In our effort to keep up with the times, we have just released an updated Google Docs course that supports the new layout changes.

What becomes immediately apparent is that Google Docs now sports the same styling of other Google services, like Gmail, Calendar, Reader and Google+. This update has more brand renovating than it does any major change in functionality. That said, there are definitely some revamped tools you can use in Google Docs that make the service much better than before.

The simplified “drag and drop” method for organizing documents into Collections and uploading files to store on the GDocs cloud makes any process much simpler. Collaborating on documents is also a feature that stands out, which both streamlines editing documents and makes editing documents fun. Watching your collaborators work on the same document at the same time will always be exciting to see.

Some other tools that don’t get much notice but are similarly inspiring include the template creation and the unlimited cloud storage.

Creating templates saves you loads of time, and ensures quality across each of your documents. It works best if you have a recurring format that you constantly use and come back to, and would rather spend the time it takes drawing up the same spacing and font size instead on actually writing. You can also search for and use templates that are made public to make drafting certain kinds of documents, be they reports or resumes, less time consuming. If you think your template is up to snuff, feel free to make it public to let others save time as well.

The other feature I would mention is Google Docs moonlighting as a cloud storage facility. I jest about the moonlight, as Google strives to make its storage capacity and simplicity known to people who just think it’s a search engine with a free email network. Every user with a Google account gets 1300 MB to start, with the option to purchase more. Text documents only take up so much space, and with prices like five dollars for 20 gigabytes, it’s hard to pass up. Just drag your files to Google Docs, and take a breath knowing that a hard drive malfunction can no longer foil you.