Maximizing Google Docs for Writers

Google Docs is more than a free writing platform — it’s a powerhouse of hidden tools that can speed up your workflow and improve collaboration. Here are five features every writer should take advantage of.

Go to File → Version History → See Version History. You can view, name, and restore previous drafts. Perfect for tracking revisions or comparing client edits.

Enable Suggesting Mode from the top-right corner. When collaborating, your changes appear as comments instead of direct edits — ideal for co-writing, editing, or client feedback.

Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + I (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Shift + I (Mac). The Explore tool lets you research the web, insert citations, and pull images — without leaving your document.

Under View → Show Outline, Docs automatically creates a table of contents from your headings. This is especially helpful for structuring long-form content like ebooks or reports.

Check out Extensions → Add-ons → Get Add-ons. Useful picks for writers include:

ProWritingAid: For grammar and style suggestions

Word Counter Max: Tracks detailed word counts and reading time

Doc Builder: Inserts reusable text snippets (great for templates)

These hidden features make Google Docs far more powerful than it looks at first glance. Once you start using version history, suggesting mode, and add-ons, you’ll wonder how you ever wrote without them.