Using Docs

To get started creating your first document, click the New button and choose Google Docs from the menu. A blank document will open by default, or you can open the submenu by clicking the > choose to start with a template. 

 

Once your new document is open, you will see that you are in a standard word processing environment with tools that are similar to those that you're used to in Word or in the Canvas content editor. I'll point out a couple of the tools you might not be familiar with, but leave most of it up to you. There are lots of tutorial videos on Youtube if you find yourself stuck with a particular tool, or just give us a call and we're happy to help. 

1. Name your document by clicking where the light gray "Untitled Document" appears.
2. This tool that looks like a paint roller is your "Format Painter." Use this to format text to match other elements on the page.  Consistent formatting is key to good document design.
3. Choose heading or paragraph styles from this menu to give your document structure, even if you plan to reformat them later. In addition to being good for accessibility, you can use this structure to help create an interactive table of contents as well.
4. This tool is your vertical line spacing and space before and after paragraphs.  Much more effective than hitting return twice.
5. If your formatting is getting out of hand, or you copy something in from another source and need to start fresh, use this tool to clear all formatting and leave plain text. (You could also use "paste without formatting" in the Edit menu)
6. This is the all powerful Share button.  
   
   Click Next below to learn more about sharing and collaborating with your google docs.