Feature alert! Google Docs now allows you to create tabs. Google Docs tabs allows you to organize your content without endless scrolling. 💰 This feature is only available to upgraded Google Workspace accounts. Organizing your content into tabs not only allows for better content organization, it can help with information overload.
Google Docs Tabs
There are now 2 kinds of tabs in Google Docs. The first is the Tab key that puts an indent in your content. The other kind of tab is like tabs in a notebook that organize your content. These tabs are non continuous pages.
One of the reasons I would suggest using Google Sheets over Google Docs was due to the tabs. Being able to spread out your information in bite sized chunks can really help students. While I’m still a fan of Google Sheets, creating tabs in Google Docs is the way to go.
Benefits of Using Google Docs Tabs
There are many benefits to using Google Docs tabs. Tabs can help you to:
- Organize your content
- Reduce information overload
- Navigate your document more easily
- Collaborate with others more effectively
- Create separate sections for different types of content
Upgrade Your Google Workspace Account to Access Google Docs Tabs
If you head over to your Gmail to locate Google Docs tabs you are going to be very disappointed. Free Gmail accounts do not have access to Google Docs tabs or timer chips and other Google Workspace features.
For schools your district will need to upgrade from the free version.
Document tabs are in the document, not the account. This means if a document with Document Tabs is shared with you, you can manage and use the tabs.
Document Tabs in the Outline
You can find your document tabs in the document outline in the left sidebar.
In the free version you will only see the outline created by using headings within your document. In the upgraded Google Docs™ version click on the plus icon to add additional tabs.
View Menu - Outline
If you have access to Document Tabs the View menu looks slightly different. Instead of “Show outline” you instead have “Collapse tabs & outlines sidebar”
Use Headings
In the toolbar notice the “Normal text.” Change this to “Heading 1” and “Heading 2” to automatically generate an outline.
Organizing Information with Google Docs Tabs
If you used headings in Tab 1 you will see them represented as a table of contents in the sidebar. Adding another tab, the document outline on Tab 1 is collapsed.
Click on a tab twice to expand out the outline on the tab.
Manage Google Docs Tabs
Hover over the document tab in the sidebar to reveal the 3 dots more options. This allows you to manage each tab. Delete, duplicate, or rename the tab. You can also copy the link to the tab to send someone directly to a particular tab in the document.
Tips for Using Google Docs Tabs
Here are a few tips for using Google Docs tabs:
- Use descriptive names for your tabs.
- Organize your content into logical sections.
- Use headings to create an outline for your document.
- Collaborate with others by sharing your document and assigning tabs to different people.
Cautions for Document Tabs
Google Docs tabs are definitely helpful but here are some things to be aware of.
Print Each Tab
Control P prints the tab. You can not print the entire document if you organize it on multiple tabs.
Table of Contents
If you use the Insert menu to add a Table of Contents it will only list what is on that tab, not in the entire document. The left sidebar will act as the table of contents for all of the tabs.
Collaborating with Tabs
For collaborators, students, who are not used to documents with tabs may not realize there is additional information. Particularly if the Document Tabs outline is collapsed, provide guidance to utilize the tabs.
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Teaching Ideas for Document Tabs
Lesson Planning Made Easy
Say goodbye to scattered notes and hello to streamlined lesson design! Utilize tabs in Google Docs to craft comprehensive lesson plans. Each tab can house a different component, such as learning objectives, materials, procedures, differentiation strategies, and assessments. This organized approach ensures all essential elements are accounted for, facilitating efficient planning and seamless execution.
Organizing a Unit of Study
Transforming a sprawling unit into a structured learning journey is simplified with tabs. Dedicate each tab to a specific week or lesson within the unit. Include relevant resources, activities, assessments, and extension ideas within each tab, providing a centralized hub for all unit-related materials.
Curating a Resource Book
Create a treasure trove of valuable resources by utilizing tabs in a Google Doc. Each tab can categorize resources by subject, grade level, or topic, ensuring easy access and streamlined organization. Embed links, images, videos, and other multimedia elements to create a rich and engaging resource book for future reference.
Collaborative Research Projects
Group projects reach new heights of collaboration with document tabs. Assign each group member or subtopic its own tab, fostering focused collaboration and preventing accidental edits. Students can easily access and contribute to their assigned sections, promoting accountability and ownership. The final product becomes a cohesive and well-organized showcase of collective effort.
Multi-Subject Student Planners
Empower students to consolidate notes and assignments across various subjects within a single, tabbed Google Doc. Each tab can represent a specific subject, offering a streamlined approach to organization and accessibility.
Streamlining Long-Term Projects
Large projects can be broken down into manageable phases using tabs. Dedicate a tab to each stage, like research, planning, execution, etc., enabling students to track progress, manage tasks, and maintain a comprehensive overview.
Enriching Literature Circle Discussions
Facilitate in-depth literary analysis by assigning each group member a specific element (character analysis, theme exploration, etc.) and providing a dedicated tab within a shared document. This fosters focused discussion and ensures thorough exploration of the text.
Structuring Debate Preparation
Organize arguments, evidence, and counterarguments with clarity using tabs. Teams can collaborate within their assigned tabs, ensuring a well-prepared and cohesive debate performance.
Visualizing Historical Timelines
Enable students to grasp historical events and their interconnectedness by creating timelines within documents. Each tab can represent a distinct era or significant event, fostering a deeper understanding of chronological relationships.
Guiding Scientific Inquiry
Lead students through the scientific method with tabs dedicated to each step: question, hypothesis, experiment, data analysis, conclusion. This structured approach promotes scientific inquiry and meticulous documentation.
Expanding Vocabulary in Foreign Language Learning
Create dynamic digital vocabulary notebooks with tabs for various themes or grammatical structures. Students can actively build their vocabulary by adding new words, definitions, examples, and images.
Fostering a Creative Writing Workshop
Streamline the writing process with dedicated tabs for brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing. This compartmentalized approach encourages focus on each stage, leading to refined and polished writing.
Personalizing Learning Plans
Tailor learning experiences by creating individualized plans with tabs for goals, resources, activities, and reflections. Students can proactively track their progress and make adjustments as needed, fostering self-directed learning.
Supporting Teacher Professional Growth
Organize professional development resources and reflections within a tabbed document. Create tabs for specific topics, workshops, or conferences, ensuring easy access to valuable information and promoting continuous growth.
