Glasses on a computer screen showing the logo and search box of the Google search engine. (Photo by Sergei KonkovTASS via Getty Images)
Most of us know at least some basic keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, and the infamous Ctrl + Alt + Delete for when things aren’t going so well.
That’s not all. You can use your keyboard to paste text without its original messy formatting, take a picture of your screen, and create a virtual desktop to keep work and life separate. Tap or click here for seven shortcuts that will help you save even more time.
Speaking of time, here’s a 30-second privacy check you need to do if you use Google or Facebook regularly. Do it now while you’re thinking of it.
There are more ways to cut to the chase beyond a few keystrokes. If you use Google’s Docs, Sheets, and Calendar, here’s a smart, quick way to create new files and events without clicking through menus.
Use Google shortcuts to create new files
Microsoft Office is expensive. If you don’t want to pay for Word, Excel, and all the rest, a free alternative is the way to go. Google isn’t the only option out there. Tap or click here for seven free choices that do what Word does.
But if you do use Google Docs, here’s a trick you need to know. The same goes for opening a new Google Sheet, Google’s version of Excel.
A similar shortcut opens your Google Calendar with a new blank calendar entry for you to fill in, which is faster than going through your calendar itself or Google Drive.
BERLIN, GERMANY - APRIL 22: The logo of the filehosting service Google Drive is shown on the display of a smartphone on April 22, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
Here’s how it works
First, make sure you're signed in to your Google account. Now open your browser. Enter in the type of file you want to create, along with ".new" in the browser's URL bar.
For example, you can open a Google Doc by typing in "document.new" or a calendar entry by typing "cal.new."
Here’s a handy list for reference. You can use any of the following shortcuts for each application:
- Google Docs: document.new, docs.new, doc.new
- Google Sheets: spreadsheet.new, sheets.new, sheet.new
- Google Slides: presentation.new, slides.new, slide.new
- Google Forms: forms.new, form.new
- Google Keep: keep.new, notes.new, note.new
- Google Calendar: meeting.new, cal.new
- Google Meeting: meet.new
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While you’re at it
If you use Google Docs, there’s a good chance you use Gmail, Chrome, and other Google products, too. Do yourself a favor and check out these guides to lock down your browser and wipe your personal details from the web.
- Privacy fix: How to remove your address and phone number from Google search results
- 10 tips to keep Google’s Chrome browser secure
- The hidden privacy report in your phone you should start checking
PODCAST PICK: Traffic trick, YouTube shortcuts, golden privacy tip - Komando.com
The Google logo is displayed at the Google headquarters on September 2, 2015 in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Want to erase yourself from the internet? Here’s how. I'll also tell you how to predict traffic conditions months in advance. You'll learn about some YouTube keyboard shortcuts you’ll always use and Netflix changes that may come later this year. Also, a piece of history died in a ransomware attack. Here's what you need to know.
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