I. Introduction
For many writers, seeing the word count of their writing is necessary for measuring progress and ensuring completeness. However, finding the word count in Google Docs can be confusing for beginners. This article aims to solve that problem while summarizing other tricks and tips to maximize the writing process on Google Docs.
Word count plays a significant role in writing and editing to ensure completion, consistency, and accuracy. Whether it is academic or professional writing, meeting word count is essential. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be confident that you can view word count on Google Docs and move closer to that target word count.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- Step-by-step guide on viewing word count in Google Docs
- Quick and easy tricks for checking word count
- Maximizing Google Docs functionality for writing
- Working smarter, not harder, with writing tools
- Simplifying document production with Google Docs
- Mastering Google Docs for better productivity
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the simple steps to view word count in Google Docs:
- Open the Google Docs document you want to check the word count for
- Click on the “Tools” option on the top menu
- Select “Word Count”
- A box will appear displaying the word count, character count (with and without spaces), page count (if applicable), and other metrics
- Once you’re done checking, click “Okay” to close the box
It’s that simple! The word count feature is a definite time-saver, and being able to track your progress is invaluable.
III. Quick and Easy Tricks
Checking word count in Google Docs can also be done more quickly and easily. Here are some additional tips:
- Use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+C” for a quick view of the word count
- Use third-party add-ons such as “Easy Word Count” or “Word Count Tool” for an even quicker view of the word count without needing to go through the menu
- For mobile users, the Google Docs app provides the word count under the “Tools” tab as well
These methods can save even more time when you don’t want to navigate through the menu or take your hands off the keyboard.
IV. Maximizing Google Docs Functionality
Word count is just one of many functions available on Google Docs to help writers work more efficiently. Here are some other useful features:
- The “Explore” feature, which suggests articles or images based on your document’s content, can provide additional research material
- The “Voice Typing” and “Dictation” options under “Tools” can be handy for those who prefer to speak their text instead of typing
- The “Revision History” allows writers to view edits made to the document and see who made them, making it useful for editing and collaborative projects
These features can offer even more ways to save time and streamline your writing.
V. Working Smarter, Not Harder
Using tools like Google Docs can improve productivity and save time. Here’s how knowing how to view word count contributes:
- Meeting or exceeding the required word count or staying within a set limit can help in better time management, avoiding writer’s block, and keeping the writing on track
- The word count can help writers stay within the page limit for academic or professional writing
- Having a real-time word count view can boost motivation, encouraging writers to push on towards their goal
These benefits make tools like Google Docs invaluable to writers, especially considering how time-consuming and daunting the writing process can be.
VI. Simplifying Document Production
Whether it’s academia, blogging, or content creation, the word count feature can help writers in different fields or contexts:
- In academia, meeting the word count is important when writing essays, assignments, or theses
- For content creators, viewership and audience engagement might require a minimum or maximum word count
- Blogging platforms like Medium use word counts to categorize stories into different “read times”, helping their users navigate stories by how long it takes to read them
Google Docs provides more than just document creation, as its spelling and grammar-checking features, along with countless templates, help writers correct unwanted errors and help them begin their projects with expert finishing touches
VII. Mastering Google Docs
Congratulations! You now know how to view word count on Google Docs along with additional tips and tricks to maximize your writing process. To master Google Docs and explore all of its features, check out Google’s Help Center for more resources and tutorials.
