How To Chat On Google Docs

Collaborating in Google Docs no longer requires switching to external chat apps or voice/video calls. Google Docs includes a built-in chat feature that lets collaborators talk in real time while working on the same document.

Step 1: Open Google Document

Open a new or existing document from your Google Drive.

Click the Share button in the top right corner.

annotely_image-(5)-(1) — Click Share Button

Step 3: Add collaborators

Enter the email addresses of people you want to invite to the document.

annotely_image-(6) — Type the email addresses of collaborators

Step 4: Send the invitation

Click Send to share the document with them.

Steps to Use the Chat Feature in Google Docs

Note: At least one other collaborator must be online and viewing the document for the chat feature to be available.

Step 1: See Online Collaborators

You can view active collaborators near the Share button at the top of the screen.

annotely_image-(7) — Online collaborators can be seen at the top

Step 2: Open the Chat Panel

Click the Chat icon next to the collaborators’ display icons.

annotely_image-(8) — Click the Show Chat button

The chat panel will open on the right side of the document.

Step 3: Send a Message

Type your message and press Enter to send it.

annotely_image-(10) — Type your message and press enter

Step 4: Receive Messages from Others

Collaborators will receive a notification and can open the chat panel to reply.

annotely_image-(11) — Notification sent to other collaborators

Step 5: Replies from other Collaborators

When others send messages, you’ll see them in the chat panel in real time.

annotely_image-(12) — Replies from other collaborators