{"id":77560,"date":"2021-07-30T21:50:51","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T21:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/?p=77560"},"modified":"2023-11-08T12:43:20","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T12:43:20","slug":"alternatives-to-google-docs-for-collaboration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/monday-workdocs\/alternatives-to-google-docs-for-collaboration\/","title":{"rendered":"Our recommendation for an alternative to Google Docs for collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Google Docs is by far one of the most popular online word processing tools, especially for document collaboration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, for one reason or another, you may not prefer Google\u2019s cloud-based word processors. Perhaps you\u2019re seeking out an alternative to Google Docs. Don\u2019t worry \u2014 you have options.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Below, we\u2019ll reiterate the benefits of using online word processing \u2014 especially over traditional word processor applications. Then, we\u2019ll discuss Google Docs and propose an alternative way to work on word processing tasks alongside the rest of your virtual workflows.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Benefits of online word processing<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Traditional word processing software offered a huge advantage over the typewriter. But within the last decade, advancements in cloud technology have put online word processing programs far ahead of traditional apps local to specific machines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Today, it\u2019s hard to justify using a local word processor instead of something cloud-based. Here are several reasons why:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Facilitates collaboration<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Only one person at a time can use and edit documents on traditional word processors like MS Word. If you want to collaborate<\/a>, you have to use a \u201ctrack changes\u201d feature or constantly correspond via email with various document versions. It\u2019s really easy for your most updated version to get lost, and constant communication via email clutters the inbox and wastes time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Online word processors cut this issue out because several people can be in a doc at once. Everyone can make changes at the same time.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Plus, features like comments and updates help teams communicate on specific items. You can see what we mean in this monday.com image:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\u200b\u200b\"screenshot<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Improves accessibility<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cloud-based word processors let you work from anywhere with the proper device and an Internet connection \u2014 whether that\u2019s the office, your couch, or your favorite coffee shop. No need to have a computer, either, because many of these programs have robust mobile apps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With remote work<\/a>\u00a0and hybrid work arrangements becoming so popular<\/a>, it\u2019s virtually impossible to be productive without<\/em>\u00a0an online word processor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Enhances storage and recoverability<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Everyone knows the pain of forgetting to save and having a computer freeze. Or, even worse \u2014 saving vigilantly while writing, then losing the document anyway in a computer crash. Cloud-based programs use cloud storage \u2014 no need to worry about the occasional crash or fired hard drive. Many solutions also autosave any time you make a change so that you never have to worry about losing updates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Assists with digital asset management<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Efficient digital asset management<\/a> saves your organization time. Traditional word processing programs hamper your efforts in this area because documents can get lost easily. Having docs in the cloud makes file sharing much easier \u2014 no need to track down files through email chains or across dozens or hundreds of computers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you use a Work OS<\/a>, your docs are inside your digital workspace, further centralizing your digital assets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"monday.com's<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Offers higher returns on investment<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cloud-based word processors software can offer a higher ROI than traditional applications.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It doesn\u2019t matter whether the software is free or paid \u2014 cloud-based word processing saves you plenty of time and money, in the long run, thanks to its accessibility, security against loss of data, lack of a need to purchase new versions, and so on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Easier to use<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Many cloud-based word processing apps are designed with multiple devices and<\/em> mobile apps in mind. The developers have to prioritize intuitive UI to stay competitive. Programs like monday.com\u2019s Docs features take only a minute or so to figure out and start writing in, and all the important stuff is right at your fingertips.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Of course, these programs also come with documentation like knowledge bases to help you out in case you get stuck.<\/p>\r\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is Google Docs?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Google Docs is a free cloud word processing program run, obviously, by Google. Google launched it in 2006. Now, word processing has been around since the typewriter, but it wasn\u2019t until the end of the 1970s and early 1980s when software burst onto the scene.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Microsoft eventually dominated the word processing market with Microsoft Word from the late 1980s through the mid-2000s as the Microsoft operating system grew in use. At the time, Google wasn\u2019t content with just being a search engine. The company acquired Upstartle, creator of cloud-based word processing program Writely in 2006.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Google acquired 2Web technologies \u2014 creator of web-based spreadsheet application XL2web \u2014 at the same time. In March of 2006, when Google acquired both companies, it launched Google Docs and Google Sheets using each company\u2019s products.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Google dropped Google Docs beta status in 2009, making it a full-fledged product. Today, this Google app is among the most popular cloud-based programs out there. G Suite \u2014 a collection of cloud-based Google products \u2014 has around 2 billion users<\/a>, many of which likely use Docs, given word processing\u2019s broad use case.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cloud-based word processing has proven its merit, so big names like MS Word and the rest of Microsoft’s Office Suite eventually moved to the cloud as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

monday.com\u2019s Docs: the best Google Docs alternative for collaboration<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sure, there are standalone online word processors out there that could facilitate some level of collaboration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But why get yet another software product when you could get one platform that has it all \u2014 including a word processing application? We\u2019re talking about monday.com, of course.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As a Work OS<\/a>, monday.com provides an entire digital \u201coffice space\u201d in one platform. We recently added a Docs app inside the platform to serve as a word processing collaboration tool. It lets you create, edit, and collaborate on documents without leaving the rest of your virtual workspace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This makes it a great alternative to Google Docs. Let\u2019s explore some of its features.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Word processing and formatting features<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

First, the meat and potatoes \u2014 the word processing features. monday workdocs\u00a0are essentially gridded whiteboards, allowing you to add, duplicate, move, or delete items as needed. Perfect for collaborative editing or writing:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"monday.com<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Just click that plus sign or type a \u201c\/\u201d to add a new element. Need to change an element? Easy!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Editing<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Look at all those editing options. And of course, here\u2019s some text being customized and formatted in monday.com\u2019s Docs app:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Formatting<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Videos and images are other elements you\u2019ll likely add in the course of your work. You can add these, too:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Adding<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Editing<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Easy sharing and collaboration features<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Collaboration is one of the main reasons individuals and organizations prefer cloud word processors over the traditional kind. monday.com prioritized collaborative writing functionality in Docs for that exact reason.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In the monday.com Docs app, you can add teammates to your doc with a few button clicks.<\/p>\r\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Adding<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Just search for who you need and add them. Once everyone\u2019s in, you can all work on things simultaneously. One key feature we knew to include was Updates. These keep everyone on the same page regarding changes or other matters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You can add updates to individual elements:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Leaving<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Or to the body of your Doc:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Leaving<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No one will miss your updates, either \u2014 monday.com notifies all members of your Doc about updates.<\/p>\r\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Different doc types<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNot everyone should see every document in your organization. Some have sensitive information, while others are only relevant to specific teams.<\/span><\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For example, your marketing team<\/a>\u00a0needs to edit a document regarding brainstorming an ad campaign.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Most other teams don\u2019t need to see that, but sales or even the CEO may want to. Yet, you might not need them to have editing privileges.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That\u2019s why monday.com workdocs offers 3 document types and<\/em>\u00a0permissions features:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n