clicking save. The app automatically saves changes at regular intervals, including older versions of the doc.

A familiar (inter) face

It’s hard to imagine how any word processor could top Google Docs. It’s simply the best.

You won’t be surprised by the app’s interface given that Google Docs maintains the sleek, minimalist look found on Microsoft Word: white space, rounded page elements and muted colors. You can easily access popular fonts, use ready-made templates, and embed hyperlinks, images and other media.

Doc in the clouds

You can’t talk about Google Docs without mentioning Google Drive. The file storage and synchronization service allows users to organize and share files on its servers. You can store up to 15 gigabytes worth of files in the cloud platform. You can also create files through its office suite apps: Google Sheets, Google Slides and Google Docs. So, goodbye to downloading other productivity software.

The downside here? You got to have a WiFi connection if you want to create docs on this web-based storage app. But if it’s any consolation, Google Docs makes up for this default by offering users Offline mode for documents already created. No WiFi connection needed to access and edit documents. Just remember though, any changes made will not be applied until you establish an internet connection. So for documents that have more than one editor onboard, connect if you want revisions updated for all to see.

In your hands

Google Docs is available online on your PC as well as at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. But, it is a stand-alone app. You’ll have to download both Google Drive and Google Docs apps, which is a bit troublesome. Regardless though, if you have data and are connected online, both applications will work without a hitch.

Where can you run this program?

You can access Google Docs through popular web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari. However, this only applies if you’re using your desktop. Users that want to edit thru their smartphones will have to download the Google Docs app on their iOS or Android device.

Is there a better alternative?

It's hard to think of another online word processor that can compete with Google Docs. A formidable competitor is Dropbox, another online storage service, who recently released Dropbox Paper.

Paper aims to keep users on the same page. Literally. Its three key features? Check them out!

· Link Doc to Google Calendar or Office 365

· To-Do List Function

· Tag users to the To-Do List

Users can also make mood boards to embed photos, videos and even Spotify tracks. Paper is a good option, but Google Docs has the upper hand here. Again, Google Docs boasts 15 gigabytes of storage, whereas Paper only offers a measly 2 gigabytes.

Our take

Should you download it?

Highs

• Simple and intuitive interface
• Compatible with all desktop browsers
• Downloadable on Android and iOS smartphones
• Offline mode feature
• Compatible with .doc, .docx, .dot, .dotx, .dotm, .html, .txt, .rtf, .odt

Lows

• Needs WiFi connection to create files
• No mobile site

Google Docs Vs Microsoft Word

Google Docs (Chrome Extension)for Windows

Google Docs Microsoft Word Format

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