If you are wondering whether or not Google Docs is a good word processor, then the answer is always “yes!”

It is no secret, if you know me, that I drank the Google Kool-aid years ago. I bought the first Chromebook that came out to market, the first Pixel smartphone, and I still have a recent iteration of both Chromebooks and Pixels.

I have been using Google Docs, and Google Docs exclusively, since 2011. That’s 11 years (at the time of this writing)!

If anyone has anything to say as a Google Docs user, then I am qualified to at least offer my two cents. So, entertain me for a moment, as I explain why Google Docs does everything you need and then some (and how Office and other alternatives just add bells and whistles no one, except a select few, are really asking for).

Bells and whistles you don’t need

Let’s start off with the extras you don’t need that some of these other word processors hype up as being major selling points. This will basically be a bulleted list alongside my counter-arguments:

1. Huge numbers of editing options
2. Crazy amount of formatting options
3. Vast array of templates
4. More PCs have Word installed
5. Microsoft Office platforms integration
6. Security and privacy

Now, let me offer some counterpoints:

1. Most of these options go unused by the vast majority of people
2. A majority of users would have to look up videos and take classes to know how to use and what to do with the crazy amount of formatting options
3. Templates are convenient, but Google Docs also has a large number of template options that are far easier to share and use
4. Only because Microsoft forces their products on pretty much all devices (looking at your “Microsoft Edge”)
5. Google Docs has better integration than Office (and better platforms, too, in my opinion)
6. Google has made strides to be better with their safety and security, but if you are really concerned about highly sensitive information getting out…then you probably need a specific word processor that can lock files down

See what I mean? These arguments aren’t even creative or accurate. I won’t bore you with even more arguments, but I’ll summarize with this: having more options doesn’t make it a better tool…it just makes it more difficult to use.

How Google Docs does everything you need it to

There is a great scene in a movie that I can’t remember the name of (I’ll update if I think of it) where the guy goes to a coffee shop and orders a coffee. The barista starts talking about their three different types of roast and he cuts her off and says, “what would you give me if I just asked for a coffee?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t. I’d tell you about our three types of roasts?”

“What if I just kept screaming the word ‘coffee’ while you talked?”

She chuckles, “We can try that, if you want.”

To which he replies, “Listen, I’ve been in business a long time. Don’t make it difficult to make a sale.”

…

This isn’t a verbatim quote from the scene, but a summarization. And I love it.

Google Docs has all the powerful features you need, without the bloat of features you will never know about and never even bother to use. Simple is better. Plain and simple.

The basics plus some nifty features

Google Docs will let you do all the neat-o things you need such as: 

• Type letters on your keyboard and make them appear, alchemy-like, on your screen 
• Bold, underline, and italicize
• Use Headings
• Collaborate with friends and co-workers by sharing a link

Honestly…what more could you need?? Proof that Google Docs is a good word processor right there!

I have written a book, I’m currently working on four other books, a TTRPG (tabletop role playing game), and so much more in Google Docs. And I’ve always been able to do everything I need and want.

Even better, though, there are some great features that truly come in handy like:

1. Grammar help
2. Auto-correct and spelling suggestions
3. Most recently, tone and style suggestions

Again, simple and useful. Most importantly, pretty much just automatic. Just hover over the suggestions and either approve it by clicking on the correction or ignore it and move on.

Even if you suck at writing, just using Google Docs can help you learn how to be just a little bit better.

Have I answered the question yet?

Hopefully you now have a definitive answer to whether or not Google Docs is a good word processor–because it is actually the best one (in most cases, for most people).

If not, then email me and let’s chat about it some more!

If you like my style, then I can sling some ink for your company, too, just check this contact form and let’s get rolling.

Otherwise, I’d love for you to check out the DSM Blog for all the other goodies of info, opinions, advice, and more that pop up there.

No matter what…I appreciate you, friends!