Not using Google Docs? Now’s the time to give it whirl!

As Doc’s Tech Notes readers know, I am a HUGE fan of Google Docs and today Google released what I would consider to be a relatively huge upgrade to their suite of online productivity apps. Some of the new features include:

• Rulers in word-processing
• Better image placement tools
• Enhanced real-time collaborative tools in all apps
• Speed and responsiveness improvements to all apps
• Additional spreadsheet tools
• A new drawing app with collaboration features!

Wanna read more about the improvements? Click here. I’ve also included an official Google video after the click describing the features visually. Also after the click, you’ll find instructions on how to enable these new features.

Okay, so that’s all great, but you can’t find these new features. That’s because they are not enabled by default. Here’s Google’s instructions describing how to turn them on:

If you'd like to try out these features and start creating documents using the new version of Google documents, just follow these steps:

1. Click the Settings link in the top-right of your Docs list.
2. Click the Editing tab.
3. Select the option labeled "Create new text documents using the latest version of the document editor."

(You can go back to the older version of Google documents by following the steps above, and deselecting the option to use the new document editor.)

You’re now ready to use the new document editor for new documents and documents you import. Your existing documents will not be affected by this setting. Learn more about switching between the new and old versions of Google documents.

So what do you think? Is the new version an intriguing update or just more fluff? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.