Google Workspace and Microsoft Office are designed to boost productivity, and mastering them can enhance your efficiency even further. Here are some top tricks I’ve learned over the years that might help you save time and streamline your work.
1. Copy and Paste Formatting
Once you’ve chosen the ideal font, size, and spacing, you can replicate that formatting throughout your document, spreadsheet, or presentation. Simply select the text, click the paint roller icon in the toolbar, and drag it over the text you wish to format. Voilà!
2. Roll It Back
If you’re lost in edits after multiple revisions in a Google Doc, you can easily retrace your steps. Go to File > Version history > See version history. From there, select a time on the right to view past edits and who made them. Just remember, unless you save the document with a new filename, everyone can see your changes.
3. Freeze Frame
In Excel, keeping your column and row headings visible while scrolling through large spreadsheets is essential. To do this, select the cell where your data starts, then navigate to the View menu and click on Freeze Panes.
4. Sharing is Caring
If you want to share a Google Doc as a template without allowing others to edit your original, click Share and change the link settings to “Anyone with the link” and choose “Editor.” Before sending, replace “edit” in the URL with “template/preview.” This ensures that recipients can only make copies and edits to their own versions.
5. What’s That Word Again?
In both Word and Google Docs, you can quickly find definitions by right-clicking a word and selecting Define. This feature even provides pronunciation guidance—handy for preparing for presentations!
6. Time-Saving Shortcuts
One of the most efficient ways to create new files in Google Workspace is by using specific shortcuts. Ensure you’re signed into your Google account, open Chrome, and type the name of a Google application followed by “.new” in the URL bar. Here are some useful shortcuts:
- Google Docs:
document.new,docs.new,doc.new - Google Sheets:
spreadsheet.new,sheets.new,sheet.new - Google Slides:
presentation.new,slides.new,slide.new - Google Forms:
forms.new,form.new - Google Keep:
keep.new,notes.new,note.new - Google Calendar:
meeting.new,cal.new - Google Meet:
meet.new
Implementing these tips can help you unlock the full potential of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively.