Google Docs is one of the most famous word processors. It is very popular for its degree of collaboration that allows you to co-write (1) or do peer reviews, a scientific process to guarantee the quality of the texts (2). In addition, it has the great advantage of being free and available on any device that has access to the Internet.
The program has been developed by Google within its Google Drive line. It stands out for the number of add-ons, that can be installed to add functions to it. The functions that are added tend to fill the gaps in Google Docs to make it an increasingly complete application. In this article, in addition to learning how to install extensions, we show you the 5 best add-ons that can be added to Google Docs.
Summary
- The extensions are very easy to install, you just need a Google account.
- Thanks to the extensions, you can become an amazing writer.
- Moreover, most of the add-ons are free of charge.
How to install extensions in Google Docs?
Before you can use the following extensions for Google Docs, you need to know how to install them. Don’t worry, this is quite easy and takes very little time. Below, we show you all the necessary steps to install and use add-ons in Google Docs.
- To get started, you need to create a Google account. If you don’t have one yet, you will need to create a Google account. Without this account, you will not be able to access any of the Google services, i.e. both Google Drive and the Google Marketplace.
- Once in Google Docs, in the extensions tab, click on add-ons and download add-ons.
- This will open the Google Workshop Marketplace page. It is on this page that you will be able to search for the add-ons you want. It is also possible to search by category, name, or ranking of top-rated or most downloaded.
- Once you have chosen the add-on you want, all you have to do is click on the installation button.
- If the extension is free, you will only need to refresh the Google Docs page.
- Once installed, you will find the tool in the extensions tab. Just click on its name to launch it.
Here is an infographic to recap the key points we have just seen.
Done! You have installed your extension. You have nothing else to do, so you can start using it or reinstall others.
Google Docs add-ons for writers
Normally, you have already understood what an extension is, and you know how to install it. Now, in this section, we are going to show you five convenient Google Docs add-ons that will help you become an amazing writer.
1. Pro Writing Aid
Pro Writing Aid is an extension that has several useful features to help you write better. It can also be a very useful tool when you write in a language other than your native language. However, after the trial period, you will have to pay a fee to continue using this fantastic add-on. Its main functions are these:
- Corrects consistency, style, and capitalization.
- Eliminates redundancies
- Detects plagiarism
- Checks grammar and spelling
- Enhances legitimacy
- Highlights repeated words and propose synonyms
2. Easy Bib Bibliography Creator
Whatever you are writing, it is very important to cite the source of the information you add. In fact, citing allows you to avoid plagiarism by acknowledging the original author (3). In addition, citing your sources helps to increase your credibility (4).
When you need to write an article with citations, we recommend using Easy Bib Bibliography Creator. Easy Bib is a free add-on that allows you to cite and automatically generate the bibliography of your article in the format you want. This extension is perfect if you do not know how to create bibliographies or if you want to save time.
3. Docs Paragraph Translate
We often need to write or read texts in a language different from our mother tongue, especially when we know that most of the contents available on the Internet are written in English. This can be seen in the graph below. If what you want is to translate a text from an unknown language to your native language, or the opposite, we suggest you install Docs Paragraph Translate.
This tool allows you to translate words, sentences, or paragraphs from one language to another in seconds. Although there is already a translator option in Google Docs, this tool offers different functions. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of this add-on.
Advantages:
- Fast
- Is free
- Many languages are available
- It can be translated into a vehicular language
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes it is imprecise and does not translate naturally
- You have to copy and paste the text into the box
- Can’t translate all expressions
A vehicular language is a different language used by two people who speak different languages to communicate with each other. It is usually English (5).
4. OneLook Thesaurus
The last extension that we present today is OneLook Thesaurus. This add-on is very useful to avoid repetitions. If after reading it you have the feeling that you use too many times the same expressions or words, Thesaurus can help you. This add-on is composed of 6 tools:
- Synonyms: looks up synonyms for the selected words or phrases and gives you the definition and examples of uses for each one. It is essential to use synonyms, as their use increases the diversity and quality of the writing (6).
- Rhymes: Shows you words that rhyme with the one you have selected, perfect if you want to write poetry.
- Complete: Shows you all the words that begin with the letters you have entered. This is quite useful when you write in a language that is not yours, and you don’t remember the whole word.
- Adjectives: Gives you a list of adjectives frequently used with the word or noun you have chosen.
- Nouns: This is the opposite of the previous function.
5. GDoc SEO Assistant
If you write texts to publish them on a web page, be it a blog, your website, or any other page, you will surely write with SEO. The use of SEO was shown to help increase the brand value (7). In the same way, applying the SEO method usually increases your page ranking in Google and attracts more visitors to your page (8).
This tool shows the overall score of your article. This score comes with detailed information about your keyword, and, suggests related keywords. Also, the tool gives personalized recommendations so that you can improve your article.
Conclusion
Thanks to this article, you have probably understood what a Google Docs plugin was, how to install them, and its usefulness. In addition, we have shown you 5 wonderful add-ons for Google Docs. Of course, there are other very useful extensions, but these are enough for most uses.
No matter the reason why you need to write, we are sure that most of these tools will be super useful for you when you want to write something with Google Docs. Also, you will write better, and save time.