Pinning Google Docs to your taskbar is a quick and efficient way to access your documents without having to navigate through your browser or bookmarks. By following a few simple steps, you’ll have easy access to your Google Docs right from your desktop.
Step by Step Tutorial: Pinning Google Docs to Taskbar
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what we’re trying to achieve. We want to make it so that you can open Google Docs just like any other program on your computer – with just one click. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open Google Chrome
Open Google Chrome, or your preferred web browser that you use to access Google Docs.
Google Chrome is the preferred browser for Google products, but this process will work on most web browsers.
Step 2: Navigate to Google Docs
Go to the Google Docs website. You can type "docs.google.com" into your browser’s address bar or search for "Google Docs" in your search engine.
Once you’re on the Google Docs website, you should see the homepage or your most recent documents if you’re already logged in.
Step 3: Open the Browser’s Menu
Click on the three dots or lines at the top right corner of your browser to open the menu.
This menu may look different depending on the browser you’re using, but it should be in the top right corner regardless.
Step 4: Select ‘More Tools’
In the menu, look for an option that says "More Tools." Click on it to open a submenu.
This will give you more options regarding what you can do with your current web page.
Step 5: Click on ‘Create Shortcut’
In the "More Tools" submenu, look for "Create Shortcut." Click on it to create a new shortcut for Google Docs.
This will create a shortcut to the website on your desktop or in your browser’s app section.
Step 6: Rename the Shortcut (Optional)
A small window will pop up, allowing you to rename your shortcut. You can name it "Google Docs" or anything that will help you remember what it is.
Renaming is optional but can be helpful if you have multiple shortcuts.
Step 7: Check ‘Open as Window’
Before you create the shortcut, you’ll have the option to check "Open as Window." If you select this, Google Docs will open in its own window, rather than a new browser tab.
This gives you a more app-like experience.
Step 8: Pin the Shortcut to Your Taskbar
After creating the shortcut, find it on your desktop or in your browser’s app section. Right-click on it, then select “Pin to Taskbar.”
Now your Google Docs shortcut will be accessible directly from your taskbar.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a Google Docs icon on your taskbar. When you click it, Google Docs will open in its own window, making it feel more like a traditional application than a webpage. This setup can boost your productivity by cutting down on the time it takes to access your documents.
Tips for Pinning Google Docs to Taskbar
- Ensure your web browser is up to date for the best compatibility and performance.
- If you use Google Docs frequently, consider setting it as your homepage for even quicker access.
- Customize your shortcut icon by finding a Google Docs logo online and setting it as the icon image.
- Remember that pinning to the taskbar works differently on Mac and Windows. These instructions are for Windows users.
- If your pinned shortcut isn’t working correctly, try unpinning and then repinning it. Sometimes shortcuts need a refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pin Google Docs to the taskbar on a Mac?
Yes, you can pin Google Docs to the Dock on a Mac, which is similar to the taskbar on Windows.
Can I pin other Google applications like Sheets and Slides in the same way?
Absolutely! The process is the same for all Google applications.
What if the ‘Create Shortcut’ option isn’t available?
Make sure your browser is up to date, or try accessing the menu using a different path. Sometimes the option is named differently in other browsers.
Can I still access Google Docs through the browser after pinning it to the taskbar?
Yes, pinning Google Docs to the taskbar doesn’t restrict access through the browser. It’s simply an additional shortcut.
If I pin Google Docs to the taskbar, will it open with my account logged in?
As long as you’re logged into your Google account in your browser, the shortcut will open Google Docs with your account active.
Summary
- Open Google Chrome.
- Navigate to Google Docs.
- Open the browser’s menu.
- Select ‘More Tools’.
- Click on ‘Create Shortcut’.
- Rename the shortcut (optional).
- Check ‘Open as Window’.
- Pin the shortcut to your taskbar.
Conclusion
Pinning Google Docs to your taskbar is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your workflow. With these steps, you can bypass opening your browser and navigating to Google Docs each time you need to work on a document. It’s a simple yet effective way to streamline your productivity and make sure that your documents are always just a click away. By customizing your taskbar in this way, you’re creating a more personalized and efficient computer experience. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Happy documenting!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.