Google Docs Gets New Features
January 25, 2008 |
For 2008, Google has decided to make some updates to its Google Docs family, particularly its presentation application known as Presently, which happens to be the newest member having launched just last September.
The first of the new features for Google Docs to become available for all users is the ability to create a folder within another folder, which is commonly called a sub-folder (or a sub-sub-folder as Google has explained). Apparently this was a much requested feature that has finally been implemented, now allowing users to create a folder inside of any other folder. Navigating through the hierarchy of folders is as simple as clicking on the gray triangles next to the folder icons, which expand and collapse the folder contents. Moving files from one folder to another can also be accomplished by using the check box beside a file and selecting the 'Move to' button within the toolbar.
As for the updates to Google's Presently, the new features hardly bring the barebones presentation app into the realm of Microsoft's PowerPoint, but they do add some functionality.
For users who may need to create diagrams or drawings within a presentation, developers have added a few vector shapes. Among the selection are a circle, a rectangle, as well as directional block arrows, and speech bubbles.
As an additional printing option, Presently now includes the "Save as PDF" feature designed to make it easier for users to download their presentation as a file, when necessary. This is done by selecting 'File' then 'Print', and the printing options even display a preview and allow for multiple slides to be included on a single page (user-defined; up to 12).
Now, if only there were the ability to export a presentation as a PowerPoint file (.PPT). Suggestions for features and updates to Google Docs can be made via the Google Docs Help Group.
