Google Docs is a versatile and powerful word-processing tool, but sometimes you may need additional functionalities that aren’t available by default. This is where add-ons come in. Add-ons are third-party tools that enhance the functionality of Google Docs, allowing you to do more with your documents.

Here, we’ll explore how to use add-ons in Google Docs and highlight some of the best add-ons available.

What are Add-ons in Google Docs?

Add-ons in Google Docs are third-party applications that integrate directly with your documents to extend their capabilities. These add-ons can help you perform a variety of tasks, from citation management and document formatting to adding complex functions like mail merges or diagram creation. They are easy to install and use, making Google Docs even more powerful and versatile.

How to Install Add-Ons in Google Docs

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Launch Google Docs in your web browser.

Open Google Docs

Step 2: Open Document

After launching the Google Docs, create a new Document or open an existing document.

Opening Document

Step 3: Go to Extensions

Navigate to the top menu bar of Google Docs and click on Extensions.
 

Clicking on Extensions Tab

Step 4: Select Add-ons

Now after Selecting Add-ons option, now simply click on Get add-ons options from the drop down menu.

Selecting Add-ons and Get add-ons option

Step 5: Search Your Add-Ons

Once you select the “Get Add-ons” option, a list of pre-existing add-ons will be displayed on your screen. To locate a particular add-on, you can utilize the search bar. Simply type the name of your desired add-on into the search bar and then click on it.

Searching for Add-on

Step 6: Select the Add-on and Click Install Button

After selecting your preferred add-on, you will be directed to the page dedicated to the chosen extension. From there, simply click on the “Install” button to integrate it into your Google Docs or working spreadsheet. During this process, you may be prompted to grant some fundamental permissions, which you should approve to ensure uninterrupted and optimized usage.
 

Installing Add-on

How to use Add-ons in Google Docs

Step 1: Open Document

Create a new Document in Google Doc.

Opening Document

Step 2: Go to Exntensions

Now navigate to the top menu bar and click on Extensions.
 

Clicking on Extensions Tab

Step 3: Select Installed Add-on

To access our installed add-ons in Google Docs, begin by clicking on “Add-ons” at the top of the screen. From there, locate the specific add-on you wish to utilize and select it. Finally, click on the “Start” button to activate the chosen add-on’s functionalities.

Clicking on Installed Add-on

Step 4: Use Add-on Feature in Google Doc

Once you’ve clicked the “Start” button, an add-on panel will appear on the right side of your window. This panel serves as the interface through which you can access and utilize the various features offered by your installed add-ons.

Add-on Right Panel

Note: In the below Image, we are inserting Caption for “List of Images” using newly installed Add-on.

Using Features of installed Add-on

How To Manage Add-Ons in Google Docs

Step 1: Open a Blank Google Document

Step 2: Go to Extensions Tab

To manage the specific add-on in our Google Docs, navigate to the Extensions tab to view all installed Add-ons in your Google Docs.

Go to Extensions and Add-ons

Step 3: Click Add-ons and Select Manage add-ons

Once you’ve clicked on the “Extensions” tab, look for the “Add-ons” option. Within the Add-ons menu, you’ll find a sub-option called “Manage add-ons.”

Selecting Add-ons and Manage Add-ons option

Step 4: Select Add-on and Click Uninstall

After selecting the “Manage add-ons” option, you’ll be presented with a list of your installed add-ons. To perform specific actions on a particular add-on, click on the three dots located next to it. This will open a menu where you can select the desired action. If your intention is to entirely remove the add-on from your account, you can utilize the “uninstall” option.

Clicking on three vertical dots

Step 5: Confirm Uninstallation of Add-on

Upon selecting the “uninstall” option, the installed add-on will be removed both from your Google account and Google Docs.

Uninstall Add-on

How To Install Add-Ons in Google Docs on Android

Step 1: Install Google Docs in Your Android

To start, make sure you have the Google Docs app installed on your mobile devices. You can get it from the Play Store app.

Installing Google Docs

Step 2: Open the Document

Once the installation is finished, open a document or create a new one according to your needs.

Opening Document

Step 3: Tap on Three Vertical Dots to Open Options

After opening the document, click on the menu icon with three dots located in the upper right corner. This icon indicates additional options.

Clicking on Vertical Dots

Step 4: Select Add-ons option

Once you tap on the three vertical dots, you’ll see various features listed. From these features, select the “add-ons” option.

Click on Add-on Option

Step 4: Select the Get add-ons Options

After clicking on the “add-ons” option, you should choose the sub-option labeled “get add-ons.” This action will open up the add-on-supported section within the Google Docs Android application.

Selecting Get Add-on option

Step 5: Select Specific Add-ons and Install it

We can select our specific needed add-on and install it from the Google Play Store.

Selecting Specific Add-on and Installing

How To Uninstall Add-Ons in Google Docs Android App

Step 1: Open a Google Document

Once the installation is completed, we need to open the document or we can also create a new document as per our requirement.

Opening Document

Step 2: Click on three vertical dots

After you’ve opened the document, you should click on the menu icon with three dots located in the upper right corner. This icon signifies additional options.

Clicking on three vertical dots

Step 3: Click on the Add-ons Option

When you tap on the three vertical dots, various features will appear. Among these features, select the “add-ons” option.

Clicking on Add-ons Option

Step 4: Select the Installed Add-on

After choosing the “add-ons” option, proceed to select the installed add-on that you intend to uninstall.

Selecting Installed Add-on

Step 5: Select Uninstall and Confirm

If you no longer require the installed add-on, you can uninstall it by clicking on the add-on and using the “uninstall” button.

Uninstalling Add-on

Popular Add-Ons for Google Docs

Here are some popular add-ons that can enhance your Google Docs experience:

1. Grammarly: This add-on helps you with grammar, spelling, and style suggestions to improve your writing.
2. EasyBib: Perfect for students and researchers, EasyBib helps you create citations in various formats.
3. DocSecrets: Use this add-on to encrypt and secure sensitive information within your documents.
4. Table of Contents: Automatically generate a table of contents for your document, making navigation easier.
5. Lucidchart Diagrams: Create and insert diagrams directly into your Google Docs.

Advantages of Using Add-Ons in Google Docs

• Enhanced Functionality: Add-ons bring additional features that are not available in the standard Google Docs setup.
• Time-Saving: Automate repetitive tasks and improve your productivity with specialized tools.
• Customizability: Tailor Google Docs to better fit your workflow and specific needs.
• Integration: Seamlessly connect with other apps and services you use, like citation managers or diagram tools.

Disadvantages of Using Add-Ons in Google Docs

• Performance Issues: Some add-ons may slow down Google Docs, especially if you have multiple add-ons installed.
• Security Risks: Add-ons require permissions to access your documents, which can pose security risks if the add-on is not from a trusted source.
• Compatibility: Not all add-ons are compatible with every document type or formatting style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although the main motive of Google Docs is to create, manage, and generate quality content for different purposes, the feature of add-ons is one of the best advantages that is offered by Google Docs. With these add-ons, we can surely. find some that we will increase our productivity and enhance the quality of our content. These add-ons mainly ensure that we will do it properly. increase our productivity and help us to perform some turkey tasks that take some more time as compared to manual tasks.

How to Use Add-Ons in Google Docs – FAQs

What are Google Docs add-ons?

Google Docs add-ons are third-party applications that extend the functionality of Google Docs, allowing you to perform additional tasks like advanced formatting, citation management, and more.

How do I install add-ons in Google Docs?

To install add-ons, open a document in Google Docs, click on “Extensions” > “Add-ons” > “Get add-ons”, then browse and install the add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Can I remove add-ons from Google Docs?

Yes, you can remove add-ons by going to “Extensions” > “Add–ons” > “Manage add–ons“, then finding the add-on you want to remove and clicking “Uninstall”.

Are Google Docs add-ons free?

Many add-ons are free, but some offer premium features that require a paid subscription.

Do add-ons work on mobile versions of Google Docs?

Some add-ons are available for the mobile version of Google Docs, but not all. Check the add-on details in the Google Workspace Marketplace to see if it is compatible with mobile devices.