(Tiny Tips) – Google Docs Add-Ons – Google Docs in Google Drive offers all the basic commands and features of a word processor but lacks some of the advanced tools of programs like Microsoft Word. Fortunately, you can work around some of these limitations with the right add-ons.
Various add-ons for Google Docs offer new features and functionality in many different categories, including business, education, productivity, social, and more. There are add-ons that let you translate text, create a resume, and add clipart directly from Google Docs. Let’s take a look at them.
While you can use Google Docs in any browser, be aware that some add-ons only work with Google’s Chrome browser.
The Best Google Docs Add-Ons
Get New Add-Ons
First, you have to log in to your Google account. Open the document in Google Docs, then click the “Add-ons” menu and select “Get add-ons.”
Select New Add-On
You can search for specific add-ons in the Add-ons window. Hover over the add-in and click to learn more about it. To give it a try, click the “Free” button. Confirm your account and grant the add-on the necessary access rights.
Use New Add-On
Click the Add-ons menu in the document and you should see an entry for the add-on you just installed. You can navigate here to use any new add-ons you download in Google Docs.
OneLook Thesaurus
OneLook Thesaurus provides more than just synonyms for words. Depending on the word you choose, you will find the noun that word describes, adjectives used with that word, terms that start with that word, common words that are close to your word, and last but not least, words that are similar to Your words rhyme.
Use this add-on by selecting a word in the document (or even leaving the cursor in the word). Click Add-ons > OneLook Thesaurus, and then click the desired service. Once you make your selection, the thesaurus opens in the sidebar with results for your word.
Using the Thesaurus
In this sidebar, you can choose additional categories for your words. Hover over the result to see the definition, then click to replace the original word. To find another word, type or copy and paste it into the OneLook thesaurus search box and press Enter.
Translate
You can find a few translators in add-on libraries, but one of the most reliable is Google’s own translator. The plugin only supports a few core languages but is easy to use. Click Add-ons > Translation > Start.
Using Translate
Select the word you want to translate. In the sidebar window, the plugin automatically detects your source language, but you can also specify your language. Select the target language and click Translate. If you want to replace the original word with the translation, click the “Insert” button.
Easy Clipart
Want to add a cool clipart to your documents? In Easy Clipart you will find many images. Click Add-ons > Easy Clipart > Find Clipart to open the sidebar and get started
Using Easy Clipart
Easy Clipart immediately recommends some images. To find something more specific, enter a word or phrase in the search box and click Search. From the search results, click on the image you want to use. Once an image is placed in a document, you can move it, resize it, and change various properties.
Resume CV Template Builder & Optimizer
Creating a resume is not an easy task, but Google Docs can help with an add-on called Resume Resume Template Builder and Optimizer. Create a new document and click Add-ons > Resume CV Template Builder & Optimizer > Start to get started.
Import Resume From LinkedIn
You have two options. If you have a LinkedIn account, you can import your profile information. If not, choose one of the plugin’s built-in templates. Let’s try the LinkedIn import first. Log in with LinkedIn at the click of a button. Grant access to your LinkedIn account and click the “Create LinkedIn Profile” button. This plugin imports your profile data from LinkedIn. You can now edit and modify the information.
Use Built-in Templates
You can also use one of the resume formats instead of importing your resume from LinkedIn. Select Sidebar. Choose between the center or left heading. The add-on then sets you up with a standard text format of your choice so you can now add your own information.
Search For Jobs
You can also search for specific jobs through ZipRecruiter. Click the Refine tab in the sidebar and enter a job title or major. Add location information and click Search. In the search results, click the “Analyze” button for each job that interests you to view details about that position. If you would like to apply for this position, please click Apply Now.
Fax.Plus
You can find a few add-ons that allow you to electronically fax documents from Google Docs, including Ring Central Fax and Fax.Plus.
Fax.Plus offers 10 free faxes and a range of affordable paid plans based on your needs. First, register for a Fax.Plus account on the company’s website. After installing the add-on, click Add-ons > FAX.PLUS > Send Fax.
Using Fax.Plus
Sign in to your Fax Plus account in Google Docs. Enter the recipient’s fax number and click the Send Fax button to send the document to the recipient’s fax machine. If you’re curious about the status of your fax, you can check it on the Fax Plus website.
Speech Recognition SoundWriter
Sometimes dictating a document is better than typing. So if you need an alternative to typing, the speech recognition SoundWriter plugin is perfect. This plugin only works with Google Chrome but is very effective and reliable. In Chrome, click Add-ons > Speech Recognition SoundWriter > Start to get started.
Using Speech Recognition SoundWriter
When you’re ready to dictate, click the red button in the add-on’s right column. You can then speak the text (including punctuation) of whatever you want to appear in the document. When finished, just click the red button again to stop dictation.
Speech Recognition SoundWriter Settings
To optimize SoundWriter’s speech recognition, click the Customize configuration icon. You can change the punctuated wake word. If you want to change the base language, select the language configuration setting.