When doing research, having multiple tabs open at once can be confusing. Google Docs' Explore feature compiles your resources into one place. It finds relevant information online or in your Google Drive and brings it into Docs. You control the content, such as the topics, research, and images. It’s the power of research at your fingertips, neatly organized in Google Docs' Explore feature.
Since mostGoogle Workspaceapps are interoperable, Explore exists in Google Sheets and Slides. you’re able to also use it on your favorite iOS devices, Android phones and tablets, and computers. It’s a great tool on thetablets kids can use for schoolassignments. If you frequently experience writer’s block or lack sufficient information, this feature helps you come up with ideas. Here’s how to make the most of the Explore tool in Google Docs.
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What does the Explore tool do in Google Docs?
The Explore tool in Google Docs is a quick access feature that helps you search the web or your Google Drive when researching. If you type enough text in Docs, the tool’s icon automatically appears in the lower-right corner of your screen and offerstips for improving your document. The icon doesn’t appear when your document is scanty or empty and may need to highlight your entire document or sections. This action makes the tool scan those parts and offer suggestions.
Click the icon or access it via keyboard command to open a panel on the right side to view the internet, images, and Drive materials. Selecting a search result or Drive content expands it in a new tab, so you can’t instantly insert it into your document. You can only insert images from the tool.
On the mobile app for Android and iPhone, the feature works differently. You can open web results and images within the app, but there isn’t an option for accessing Drive. Additionally, you can add footnote citations in the MLA, APA, and Chicago formats on computers. You can only hyperlink to the source page on the mobile app.
The Google Docs Explore feature isn’t the same asGoogle Fact Check Explorer. Explore assists you in conducting research within Docs instead of switching between windows or tabs. Fact Check Explorer helps you confirm facts and review debunked information on the internet. Explore is part of the G Suite apps and exists in Google Slides and Sheets, but the tool works differently in each application. Fact Check is part of Google’s Fact Check Tools.
Explore in Docs doesn’t exempt you from copyright laws. Always have permission to use material you source online. That way, you don’t infringe on the owner’s copyright. Copyright infringement makes you liable for fines or damages to the owner.
How to insert web results into Docs with Explore tool
You can use Explore in Google Docs to browse web results pages via your computer, mobile phone, and tablet. The browser application opens web pages in a new tab and displays the full content. Use the mobile app to see the entire web page without leaving Docs.
Insert web results into Docs on computers
Insert web results into Docs on smartphones and tablets
How to insert images into Docs with Explore tool
You can insert an image into Docs by clicking the+icon or dragging and dropping it from the Explore sidebar into your document. On mobile devices, tap an image, then selectInsertto include it. The mobile and web apps display commercial images with modification permissions as the top results.
Visit the image’s web page for more license information before using it.
Insert images into Docs with the Explore tool on computers
How to view Google Drive content in Docs with Explore tool
Explore accesses existing documents in your Drive account, a feature that isn’t available on the mobile app. When you click a Drive document, it opens in a new browser tab where you can copy and paste parts of it into your document or gather ideas. You can’t drag and drop or insert it into your current document.
How to use suggestions in Google Docs with Explore tool
The more text you type in a document, the more Explore offers suggestions. If your document is blank, the tool doesn’t show tips. You see a prompt to create smarter documents in the sidebar. For the best chances of getting suggestions, highlight your entire document before opening Explore on computers. Highlighting text before using the tool on mobile devices takes you to the search results for websites and images, so don’t use it if you need suggestions.
Explore offers the following types of suggestions:
Use Explore suggestions in Docs on computers
Use Explore suggestions in Docs on smartphones and tablets
Google Docs' Explore helps you do basic research
Google Docs Explore offers shortcuts that eliminate the need to open many browser tabs. But that’s as far as the tool’s functionality goes. If you need something solid and analytical, tryGoogle Pinpoint.
Pinpoint offers broader research capabilities, such as filtering thousands of documents, interviews, images, emails, handwritten notes, and audio files for your detailed research. you may also store your findings in one place and collaborate with third parties. However, you must request access from Google to use it and pay for a pricing plan.
