Work with Google Docs Offline

An article by Darin Wagner    No Comments

Earlier I had written about an experimental feature from Google to allow users to work with Gmail offline. Now I find (and I may have just missed it earlier) that I can also work offline with my Google Docs. To do so, Google uses an open source browser extension called “Gears“. To work offline, you must first install Gears first and then synchronize your documents while online. Once that is complete you can access your Google Docs offline by typing this address in your browser – http://docs.google.com.

There are a few caveats to consider. First, you cannot create new documents when you are offline. But a simple solution to that is to create some blank ones before you go offline. Consider creating a folder that has seveal types of documents ready for those moments when you are offline and need to work on something. A special cache just waiting to be used.

Second, you can view Google Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations while offline but can only edit Documents offline.

Third, if you use Internet Explorer as your primary browser, there is an issue with https://docs.google.com. With this browser and address, Spreadsheets are not viewable offline. However, there are two simple things to do to resolve this. Begin by tring a different (Firefox!) browser, or if you prefer to use IE, try logging in at the nonsecure site http://docs.google.com.