Google Docs sticks it to Microsoft Word with latest update

(Image credit: Google)

With the launch of smart canvas earlier this year, Google made collaborating while working online even simpler in Google Workspace as the feature allows users to bring together all of its various tools including Docs, Meet, Sheets and Slides in any document they're working on.

As part of its mission to build the future of work, the search giant also introduced smart chips which enable users to add interactive building blocks to connect people, content and events into one seamless experience.

Now though, with its new universal @ menu, Google is making it easier to add things like tables and images in addition to smart chips directly into Google Docs. By typing “@” while in a document, users will see a list of recommended files, people, meetings, content elements and formats to insert into their work.

Page break before in Docs

In a separate post on the Google Workspace blog, Google revealed that Docs users can now mark a paragraph to always begin on a new page with its new “Add page break before” option.

This new feature is particularly useful for journalists and other writers that want certain paragraph styles to always create a new page such as titles, subtitles or headings.

At the same time though, “Add page break before” will also allow users to import and export Microsoft Word and other third-party documents that have this option applied to paragraphs and Google Docs will retain that formatting.

To get started using this formatting style, users can go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing in the Docs menu bar and click “add page break before” after highlighting a title, subtitle or heading.

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After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.