For the last few decades , Microsoft Word has been the de facto measure for word processors across the working world . That ’s finally commence to shift , and it looks like one of Google ’s productiveness apps is the heir unmistakable . The companionship ’s Google Docs solution ( or to be specific , the integrate word processor ) is cross - platform and interoperable , automatically syncs , is well shareable , and perhaps serious of all , is gratis .

However , using Google Docsproves it still has a long way to go before it can match all of Word ’s features — Microsoft has been developing its word processor for over 30 years , after all , and millions stilluse Microsoft Word . Will Google Docs ’ low roadblock to entrance and thwartwise - platform functionality acquire out ? allow ’s break down each word central processor in terminus of features and capability to serve you set which is best for your needs .

How does each word processing program compare?

To put it softly , Microsoft Word has an incredible advantage over Google Docs in terms of raw technological potentiality . From relatively humble start in the 1980s , Microsoft has add new tools and options in each serial interlingual rendition . Most of the substantive editing instrument are uncommitted in Google Docs , but users who are used to Word will see it limited .

From the basal placement of images to advanced techniques like macros and mail merge , Word is the breakaway winner for more technical committal to writing . While you candraw in Google Docs , Word ’s advanced characteristic also admit well internalization of images and graphics , more exceptional options over text styles , easy addition of footnotes and citations , and better table control and formats .

Interface comparison

The same matter that make Word stand out in terms of features also induce it complicated when it amount to the substance abuser user interface . Thanks to hundreds of establish - in putz and alternative , finding the right one in Word can be somewhat confusing for novice users . Google Docs , on the other hand , is comparatively simple to pick up but more limited in terms of alternative .

Beyond the received text formatting tool and a few extra like inserting tables and rulers , add Sir Frederick Handley Page number , and footnotes , there is n’t much to the Word UI that you wo n’t find in a canonic school text editor . For user learning and simpleness of use , uncomplicated is better . Microsoft has attempted to streamline Word ’s UI in late years , but it can be slightly gawky . If you necessitate simple tools to make an well accessible document , Google Docs has you plow . For lesson , it is just as easy tochange margins in Google Docsas it is in Word .

File compatibility

While both Word and Docs are compatible with the most commonly used word processing formats like Word , PDF , and rich text , Word can import its files much more apace and is much good at display complex file formats consistently across different programs of the Microsoft family .

Google Docs file can be download in some of the same formats as Word documents , but they excel at now publishing papers as webpages . Microsoft Word hasnotable limitationsin doing the same , as many editing elements like layout and data format can be lose in translation .

Sharing options

Bible includes redaction and markup tools for portion out and editing among teams , and the latter Office / Microsoft 365 version of the program do tolerate for entanglement - free-base editing and sharing . Microsoft OneDrive syncs files and foldersfor you in the web edition of Word ( and other Microsoft productiveness tools ) .

When chop-chop creating document that can be share with Google Drive and be almost instantly distributed worldwide if need be ( and let ’s front it , using Google Driveis easy ) , Google Docs has historically had the edge . Google Docs user have been able to easily control who can edit , comment , or be able to get at the papers in the first place , whereas Word written document could only be apportion with specific tangency . But now , Word has seem to have caught up to Docs in this respect . In fact , if Google Docs users were to take the portion button in Word , they ’d see communion options that now count very standardised to what Docs offers , including the power to imitate a inter-group communication to the document .

Platform, add-on, and accessibility options

As a web - based service , Google Docs is available on any screen background platform with a modern web browser app . That includes Windows , MacOS , Linux , Chrome OS , and ( in some cases ) even mobile platforms run in compatibility mode . Apps for Google Docs are available for Android and iOS . An net connection is required on the desktop unless you ’ve previouslyenabled your Google Drive Indian file to be usable offline on your Chromebook . You’ll also need a Google account to enter and make documents on Google Docs .

Microsoft Word and Google Docs can also be augmented with add - on tools from third - party developers . Microsoft Word ( as a subset of Office or Microsoft 365 ) is available for Windows and MacOS . Free Word client are also available for Android and iOS , and Microsoft 365 is usable on the WWW for modern browsers .

All save on a Google Doc are not only automatically uploaded to the cloud , but a separate data file is created each metre a alteration is made . Microsoft does appropriate users to synchronise , edit , and heart-to-heart Word documents online , but that will require you to either set up OneDrive backup with Microsoft Office 2019 files or possess a Microsoft 365 subscription .

Cost comparison options

Google Docs is generally free to access and function for soul and personal use . But a business version of Google ’s productivity apps suite ( Google Workspace ) is uncommitted starting at $ 6 per substance abuser per calendar month , but most individual user wo n’t need its administrator controls or live support .

If you want todownload Microsoft Word , various options are usable , from purchase the standalone software ( $ 160 ; $ 80 for scholarly person ) tosubscribing to Microsoft Officein its Microsoft 365 incarnation .

Good Book include in Microsoft 365 will leave the most storage space , so if you ’re working with large filing cabinet , you ’ll want to go with this choice . Google Docs is limited to 15 GB of reposition , so if you do n’t have a passel of document or many declamatory document , then it will be an ideal solution for you .

Which word processor is best for you?

After year of working with Microsoft Word , it can be hard to give it up for another word - processing option . password is the standard for many job industries and the educational field , so .docx is a standard file used across the board . It ’s possible to practice Word while you ’re at study and transfer the Indian file to Google Docs for function at house , but you might encounter some compatibility or formatting trouble .

It ’s important to ask yourself if you require a simple Word of God processor or if you want to share files with others easy . Google Docs is the best choice if you demand to act collaboratively with others or body of work in the cloud for optimal backup options . However , you could certainly enjoy using both programs , as Google Docs is a free program , and employers and school oftentimes offer Word to user .

switch is n’t easy , but if you ’re entrench in Microsoft 365 , there are alternatives for other app , including Excel . If you ’re mean about swapping to Google Workspace dick ( what some people call “ Google office ” ) read ourGoogle Sheets vs. Microsoft Excelcomparison to aid you decide .