Google Docs, Collaborative writing tool
Collaborative writing
Description: An easy-to-use and practical collaborative writing tool by Google with plenty of features with which to modify documents
Evaluation: A straightforward, practical and intuitive collaborative writing tool. It is arguably the most popular text editor tool for many reasons: it is easy to use and share and has plenty of helpful features. Moreover, Google Docs automatically saves the work done in a document and allows several users to work simultaneously. Users in editor mode can visualise who altered a document and when it was altered, and they see modifications in real time. 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 from there.
Cost: Free + premium options available for more storage capacity and other features
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’s languages
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : Low. 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. See more here.. More privacy-friendly options for the same function would be Yopad here. or Cryptpad.
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.
Any other relevant information:
- Installation required?: No installation is required. Users need a Google account to create a document but not one to access one owned by another user.
- Compatibility/ Operating System: Windows, Linux, MAC, iOS, Android.