Google Docs is a free, web-based word processor within Google's Docs Editors suite. Accessible through web browsers, mobile apps (Android & iOS), and ChromeOS desktop applications, it allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents online. Key features include real-time collaboration, automatic saving, version history, and a variety of formatting options. It supports multiple file formats and integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Drive and Meet. Google Docs is widely used for both personal and professional document creation and editing needs.
August 2005: Writely Launched
In August 2005, Upstartle launched Writely, a web-based word processor that would later become Google Docs. It was created by programmers experimenting with Ajax technology and the "contentEditable" HTML feature.
March 9, 2006: Google Acquires Upstartle
On March 9, 2006, Google announced its acquisition of Upstartle, the company behind Writely. This acquisition laid the groundwork for the creation of Google Docs.
October 10, 2006: Google Documents Release
On October 10, 2006, Google released Google Documents, a new product based on Writely. This marked the official entry of Google into the online document editing space.
July 2009: Google Docs Leaves Beta
In July 2009, Google Docs officially exited beta testing, indicating its readiness for wider use and increased stability.
April 2010: Improvements Based on DocVerse Deployed
In April 2010, Google deployed improvements to Google Docs based on the DocVerse acquisition, enhancing collaboration features.
October 2011: Security Risks Raised Regarding Google Docs
In October 2011, security researchers raised concerns about potential security risks with Google Docs. These issues involved the potential for abuse due to how Google Docs managed permissions and access, highlighting vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
June 2012: Google Acquires Quickoffice
In June 2012, Google acquired Quickoffice, a freeware productivity suite for mobile devices, further expanding its capabilities for mobile document editing.
October 2012: Google Documents Becomes Google Docs
In October 2012, Google renamed Google Documents to Google Docs as part of a broader renaming of Google Drive products, at the same time Google Chrome App versions of Docs, Sheets, and Slides were released.
2012: Basic Research Tool Introduced
In 2012, a basic research tool was introduced in Google Docs to aid users in finding information.
April 2013: Google Cloud Connect Discontinued
In April 2013, Google Cloud Connect, a plug-in for Microsoft Office that synchronized documents to Google Docs, was discontinued as Google Drive was seen as providing the same functionality with better results.
March 2014: Add-ons Introduced
In March 2014, Google introduced add-ons, new tools from third-party developers that add more features to Google Docs.
June 2014: "Suggested Edits" Introduced
In June 2014, Google introduced "Suggested edits" in Google Docs, allowing participants with "commenting access" to suggest edits that the author can accept or reject.
June 2014: Dedicated Website Homepage Rolled Out
In June 2014, Google rolled out a dedicated website homepage for Google Docs, containing only files created with the service.
2015: Mobile Website Updated
In 2015, the mobile website for Google Docs was updated with a "simpler, more uniform" interface. Users attempting to edit files are redirected to the dedicated mobile app.
September 2016: "Explore" Expanded
In September 2016, the basic research tool in Google Docs was expanded into "Explore", incorporating additional functionality through machine learning.
October 2016: "Action Items" Announced
In October 2016, Google announced "Action items" for Docs. The service intelligently assigns action items to users based on phrases like "Ryan to follow up on the keynote script", making it easier for collaborators to track responsibilities.
December 2016: Quick Citations Feature Introduced
In December 2016, Google introduced a quick citations feature to Google Docs, allowing users to insert citations as footnotes easily through the Explore feature. This also marked the launch of Explore functionalities in G Suite for Education accounts.
December 2016: PC Magazine Review
In a December 2016 review, PC Magazine noted Google Docs' "effortless collaboration" but highlighted its less powerful feature set compared to desktop suites, while praising its user interface and the Explore functionality.
May 2017: Phishing Attack Impersonates Google Docs Sharing Email
In May 2017, a widespread phishing attack impersonated a Google Docs sharing email. The attack sent emails requesting to share a document, directing users to a real Google account permissions page. Once access was granted, the malicious app gained access to the user's Gmail messages and address book, sending new fraudulent invitations to their contacts. The attack was stopped and fixed by Google within hours.
May 2017: Gmail Updated with Phishing Protection
In early May 2017, the same day as the Google Docs phishing attack, Google updated Gmail on Android to feature protection from phishing attacks, though it may not have prevented that week's specific attack, as it used a malicious "Google Docs" app hosted on Google's domain.
October 2017: Incorrect Flagging of Documents
In October 2017, Google released a server-side update which incorrectly flagged random documents as violations of its "Terms of Service" policies. A fix was released shortly after, but the issue raised concerns about Google's control over user content and its ability to shut users out at any time.
February 2019: Grammar Suggestions Introduced
In February 2019, Google introduced grammar suggestions in Google Docs, expanding spell check using machine translation techniques to help catch grammatical errors.
January 2022: Text Watermark Feature Announced
In January 2022, Google announced the text watermark feature for Google Docs, allowing users to create or import watermarks to a document.
March 2022: Opt-in Markdown Detection Added
In March 2022, Google added an opt-in feature to automatically detect Markdown within Google Docs.
2023: New UI Theme
In March of 2023, Google Docs, along with Slides and Sheets, introduced a new UI theme.
July 2024: Full Markdown Syntax Support Announced
In July 2024, Google announced that Google Docs would begin fully supporting Markdown syntax.