How to Make Google Docs Side by Side

Working with Google Docs can sometimes feel like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole, especially when you're juggling multiple documents at once. If you've ever wished you could view and edit Google Docs side by side, you're in the right place. Let's explore some practical ways to do just that, without losing your sanity or your work's formatting.

Why Side-by-Side Editing?

Before we dive into how to make Google Docs work side by side, let's talk about why you might want to do this in the first place. Imagine you're writing an essay and need to reference another document. Perhaps you're collaborating with a colleague in real-time and want to keep track of multiple drafts. Having documents side by side can make these tasks significantly easier. It saves time, reduces the risk of losing your place in a document, and can improve your overall workflow.

Think of it like cooking a meal with all your ingredients laid out in front of you. Not only does it make the process more efficient, but it also makes it more enjoyable. You can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through drawers or, in this case, flipping between tabs.

Using Split Screen on Your Computer

The easiest way to view Google Docs side by side is to use your computer's built-in split screen feature. Most operating systems offer this, allowing you to have two windows open on your screen simultaneously.

For Windows Users

• Open the first Google Doc you want to work with.
• Drag the window to one side of your screen until you see it snap into place. Windows will automatically suggest a layout with the remaining open windows.
• Select the second document from the available options to fill the other half of your screen.

For Mac Users

• Open both Google Docs you want to work with.
• Click and hold the green full-screen button in the upper-left corner of the first window.
• Select "Tile Window to Left of Screen" or "Tile Window to Right of Screen" from the menu that appears.
• Click the second document to fill the other side of your screen.

This approach is like having two books open on your desk, letting you read and write without constant flipping. It's a simple yet effective way to manage multitasking.

Using Browser Tabs

If your computer doesn't support split screen or you prefer using browser features, you can use tabs to view Google Docs side by side. Here's how:

• Open the first document in one tab and the second document in another tab.
• Click and drag one of the tabs out of the browser window to create a new window.
• Resize and position the windows so they fit side by side on your screen.

This method is handy when you want to reference a document that doesn't require frequent switching. It's like having a digital workspace where each tab is a different project folder.

Using Google Docs' Built-in Features

While Google Docs doesn't have a direct feature for side-by-side viewing, there are some workarounds within the app itself. One option is to use the "Compare Documents" feature, which can be especially useful for tracking changes between drafts.

• Open your document in Google Docs.
• Go to Tools and select Compare Documents.
• Choose the document you want to compare with from your Google Drive.
• Click Compare to see the differences highlighted in a new document.

This feature is a bit like having a proofreading partner who points out differences you might miss. It's not the same as viewing side by side, but it can be a valuable tool when editing.

Utilizing Add-ons and Extensions

There are various browser extensions and add-ons designed to enhance Google Docs. Some of these tools can help you manage documents more effectively, including side-by-side views.

One such tool is the "Tab Resize – Split Screen Layouts" extension for Chrome, which allows you to quickly resize and arrange tabs. Here's how you can use it:

• Install the Tab Resize extension from the Chrome Web Store.
• Once installed, open the documents you need in separate tabs.
• Click the Tab Resize icon in your browser toolbar and choose a layout that suits you, such as a two-tab side-by-side view.

Using extensions is like adding a Swiss Army knife to your digital toolkit. It offers flexibility and functionality that can save you time and effort.

How Spell Can Help

While we're on the topic of improving productivity, let me share something I personally find helpful. Spell is a fantastic AI document editor that streamlines the process of creating and editing documents. Imagine having Google Docs, but with AI that helps draft and refine your writing as you go. It's a game-changer.

With Spell, you can generate high-quality drafts in seconds and edit using natural language prompts. This means less time spent switching between tools and more time focused on your actual work. Plus, it supports real-time collaboration, so you and your team can work together seamlessly.

Using Monitors for Extended Displays

If you have access to multiple monitors, you can extend your display to manage documents more efficiently. Here's how you can set it up:

• Connect your additional monitor(s) to your computer. Most modern computers will recognize the monitors automatically, but you may need to adjust settings in your Display preferences.
• Drag your Google Docs window from one screen to another. This allows you to have one document open on each monitor, effectively achieving a side-by-side view.

This setup is like having a larger desk where you can spread out your papers and resources. It provides more space to work without clutter, making it easier to focus on tasks.

Using Google Drive's Preview Feature

Google Drive offers a preview feature that can be useful if you need to reference a document without opening it fully. Here's how you can use it:

• Open your Google Drive and locate the document you want to preview.
• Right-click the document and select Preview.
• Drag the preview window to one side of your screen and open your other document in a full Google Docs window.

This method allows you to glance at a document without disrupting your workflow in the main document. It's akin to having a quick reference card at your fingertips.

Utilizing Google's Version History

Google Docs offers a version history feature that can be particularly useful for reviewing changes over time. While it doesn't provide a side-by-side view, it allows you to see what's been altered in a document, which can complement other methods of viewing documents side by side.

• Open your document in Google Docs.
• Go to File and select Version history, then See version history.
• Click on different versions to see what changes were made at different times.

This feature acts like a time machine, letting you travel back to earlier versions of your document. It's particularly helpful for tracking progress and understanding how a document has evolved.

Creating a Side-by-Side Template

If you often need to work with documents side by side, consider creating a Google Docs template that mimics a side-by-side view. Here's a simple way to do it:

• Create a new Google Doc and set the page orientation to landscape under File > Page setup.
• Use the table feature to create a two-column layout by inserting a 1x2 table.
• Adjust the width of the columns to suit your needs and remove borders if desired.

This approach is like setting up a custom workspace tailored to your needs. It provides a consistent layout every time you start a new document, saving setup time and keeping everything organized.

Working with Spell for Faster Results

Speaking of efficiency, Spell can be a real game-changer for document creation and editing. As an AI document editor, it helps you go from an idea to a polished document in seconds. You can describe what you want to create using natural language, and Spell generates a first draft for you. How cool is that?

Editing is also a breeze since you can use natural language to make changes, bypassing the back-and-forth with other tools. Plus, Spell allows for real-time collaboration, making it perfect for team projects where you need to keep documents aligned and up to date.

Final Thoughts

Viewing Google Docs side by side can significantly enhance your productivity, whether you're writing, editing, or collaborating. From using split screens and browser tabs to leveraging Google's built-in features, there are plenty of ways to achieve this setup. And of course, Spell offers an innovative solution by providing an AI-driven document editor that streamlines the entire process. It's like having a personal assistant who helps you create high-quality documents faster and more efficiently. Happy editing!