If you often create and edit documents using Google Docs, then you’ll definitely want an easier way to create new documents. By default, Google Docs isn’t like MS Word. It doesn’t have a keyboard shortcut for creating new documents. You really need to go through its “File” tab and then select “New” > “Document”. The same goes if you want to create a new spreadsheet or presentation.
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The good thing is there’s a workaround and it can be done by adding desktop shortcuts. So with a simple desktop shortcut, you’re just a “double-click” away to creating a new Google Docs document. Just read this post to learn how.
How to create desktop shortcuts for Google Docs in Windows
- First and foremost, open your web browser and make sure that you’re already signed in to your Google account. By signing in to your Google account, you can open any Google service or app without being constantly prompted to enter your Google account email and password.
- So once you’re logged in, just minimize your browser and go to your desktop.
- Right-click on your desktop and then on the right-click menu, select “New” > “Shortcut”.
- On the dialog box that appears, paste the following URL on the “Type the location of the item” field:
- For creating new Google Docs documents, use:http://docs.google.com/?action=newdoc
- For creating new Sheets, use:http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?new
- For creating new Presentations, use:http://docs.google.com/?action=new_presentation
- To continue, click “Next”.
- On the next dialog, you will be asked to enter a name for new shortcut. Just enter “Google Docs” or any name that you want.
- Click “Finish” to confirm.
Setting a custom icon for your new Google Docs desktop shortcut
- Now, that your Google Docs desktop shortcut is ready, you may opt to change its icon as well. Just right-click on the shortcut icon and then on the menu that appears, select “Properties”.
- Go to the “Web Document” tab and then click “Change Icon”.
- Select the icon that you want, click “OK” then “Apply” then “OK” again.
That’s it. So every time you click the shortcut icon for Google Docs on your desktop, it will automatically open Google Docs on your default web browser. Just click the “+” icon on the bottom-right side of your Google Docs interface to create a new document and you’re all set.
If you want to create another shortcut for Google Sheets or Presentations, just repeat the steps above but use the given URLs for Sheets and Presentations.
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![Google-docs-for-mac Google-docs-for-mac](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125841787/252600416.jpg)
While it can be handy to have access to Google Docs when you're working between multiple machines or locations, if you can't access the documents, they're fairly useless. If you're having issues with accessing Google Docs from your Mac computer, the first steps are to try to alter the settings or the conditions in which you access them. If those steps still don't solve the problem, use Google Docs' Help site to troubleshoot issues and report your problem.
Safari
Some users have encountered issues when using the native browser, Safari, with Google Docs. The issues include the inability to open documents, and may come with an error message that says that Google Docs cannot find the server. As an initial troubleshooting step, ensure that Javascript is enabled in your browser by selecting the Safari menu, selecting 'Preferences' and then ensuring that the Javascript checkbox is ticked.
Clear Cache and Cookies
According to Google, a possible workaround for this issue is to clear the browser's cache and cookies. If you have Safari, you can do this by selecting the Safari menu and then selecting 'Reset Safari.' At the next screen, click 'Remove all website data.' If you're using another browser, resetting your cache and cookies can also be helpful for problems with Google Docs.
Browser Plugins
In some cases, plugins that you've added to your browser -- whether Safari, Firefox or another browser -- may be interfering with Google Docs. In this case, you can perform a reset of your browser to get it back to its original configuration, or you can try to disable plugins one-by-one to determine if one of them is causing the issue. If you've recently added any new plugins, try disabling them first and then try Google Docs again. If that doesn't do anything, reset the browser to its original configuration.
Update or Change Browser
If you continue to have issues with Safari and clearing the cache and cookies does not solve the issue, you have a few other options. First, ensure that you are using the latest version of Safari by clicking the Apple menu and then clicking 'Software Update.' If you see a notification for a Safari update at the next page, follow the prompts to update the browser. If that does not solve your issue with Google Docs, consider downloading and using another browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox or another browser of your choice.
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About the Author
Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
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Vulcan, Nicole. 'Mac Problems With Opening Google Docs.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/mac-problems-opening-google-docs-39276.html. Accessed 22 December 2019.
Vulcan, Nicole. (n.d.). Mac Problems With Opening Google Docs. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/mac-problems-opening-google-docs-39276.html
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