Google Docs, a collaborative writing tool
Collaborative writing
Description: Google Docs is an online word processing for creating, editing, and collaborating on documents in real time. Through a web-based interface, users can write, format, and share documents, with all changes saved automatically to Google Drive. Also, it automatically saves progress and has different access modes: viewer, commenter, and editor. Users in editor mode can visualise how and by whom a document was modified. They can also add comments or suggestions to a text. A Google Docs document can be shared through a URL or an e-mail, as well as downloaded as a .docx or a .pdf document, among others. Word documents can also be uploaded to Google Docs and edited on the platform. Google Docs is free to use with a Google account. It requires having an account to create documents, though sharing and collaborating on files can be done without one if shared with appropriate permissions. Google Docs is developed by Alphabet Inc.
Evaluation: Google Docs is a straightforward and practical tool for writing autonomously or collaboratively. It is arguably the most popular text editor tool for many reasons: it is easy to use and share, has plenty of helpful features, and is automatically connected with other Google Tools. However, Google Docs is not the most privacy-friendly text editor. See alternatives in the “Respect for Privacy” section.
Cost: Free with a Google account + paid storage options available.
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency 
Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: High.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: Any of Google supported languages.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : Medium. Google is well known for using user data for behavioural advertising and marketing purposes, but it does offer a high degree of security for data. This video explains this in depth. More privacy-friendly options for the same function would be Yopad or Cryptpad. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes, it automatically saves the work done on a Google Docs document. Users in editor mode can see who and when modified the document.