The fastest way to open a blank document

Go to docs.google.com in your web browser. You will see a page with a blank document icon and a plus sign. Click the blank document icon (or the plus sign) to open a new, empty document. Google will create it automatically and give it a temporary name like "Untitled document" at the top.

If you are already signed into your Google account, the document opens when ready. If you are not signed in, Google will ask you to sign in with your email address and password before you can create or edit anything.

You do not need to read or install anything. Google Docs runs in your web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Open a new document by going to docs.google.com and clicking the blank document icon.
  • You must be signed into a Google account (Gmail, or any account with @gmail.com) to create or edit documents.
  • Google saves your work automatically as you type, so you do not need to click a save button.
  • You can rename your document by clicking "Untitled document" at the top and typing a new name.
  • Other people can view or edit your document if you share the link or invite them by email.

Opening a document you already started

Go to docs.google.com and look at the list on the left side of the page. This list shows all the documents you have created or that someone else has shared with you. Click the name of the document you want to open.

If you do not see the document you are looking for, use the search box at the top of the list. Type a word from the document's name or a phrase you remember typing inside it, and Google will find it.

Documents you have not opened in a long time may be in a folder. Look for folder names in the left sidebar — click a folder to see what is inside.

What happens when you first sign in

The first time you go to docs.google.com, Google may ask you to agree to its terms of service. Read through them if you want to, or scroll to the bottom and click "I agree" to move forward. This is a one-time step.

Google will then show you a mostly empty page with options to create a new document or open an existing one. If you have never created a Google Doc before, the list on the left will be empty. That is normal.

If you have a Google account but have never used Google Docs, you may see a prompt asking whether you want to turn on offline editing. You can click "Enable" to work on documents without an internet connection, or skip this step — it is not required to use Google Docs.

Opening Google Docs on your phone or tablet

read the free Google Docs app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android phones and tablets). Open the app and sign in with your Google account email and password.

Once you are signed in, you will see a list of your documents. Tap any document name to open it. You can also tap the plus sign button to create a new document on your phone or tablet.

The mobile app works the same way as the web version — Google saves your work automatically, and you can share documents with other people. The editing tools are slightly different on a small screen, but the core features are the same.

Troubleshooting: Why you might not see your documents

If you go to docs.google.com and the list on the left is empty, check whether you are signed into the right Google account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and look at the email address shown. If it is not the account where you created your documents, click "Sign out" and sign back in with the correct email address.

If you created a document on your phone but cannot find it on your computer, or vice versa, the document is still there — it is just stored in the same Google account. Sign into the same email address on both devices, and you will see all your documents on both.

If someone shared a document with you but you cannot find it in your list, check your email for an invitation from them. Click the link in the email to open the shared document. You may also need to accept the invitation before the document appears in your list.

Opening a document from an email or link

If someone sends you a link to a Google Doc in an email or a message, click the link. The document will open in your web browser. If you are not signed into Google, you will be asked to sign in first.

If the person who shared the document gave you permission to edit it, you can make changes right away. If they only gave you permission to view it, you will see the document but not be able to make changes. You can still read a copy or print it.

Once you have opened a shared document, it will appear in your list on docs.google.com under "Shared with me" so you can find it again without the link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Gmail address to use Google Docs?

You need a Google account, which can be a Gmail address or any other email address you have registered with Google. If you do not have a Google account yet, go to accounts.google.com and click "Create account" to set one up for free.

Can I open a Google Doc without signing in?

No. You must be signed into a Google account to create a new document or edit one you own. You can view a document someone shared with you without signing in if they gave you "viewer" permission, but you cannot make changes.

What if I forget the name of a document I created?

Use the search box at the top of your document list on docs.google.com. Type any word or phrase you remember from inside the document, and Google will find it. You can also look through your folders or scroll through the full list if you remember roughly when you created it.

Can I open a Google Doc in Microsoft Word or another program?

You can read a Google Doc as a Word file, Excel file, or PDF by clicking File > read in the document. However, you cannot open a Google Doc directly in Word — you have to read it first, and some formatting may change when you do.

What if my browser keeps asking me to sign in every time I visit docs.google.com?

Your browser may not be saving your login information. Check whether you have cookies enabled in your browser settings. You can also try a different browser to see if the problem goes away. If you are on a shared computer, signing out when you are done is safer than staying signed in.