Unlocking Google’s Hidden Productivity Gems for Enhanced Efficiency
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Productivity Insights
A few months back, I shared an article detailing several transformative productivity strategies I picked up while working at Google. The overwhelming positive feedback—comments, shares on LinkedIn, and hundreds of claps—suggests it resonated with many readers. Hence, I’ve decided to present additional productivity hacks to help you enhance your efficiency at work.
This edition differs from my previous post by focusing on three lesser-known features within Google Docs that are often overlooked. The aim is to showcase how these tools can work in tandem to help you and your team operate more effectively.
Section 1.1: Create New Google Drive Documents Instantly
Some of the most effective productivity strategies are those that save you mere seconds on tasks you perform multiple times daily. For anyone frequently juggling meetings and gathering notes on the fly, this tip is invaluable.
Instead of the usual method of starting a new document, simply enter "docs.new" into the address bar of your Chrome browser. This shortcut also applies to Google Sheets and Google Slides by substituting "sheets.new" and "slides.new" respectively.
After implementing this tip, I recorded a reduction in the time taken to create new documents from 6.31 seconds to just 2.47 seconds. While this may seem trivial at first glance, multiply that by several instances throughout the month or year, and you’ll discover significant time savings.
Section 1.2: Utilizing Quick Templates
In my opinion, quick templates are one of Google’s best-kept secrets. This new feature enhances Google Docs from merely being a Microsoft Word alternative to a powerful collaborative tool that maximizes cloud functionality.
To access quick templates, type the "@" symbol in an open Google Doc. A dropdown menu appears, offering options such as email drafts, meeting notes, and project trackers. The project tracker feature is particularly useful as it allows for easy status tracking and task delegation through integrated drop-down menus.
While this feature is still in its early stages, I hope Google continues to develop it further, transforming Docs into a more collaborative platform akin to Notion rather than competing solely with Microsoft Word or Evernote.
Section 1.3: Discovering Pageless View
Pageless view is a productivity hack that you won’t fully appreciate until you try it. Once you do, returning to the standard format feels impossible. This feature enables the addition of wide images and tables without the disruption of page breaks.
To activate pageless view, navigate to "File", select "Page Setup", and change the setting to "Pageless". You’ll now enjoy an expansive workspace free from the confines of page breaks.
Moreover, you can further optimize this workspace by adjusting the text width to "Wide" under the "View" menu. This adjustment not only expands your working area but also enhances the appearance of tables that often feel cramped in traditional layouts. Overall, this view is particularly beneficial for collaborative documents, project trackers, and strategic plans involving multiple stakeholders.
Chapter 2: Additional Resources
If you appreciated this article, you might also enjoy exploring these videos for further insights:
Discover essential time-saving strategies from Google that can drastically enhance your efficiency.
Learn 8 productivity tips that can pay off in the long run, ensuring you work smarter, not harder.