Learn the differences between Microsoft Word and Google Docs, and get best practices for collaboration at work or school.
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Note: The instructions in this guide are primarily web only. Get switching information for mobile devices.
Comparison at a glance
In Word... | In Docs...* | ||||||
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Share your document using Microsoft SharePoint or OneDrive |
Share your document from Docs
For more details, see Get started with Docs. Share your document with Word users
For more details, see Work with Microsoft Office files. |
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Collaborate in real-time in Word Online |
Collaborate in real-time in Docs
When you share a document, depending on their access, collaborators can edit documents, add comments, and assign tasks.
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Access version history in SharePoint or OneDrive |
Access version history in Docs
For more details, read See changes to your Drive files and folders.
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Track changes in a document |
Make suggestions and comments
Make suggestions in a document
Add and assign comments in a document
Note: If a file reaches the maximum number of comments, you can make a copy of the file without copying over any comments. |
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Open a Word document |
Open a Word document
Any changes you make are saved to the original Microsoft Office file. For more details, see Work with Microsoft Office files.
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Access a document offline in OneDrive |
Access a document offline in Drive
To learn how to access files offline from your desktop or mobile, see Access stored Drive files without the internet. |
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Save a document automatically in SharePoint or OneDrive or turn on AutoRecover |
Save a document automatically in Drive
Your document saves automatically in Drive as you work, so you don’t need to click Save.
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Insert pictures in your document |
Add images to your document
You can drag and drop images from your computer into your document. Or, click InsertImage and choose an image from Google Drive, Google Photos, the web, and more. With Docs, you can crop and recolor your images. Learn more about adding and editing images. You can also add an image watermark to your document. For more details, see Add an image watermark. |
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Add an Excel chart to your document |
Add a Sheets chart to your document
For more details, see Insert and edit charts. |
* Note: The instructions in this guide are primarily web only. Get switching information for mobile devices.
Related topics
To start using Docs, or get troubleshooting help, try these guides instead:
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