Keeping up with ever-changing technological trends is hard but choosing which bandwagon to hop on to is even harder. Most of us face a similar dilemma when it comes to choosing word processing programs. Google Docs or Microsoft Word which is the better one?
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Table Of Contents
Google docs vs Microsoft word
In this blog, we aim at giving you a detailed comparison including, merits as well as demerits of both Google Docs as well as Microsoft Word, to help you make an informed choice.
Google Docs And Microsoft Word
Cost Effectiveness
Google docs come free with your Google account. This means if you want to use Google docs all you need to do is set up a google account and start using Google Docs.
To know all about setting up, check a tutorial on Google Docs.
Microsoft Word, on the other hand, is not free software. It comes as part of a package that includes other software like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, One Note, Publisher, and Access.
Once the Microsoft Office Package is purchased it can be used only on a fixed number of devices, depending on the plan you choose. For other devices, you need to purchase another plan. You can find a detailed list of the prices here.
There are multiple plans available for home and businesses use. But none the less these plans are expensive when compared to the free services of Google docs which can be used on multiple devices.
So, in terms of cost effectiveness we see that Google Docs is one up over Microsoft Word.
Compatibility
Microsoft Word can be installed on Windows and Mac OS X computers. On the other hand, Google Docs can be accessed from any browser on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or Chrome OS computers.
If only computer or laptop compatibility is considered, Google docs is more convenient as it can be used without worrying about the operating system of devices.
These days we use our phones more than our computers, hence it is important that our documents are available and editable on our phones as well. Google Docs is available for both iOS and Android devices – but not on Windows-based phones.
Microsoft Word on the other hand comes preinstalled on Windows devices and is available as a free app for both Android and iOS phones. This app might not have all the features as it consists of the bare minimum. To avail of all the benefits and features, you will need to buy the Microsoft Office pack.
Sophistication
Microsoft has been in the market for a long, way before Google Docs. Hence it is expected that Word more superior in terms of the editing options and other functionality as compared to Google Docs.
Judging by the features alone we can say that Microsoft word is superior as compared to Google Docs. But this depends mainly on the user and his/ her usage.
As per a survey for about 80-90% of users, the word processing capacity of Google Docs is sufficient to ‘get their job done’ so to say. For some the advanced features offered by Microsoft Word are significant.
Editing and Formatting options
The formatting options in Microsoft word are far more superior as compared to Google Docs.
In google docs, you do not have too many options when it comes to the font of the text you type. The drop-down menu provides only a limited number of options with regard to the overall height and weight of the text. Along with these there are a few fonts that are available. The options however are limited as compared to the ones available with Microsoft Word.
In word on the other hand you have more editing and formatting options in terms of the font style, its style and the overall look and feel of the text.
Both Google Docs and Microsoft word has options for Bold Underline and Italics. The text color can be changed in both programs but Microsoft Word has more options as compared to Google Docs where the options are limited.
Page numbering and organizing are also easier in Microsoft word as there are more templates as compare to Google Docs.
The overall look and feel of a document using Word are far more advanced in terms of adding borders or other images. But again, it depends on what you are using the word processor for.
If it’s for a formal project or assignment that requires a lot of formatting Microsoft Word is the software to work on. If it’s plain text with minimal formatting that needs to be shared and edited faster you can choose Google Docs.
Utility
This section aims at reviewing the availability of documents in Google Docs vs Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word saves documents on the computer. Hence they are available whenever you require them. You could carry them around on a pen drive or other portable storage devices and it works just fine.
Here the document is available but it may be difficult to co-author or edit the document on the go unless you have the Microsoft Office pack or you are carrying a laptop.
Google documents on the other hand require an internet connection. You can edit and view documents but the edits will only be visible to your collaborators once you have an internet connection. To access offline accessibility for Google docs simply go to file > Make available offline
Sharing
Sharing files on Docs is very convenient. You simply need to click File > Share there is also a shortcut next to your profile picture.
Once you click on the Share it gives you a drop down with how you want people to collaborate. From there you can edit who can edit the document, who can view it and who can comment on it.
You can share Google Docs by either sending a link or personal emails.
Simply click the Share button for collaborations in Microsoft Word. The only catch is you need to upload the document to an online platform called OneDrive. Which is online cloud storage just like Google Drive. You can add the names of the people you want to share the file with after uploading the file.
Unlike Google Docs where you can give file access to a large number of people; giving access to files is a bit restrictive with Microsoft Word. Here you can collaborate only with specific people, making it difficult to work with a lot of people at once.
Google Docs vs Word Online
Google Docs and Word Online, both are browser-based word processing applications. They have many similarities that the differences between them. Let’s discuss a few key differences between Google docs and word online.
| Google Docs | Word Online |
| Google Docs is a part of Google’s Office application or a Google G Suite app. | Word Online is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 module. |
| In terms of Collaboration or comments, Google docs use “suggestions” or allows the users to Edit. | Word Online uses the “Track Changes” feature in terms of collaboration or comments. |
| You can insert images from Google Photos, searching online, via image URL, and most importantly from Google Drive. | You can able to insert images by searching online, via some devices. But it’s not possible to upload images from OneDrive. |
| In terms of Linking, Google Docs provides you more options like linking to other documents in Google drive, provides search functionality that helps you to link different images from the internet, etc. | Here, in terms of linking, you can use a standard hyperlink or URL to link a text. |
| In terms of colors, you can customize the different colors option for coloring your text by using the hexadecimal color code or color mixer. It provides excellent color selection options as compared to word online. | A few color selection options available compared to Google Docs. You can use the default color palette to color your text. |
| There is no provision to use the quick edit toolbar in Google Docs. Instead, you can use a few keyboard shortcuts. | You can use the quick edit toolbar to do some quick changes. |
| Google Docs Provides the version history of each document where you can able to see the changes made by whom with the time stamp. | Word online doesn’t provide a version history capability. |
These are some key differences between Word Online and Google Docs.
FAQs
Is Google Docs as good as Microsoft Word?
As of now, this is a truth that Microsoft Word provides you more features compared to Google Docs. But, you have to pay for the licensing But if you want to work with some manageable features, Google Docs works for you free of cost. Now, the choice is yours.
What is the Microsoft equivalent of Google Docs?
Like Google provides you with Google Docs as an online word processor. Similarly, Microsoft provides you with Word Online as the online word processor.
Is Google Docs compatible with Office?
Yes. Google Docs is compatible with office.
Is Google Docs secure?
Yes, your data or content is absolutely secure with Google.
Is Google Docs Free
Yes, Google Docs is free to use.
Is Google Docs Free For Business Use
Yes, Google Docs is absolutely free for a small business. In case you need any additional feature, you need to pay $6 /month/user in case of Business Starter, For Business standard, you need to pay $12/user/month and for Business Plus, you need to pay $18/user/month.
Our Verdict on Google docs vs Microsoft word
According to us both word processing programs are good in their own way. The need of the users would determine its utility.
Microsoft word is the best option when it comes to formatting and editing as there are more options available. But if you are looking to collaborate without being particular about formatting Google docs is a good option.
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