Google has announced a significant update to its productivity suite, introducing an enhanced tool finder for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Starting today, users will be able to locate commonly used tools and features more easily and efficiently with this new addition.
The enhanced tool finder, located at the top of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, aims to streamline users’ workflow by helping them find relevant features or functionality using their own words. For example, if users search “who last viewed this document,” the Activity dashboard will surface.
When a user opens the enhanced tool finder immediately after creating a file, they will be presented with suggestions for common actions, such as page setup, dropdown, and meeting notes in Docs; insert rows/columns, merge cells, and freeze rows/columns in Sheets; and page setup, spell check, and edit theme in Slides.
Once users begin editing, they can find recent actions by clicking into the tool finder, providing easy access to previously used features. Prior to this update, users could find features by navigating to Help>Search the menus. Now, that action will redirect to the enhanced tool finder, which will eventually live permanently in the toolbar.
The enhanced tool discovery is designed to save users time and streamline their work, whether they’re exploring collaboration, smart canvas, or formatting features. In addition, the find & replace tool will always be available at the bottom of search results, with the user’s query pre-populated.
This feature does not require any admin control and is available to all Google Workspace customers, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, and users with personal Google Accounts. The rollout is gradual, with Rapid Release domains starting on April 25, 2023, and Scheduled Release domains beginning on May 10, 2023.
For more information on the enhanced tool finder for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, users can visit the Help Center.
