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Announced last week from the G Suite Updates Blog, you can now display the word count while you type in Google Docs.

This feature is useful for users who very often need to see the word count in the documents they’re writing. To display the word count continuously while typing, select Tools > Word Count > Display word count while typing. The word count will then be displayed in the lower left corner of the document.

For more information, click here to see the original post from the G-Suite Updates Blog.

Today’s tip is short but sweet!

Did you know that you can tag someone in a comment that you add to Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets? You can draw the attention of a specific person by using “@ or + sign” and email address in the comment box. The email holder will receive a notification email about the comment or question.

If you’re not very familiar with using comments and action items in Google Apps, click here for more information from the Google Help Center.

What types of tech tips would you like to see more of? We would love to hear your feedback! Email us at infodesk@allegheny.edu.

Are you currently using Google Keep? If not, you’re missing out!

Google Keep is a syncing notepad that connects to your Google Drive. Google Keep supports photo notes, voice notes, checklists, and more. See this article from PCWorld for ten tips and tricks to help you master Google Keep.

What types of tech tips would you like to see more of? We would love to hear your feedback! Email us at infodesk@allegheny.edu.

Want some more efficient ways to search for messages in your Gmail? For example, searching for messages from a particular sender, or messages containing specific words in the subject line?

See this article from Gmail Help for a full list of search operators that you can use to filter your search results.

What types of tech tips would you like to see more of? We would love to hear your feedback! Email us at infodesk@allegheny.edu.

You can now easily view the edit history of a cell in Google Sheets! This includes who made the last edit, when that edit was made, and the cell’s previous value.

To start using Show edit history:

• Right click on any cell and select “Show edit history” from the dropdown menu.
• A dialogue box will appear that will show you:
  • The user who last made a direct edit in the cell
  • A timestamp of the edit
  • The previous value and current value of the cell
  • Arrow keys in the top right corner which toggle back and forth between edits

For more information and to see the original G Suite Update posting, click here.

What types of tech tips would you like to see more of? We would love to hear your feedback! Email us at infodesk@allegheny.edu.

Another great one from the G Suite Learning Center!

You have the capability to set an expiration date to limit or end access to any file in Google Drive. Try it out by following the steps below:

1. In Google Drive, open the file.
2. Click Share.
3. Share the file if it is not already shared.
4. Click Advanced.
5. Hover over the person’s name and click Set Expiration.
6. Change the access expiration date.
7. Click Save Changes and then click Done.

What types of tech tips would you like to hear about? Have any recommendations? We would love your feedback – contact infodesk@allegheny.edu and let us know!

This weeks tech tip is another from the G Suite Learning Center.

In Gmail, you can choose which type of email you want to see at the top of your inbox:

1. In Gmail, point to Inbox .
2. Click the Down arrow, and choose one of the available options.

You will see the Important, Unread, and Starred sections appear at the top of your inbox. The rest of your email can be viewed under Everything else.

Today’s tech tip is a useful keyboard shortcut for Google Drive!

Google Drive allows us to place any file inside one or more folders with having to create copies of that file. By doing this, organizing your Google Drive becomes easier, and editing the file inside one folder also updates all other instances of the file.

1. Open Google Drive in your web browser.
2. Select a file, and press Shift + Z . You will see an “Add to Folder” window appear.
3. Next, select the folder where you want to add the selected file and click OK.

It can be difficult to see who made certain changes and when to a document that multiple people are working on. By using version history in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, you can see all of the updates made to your file.

To see an earlier version of your file, or revert to an older version:

1. Open your file in Google Drive.
2. Select File > Version history > See version history.
3. Click a timestamp to see a previous version of the file.
4. Click Restore this version to make it the active version.

(You need Owner or Can edit access to the file to see version history.)

Are you tired of typing the same reply every time someone sends you an email with a common question? Do you wish that Gmail could automatically reply to certain messages with a saved response? Well, you’re in luck!

Follow the instructions below to automate replies with canned responses:

• In the Gmail search box, click the Down arrow.
• Enter your search criteria, then click Create filter.
• Check the Send canned response box and select one of your saved canned responses. If you don’t see this option, make sure canned responses are enabled. [Settings > Advanced > Canned Responses (Templates)].
• Click Create filter.