Google Docs Feature Tutorial

The Google Docs Feature allows you to insert a Google Docs document directly into your app. In this article we'll go over how to use it.

Tim Tietz avatar
Written by Tim Tietz
Updated over a week ago

What is the Google Docs Feature?

The Google Docs Feature allows you to insert a Google Docs document directly into your app!

What are some use cases of the Google Docs Feature?

Some use cases of this feature include:

  • If you have a school app, you can use the Google Doc Feature to display your cafeteria’s menu

  • You can use this feature to display your company’s terms and conditions, or a FAQ for your customers

  • You can use the Google Docs Feature to display nutritional information or workout routines for your fitness app

How Do You Set Up The Google Docs Feature?

Now let’s go over how to add a Google Docs Feature to your app, and how to make sure your Google Docs document is ready to be added to your app. First we’ll go over how to add a Google Docs Feature to your app.

Step 1: Add a new Google Docs feature to your app

When you’re ready to add a Google Docs document to your app, go to the Feature Marketplace and create a new instance of the Google Docs Feature and place it in your app where you’d like your users to access it. If you need help with how you create a new instance of a feature, we have a dedicated article on that which you can find here.

Step 2: Copy the Share URL of your Google Docs Document

Now that you’ve created a new Google Docs Feature, go to your Google Drive and grab the Share URL for the Docs document.

Make sure that the share settings are set to “Anyone with a link can view”. To do this, click on “Advanced”

Then click on “Change” under Who Has Access.

Select “Anyone With A Link Can View” and click “Save”

Then copy the link in the “Link to share” box.

Step 3: Paste the link in the URL field and click “Validate”

Once you’ve adjusted the share settings for your Google Docs document copy it’s share URL and paste it into the “URL” field in the App Dashboard and click “Validate”.

Congratulations! You have now successfully added the Google Docs document to your app!

What is the difference between Preview and Editable Mode?

You’ll see here that there are two modes: Preview and Editable.

Preview Mode only allows the document’s content to be viewed, but not edited in the App Dashboard.

Editable Mode allows you to make changes to the document while in the App Dashboard without needing to go back to your Google Drive to make those changes. 

Choose whichever option fits best for your app. In the live app the feature is set to Preview Mode, so users are only able to view the document’s contents.

What are some tips you should know about?

Having worked with apps for years, we’ve learned a thing or two. So, to both help your app stand out and accomplish your primary goals, here are some tips you should consider.

Pro Tip: Making Sure The Correct Users Can Edit

Make sure your document’s share settings are set up properly. If it’s on Preview Mode, then it should at least be “Anyone with the link can view”. If it’s on Editable Mode, then it should be “Anyone with the link can edit”. 

What are some related articles?

In addition to this article, we recommend checking out the following related articles so that you have a better insight into how to use the system to its fullest advantage:

Still have questions? No problem! Reach out to us and we’d be happy to help :)

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