Remember that strange look you received when you talked to yourself? It’s normal in your mind, but speaking your own words can actually make tasks like writing a letter or giving a presentation less frustrating. Try out these tricks in Google Docs or Microsoft Word to make your life easier.
When it comes to using Google Search, there are hidden tools and features that can help you do almost anything. Check out these lesser-known ways to utilize Google beyond basic searches.
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Helpful
Simple ways to accomplish tasks without downloading a plugin or searching for the right website.
Currency exchange: Next time you need to convert euros to dollars, simply type “[price] euros to dollars” for an instant conversion. For example, “55 euros to dollars”. Exchange rates are updated in real time.
Quick definition: Type “define [word]” to quickly understand its meaning.
How do you say …? Simply insert the word followed by “pronunciation.” Click on the speaker icon to hear it pronounced (there’s even a slow option). Click the microphone icon that says “Test” to check if your microphone is working.
Set a timer or alarm: Commands like “set a timer for 20 minutes” or “set an alarm for 9 am” will provide you with a timer or alarm right on your device. Perfect for reminding yourself to give medication to your cat without having to close your laptop!
Define words: Encountering unfamiliar words while reading a fancy French recipe or while traveling? Simply type or paste the word into Google Translate. It’s a lifesaver for travelers too.
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See numbers written as words: Unsure about how to read large numbers? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Just type “953,116,070=english” and Google will instantly tell you “nine hundred eighty six hundred seven seventy.”
Just for fun
I bet you’ll make a new friend every day with one of these!
Change your country: Type “askew” and watch your search results tilt and shift like a pinball machine. It won’t do much, but it’s always a fun story to share.
Explore the universe: Simply type the name of a planet followed by “Google Sky” to search for it. For example, typing “Mars Google Sky” allows you to explore Mars.
Movie times and locations: Looking to catch the latest blockbuster movie? Search for “movies near me” to see locations, showtimes, and reviews.
Keep the rhythm: Musicians, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate this one. Just search for “metronome” and Google will provide you with a flexible and intuitive metronome interface.
Relax
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Whether you’re in need of a vacation or just a break, these shortcuts have got you covered.
Past explosions: Click on “Google snake” to play classic phone games on your computer. It’s still fun!
Find sunrise or sunset times: Search for “sunrise in [location]” or “sunset in [location]” to see the exact times for that day.
Take a deep breath: Feeling stressed or need a break? Type “breathing exercise” into Google for a gentle, interactive guide that tells you when to breathe in and out.
Find flights quickly: Planning a getaway or a long-overdue family trip? Type “flights from [your location] to [destination]” into Google and it will provide you with several options. Plus, clicking on “Flights” allows you to compare prices directly.
Search for legal advice
These search secrets will help you find the results you want more easily and quickly.
Filter by date: Make sure old links aren’t cluttering your search results. After typing your search words, click on “Tools,” then “Time Range,” and finally “Custom range.” A small box called “Custom date range” will appear along with a calendar. You can enter start and end dates to filter the results.
Exclude keywords: It can be frustrating when irrelevant results keep popping up. With this trick, you can filter out unwanted words. Simply place a minus sign (-) in front of the words you don’t want to appear. To emphasize important words, use a plus sign (+) in front of them.
Search for files: To find specific types of files like spreadsheets or PDFs, include “filetype:” at the beginning of your search. For example, to find PDFs, type “filetype:pdf” along with your search term. Looking for an Excel spreadsheet? Just type “filetype:xlsx” along with your keywords. Everything you need from the digital community is just a few clicks away!
Advanced Search: Click on “Settings” below and to the right of the main search bar when you begin your search, then select “Advanced Search.” You’ll be presented with various search fields that allow you to refine and narrow down your search for more accurate results.
No, I want this: If you’re looking for something specific, add tags to your word or phrase (e.g., “Kim Komando’s technical advice”).
Better search within a site: Not every website has a well-designed internal search engine. To search for a specific page within a website, type “site:[website URL]” followed by your search term. For example: “site:komando.com ‘google'”.
Search social media: Add “@” in front of a word to search for social media profiles, or include “#” in front of a word to search for hashtags.
Keep your tech-savviness going
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