This allows users to customize their Google Docs experience with the tools that are most relevant to their needs. However, the tool does offer a library of add-ons that are similar to the advanced features offered in Word.

Google Docs offers all the same basic word processing functions that Word does, but does not offer as many templates, outlines and enhancements that are helpful for complex writing and research assignments.

Word can also be integrated with other Microsoft tools, such as Outlook for mail merges and Excel for charts and graphs. Word offers a robust selection of templates, formatting options and features to make your writing projects easier. Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint are valued skills by employers. Google Docs is the more economic choice for students, but Microsoft Office Suite includes many useful applications that can benefit you well beyond your student life. Google Docs might be ideal if you are not yet sure what your word processing needs might be and are hesitant to make an expensive purchase ahead of time. To access it, login to your Google account on any browser and access your Google Drive. Google Docs, on the other hand, is a free online tool.

You will need to download and install the applications on your PC or Mac. The Office Home and Student package is available for a one-time fee of $149.99 and includes classic Microsoft applications: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Microsoft Word is included in the Microsoft 365 Office Suite and there are a variety of different plans available to suit your individual needs. To help you with your decision, we compared Microsoft Word and Google Docs on five key criteria. Microsoft Word has long been the preferred word processing application for business, but Google’s free, cloud-based Docs has become a worthy contender, gaining popularity among students especially.ĭoes it matter which one you use? Is one better than the other? Each program offers students different advantages, and selecting the right tool for you will depend on your personal school needs.

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