Currently, under the Tools menu in any of the Google apps, be it Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets, there’s a helpful feature called the Explore tool that allows users to research information, add quotes, cite sources, add images, links, documents from Drive, charts, and formulas, all without leaving the app.
However, this tool is set to be permanently replaced by the Tool Finder feature. This tool is located in the upper left corner of the toolbar and is represented by a magnifying glass. Click the icon and it will open a menu, allowing you to search the menus or see related suggestions as you type or view recommended actions. While this feature streamlines formatting tasks, it is unfortunate, that the internet search function, a highlight of the Explore tool will not be retained.
Though I personally didn’t use the Explore tool frequently, and it may not have been extensively used by high school students, there were potential benefits at the elementary level. For littles, opening and closing tabs may be a little too advanced, instead, Explore would stay open on the side of any document and be used to search for a picture and insert it, for example.
Google has been updating its look and feel, consolidating items, and updating others, over the past year. Sometimes it is hard to remember which menu a feature is under. The Tool Finder feature will simply let you type what you’re looking for rather than going through various menus. One tool will have a permanent change though, according to this article by The Verge. The Find and Replace feature will now be housed under the Tool Finder feature. I tried it and didn’t see it pinned as the article stated. It can still be found under the Edit menu.
Ultimately, it may be Google Sheets users that find the Tool Finder feature to be the most useful, as it can help users add a host of different options, from adding formulas to freezing rows or creating alternating colors in tables. Overall, Google’s transition to the Tool Finder feature marks a shift in how users will navigate and enhance their documents aiming to streamline capabilities into a more easily accessible menu.
Ms Priester EDU 