10 Lesser-Known Google Tips to Save Time and Work Smarter
TL;DR – Quick Google Tips
⌨️ Use doc.new / sheet.new / slide.new shortcuts to instantly create new files
🔖 Add bookmarks in Google Docs to link directly to sections
⏱ Insert a timer into Docs for meetings and agendas
✍️ Collect signatures in Google Docs (free with Workspace)
📶 Enable offline access for Docs, Sheets, and Slides
📩 Turn on form response notifications
🗑 Free up Google Drive storage space quickly
🛡 Use G-Drive Avenger to check file ownership and permissions
📅 Turn on speedy meetings in Google Calendar
☀️ Add weather to Google Calendar
So many of us use Google, Gmail, and Google Workspace every single day—but most people only scratch the surface of what these tools can actually do. From quick shortcuts to hidden features, these lesser-known Google tips will help you work faster, stay organized, and get more out of your Google apps.
1. Shortcut to Creating a New Doc
Type these directly into your browser:
doc.new→ new Google Docsheet.new→ new Google Sheetslide.new→ new Google Slideform.new→ new Google Form
💡 Pro tip: Save them as browser bookmarks for even faster access.
I learned this tip from my friend Dara from her "Get Productive with G-Suite" course—Here's Dara's blog in case you need more details.
2. Create Bookmarks within Your Google Docs
Bookmarks let you link directly to a specific section of a Google Doc—perfect for long documents or collaborative projects.
How to use it:
Place your cursor where you want the bookmark.
Go to Insert → Bookmark.
Copy the link and share it.
Now teammates can jump directly to the right spot.
Here's a 95-second video to show you how it works.
3. Add a Timer to Your Doc
Running a meeting or training? You can embed a countdown timer right inside Google Docs. Here's a 1-min video on how to do it that I made after I learned this from one of my workshop participants (if you’re interested in my workshops, click here).
👉 Note: This currently works best with Google Workspace accounts (business/nonprofit), not free Google accounts.
4. Gather Signatures in Google Docs for Free
Skip expensive tools like DocuSign for simple contracts. With Google Workspace, you can:
Insert a signature field in Docs
Collect legally binding e-signatures
Store them securely in Drive
This is a great option for freelancers, nonprofits, or small businesses—here's how to use it.
5. Access Docs Offline
Need to work without Wi-Fi, or heading to a place where internet access might be dicey? Make your files available offline.
Open the file (Doc, Sheet, Slide).
Go to File → Make Available Offline.
I use this before presentations or flights, so I never lose access to important files.
6. Turn on Form Notifications
If you use Google Forms, don’t miss responses!
Link the form to a Google Sheet.
In the sheet, go to Tools → Notification rules.
Set up instant or daily email alerts.
Perfect for evergreen forms that only get occasional responses.
7. Free Up Google Storage Space
Hitting your Drive/Gmail storage limit? A few huge files are usually the culprit.
👉 Zapier’s guide on freeing up Google storage shows exactly where to look (Docs, Photos, Gmail).
8. Use G-Drive Avenger to Check File Ownership
Did you know you may not actually “own” all your Drive files? If a contractor or colleague leaves, their files could disappear. This actually happened to me! It was awful.
G-Drive Avenger helps you:
See who owns your files
Spot files that are public by mistake
Fix ownership issues quickly
This is a lifesaver if you collaborate often. I run it twice a year in my own business.
9. Speedy Meetings in Google Calendar
Tired of back-to-back meetings? Turn on Speedy Meetings in Google Calendar:
25 minutes instead of 30
50 minutes instead of 60
That extra 5–10 minutes gives you breathing room between calls.
10. Add Weather to Google Calendar
Use this simple tool to see the forecast right inside your calendar.
Enable the feature in Calendar settings
Choose Celsius or Fahrenheit
Double-check location (to avoid wrong-city weather surprises!)
Now you’ll always know if you need an umbrella before heading out.
FAQs
Q1: What are the best Google shortcuts to save time?
Use doc.new, sheet.new, slide.new, and form.new to instantly create new Google files.
Q2: Can I get signatures in Google Docs without paying for DocuSign?
Yes—if you use Google Workspace, you can add signature fields in Docs for free.
Q3: How do I access Google Docs offline?
Open the file, go to File → Make Available Offline, and it will sync for offline use.
Q4: How do I know which Google Drive files I own?
Tools like G-Drive Avenger help identify file ownership and permissions in your Drive.
About The Author
Jessica Eastman Stewart is a consultant, workshop facilitator, and podcast guest expert. She teaches busy professionals how to get more organized at home and at work so they can stop feeling worn out and start living a Joyfully Managed Life! Thousands of readers drop everything when her weekly newsletter, The Friday Five, arrives in their inbox. Every Friday, you’ll get FIVE amazing tips to help life feel INSTANTLY more joyful and easy!
