Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make it easier to find common tools
Some of Google’s Workspace apps will feature a new feature that allows users to locate commonly used tools without sifting through menus and toolbars. Among Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides today, the “enhanced tool finder” appears as a search bar – accompanied by a magnifying glass icon and a “Menus” label – at the top-left of the app’s toolbar.
In keeping with the recent Material Design 3 redesign, the search bar is pill-shaped. Depending on which Google Workspace app you’re using, it’ll automatically offer suggestions, such as “Page setup” in Docs, “Insert rows/columns” in Sheets, and “Edit theme” in Slides. Additionally, users can search for specific tools by name or specify a description in the search bar.
As part of the revamped tool finder, you’ll also find a pinned “find & replace” tool underneath any search results.
Users can resurface previous queries and keyboard shortcuts will appear beside applicable tools in search results, prompting them to memorize those for the tools they most often use.
Previously, you could locate various features and tools in Google Workspace apps by selecting Search in the Help menu. This update simply simplifies the finding of those search features and automatically populates the field with suggestions. As this update is rolling out gradually, it may take a while for the new tool finder to appear, although Google says it should arrive on personal and Workspace accounts by May 25.
