15 Google Docs tools that supercharged my workflow (and they’re free) – November 2025

Author/Source: Jack Wallen / ZDNET See the full link here

Takeaway

This article highlights 15 free tools and features within Google Docs designed to boost user productivity and streamline workflow. It covers a range of functions from dictation and translation to research and document organization, making common tasks quicker and more efficient. Readers will discover practical ways to leverage Google Docs for better document creation and management.

Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner

Analogy/Comparison

Think of Google Docs as a car, and these tools are like upgrading it with features such as GPS, cruise control, and a hands-free system. The car still drives, but these additions make your journey smoother, faster, and more enjoyable without requiring you to buy a whole new vehicle.

Why It Matters

These tools matter because they can save significant time and effort for anyone who regularly works with documents, from students writing essays to professionals drafting reports. For instance, using the voice typing feature can quickly transcribe notes or ideas without needing to type, freeing up mental energy and speeding up content creation.

Related Terms

Voice typing
Add-ons
Google Translate
Dictionary
Keep
Outline
Watermark
Hyperlink
Research tool
Version history
Smart chips
Pageless format
Table of contents
Compare documents
Custom building blocks

Jargon Conversion:
Voice typing: Speaking to your computer or device and having it automatically type out your words into text.
Add-ons: Small software programs or features that you can install to add extra functions to a larger program, like Google Docs.
Hyperlink: A clickable piece of text or an image that takes you to another document or website when you select it.
Version history: A record of all the changes made to a document over time, allowing you to see past edits and restore earlier versions if needed.
Smart chips: Interactive links or placeholders in Google Docs that can quickly insert information about people, files, dates, or other content.
Pageless format: A view setting in Google Docs that removes page breaks and allows the document to expand horizontally, similar to a webpage, rather than being restricted to traditional page sizes.
Custom building blocks: Pre-designed sections or elements that you can save and quickly insert into new documents to maintain consistency and speed up document creation.

Tech Teacher