Customer Reviews (500)

T4ken n1ckN@m3 • 2025-03-21T15:35:42-07:00

You should be able to add, edit, and delete tabs on mobile. Currently, you can only access tabs if they’re made on PC first.

(^_-)-☆syen • 2025-03-21T14:45:33-07:00

really nice

Enola8 • 2025-03-21T07:44:09-07:00

I love the docs app. The docs app is the best. I am so glad the docs app was created. The docs app has changed my life for ever.

Summary of Key Insights

Google Docs is a widely used and generally well-regarded app for creating, editing, and collaborating on documents. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, accessibility across devices, and collaborative features. However, the mobile app suffers from performance issues, feature limitations compared to the desktop version, and persistent bugs that negatively impact the user experience. Sentiment is generally positive, but a significant number of negative reviews highlight critical issues that need addressing. The overall rating is heavily skewed toward 5-star reviews (60.4%), but a substantial portion of users (25.8%) rate the app 1-3 stars, indicating significant dissatisfaction among a segment of the user base.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but based on the version number (1.2025.11202), reviews are likely recent (as of late 2024 or early 2025).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text and star rating)
    • Keyword extraction (manual identification of frequently mentioned terms and issues)
    • Frequency analysis (counting occurrences of specific issues and feature requests)

Key User Pain Points

  • Performance Issues: Lagging, especially when typing in suggest mode or when documents are large. This is a major source of frustration, particularly on mobile devices.
  • Crashing: The app frequently crashes when using the "Find and Replace" function, especially on iOS devices. This is a long-standing bug that has not been adequately addressed.
  • Feature Disparity: The mobile app lacks features available in the desktop version, limiting its utility for serious work. This includes formatting options, citation tools, and the ability to create tabs.
  • Formatting Problems: Inconsistent formatting between devices, difficulty setting borders, and unwanted font changes are common complaints.
  • Difficulties with Large Documents: Searching, pasting, and general editing performance degrade significantly with larger documents.
  • Printing Issues: Problems with printing, including incorrect formatting, printing the wrong sections, or inability to print.
  • Storage Management: Users report difficulties deleting old or unwanted files and concerns about storage limits.
  • Browser Incompatibilities: Some users report issues with browser editing, being forced to download the app instead.
  • Accessibility Issues: The app is not fully accessible for users with visual impairments using screen readers.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Enhanced Mobile Functionality: Feature parity with the desktop version, including more formatting options (paragraph spacing, indentation), citation tools, and page setup options.
  • Improved Tab Management: Ability to add, edit, and delete tabs on mobile devices.
  • Handwriting Recognition: A feature to convert handwriting into text, especially for note-taking on tablets.
  • Offline Functionality Improvements: Enhanced offline capabilities and more seamless syncing.
  • AI Integration: Integration with AI features for writing assistance, suggestions, and grammar checking.
  • Dark Mode Improvements: Fixing dark mode issues on external monitors.
  • Folder Organization: Ability to create folders for better document management.
  • Password Protection: A way to password-protect individual documents.
  • Explore Tool: Reinstating the Explore tool, which was previously removed.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to use, especially for basic writing and editing tasks.
  • Accessibility: The ability to access documents from any device is highly valued.
  • Collaboration: Real-time collaboration features are a major strength.
  • Free Availability: The fact that it's free is a significant draw.
  • Versatility: Users appreciate the app's versatility for various tasks, including schoolwork, personal writing, and business.
  • Automatic Saving: The automatic saving feature is praised for preventing data loss.
  • Cross-Platform Syncing: Syncing across devices is seamless and reliable for many users.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Crashing Issues: Address the "Find and Replace" crashing bug on iOS immediately. This is a major usability issue.
  • Improve Performance: Optimize performance, especially for large documents and when using suggest mode. Reduce lag and improve responsiveness on mobile devices.
  • Address Feature Disparity: Prioritize feature parity between the mobile and desktop versions, focusing on formatting options and tab management.
  • Enhance Accessibility: Ensure the app is fully accessible to users with visual impairments.

Medium Priority:

  • Improve Printing Functionality: Fix printing bugs and ensure consistent formatting.
  • Enhance Offline Functionality: Improve offline capabilities and syncing.
  • Implement Folder Organization: Allow users to create folders for better document management.
  • Review and Fix Formatting Issues: Address inconsistencies in formatting across devices.

Low Priority:

  • Add Handwriting Recognition: Implement handwriting recognition for tablet users.
  • Explore AI Integration: Consider integrating AI features for writing assistance.
  • Add Password Protection: Provide a way to password-protect individual documents.
  • Reintroduce Explore Tool: Evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing the Explore tool.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Enhanced Mobile Productivity Suite: A mobile-first document editing app that addresses the feature gaps in Google Docs' mobile version, focusing on advanced formatting, citation management, and AI-powered writing assistance.
  • Accessibility-Focused Document Editor: A document editor designed specifically for users with disabilities, with advanced screen reader support, customizable interfaces, and alternative input methods.
  • Document Collaboration Platform with Granular Permissions: A platform that offers more advanced control over document sharing and permissions, including the ability to restrict editing, copying, and printing on a per-user basis.

Trends and Observations

  • iOS vs. Android: Many issues are specific to the iOS version, suggesting a need for better iOS optimization.
  • Long-Standing Bugs: Several users mention that certain bugs (e.g., "Find and Replace" crashing) have persisted for years, indicating a lack of attention to addressing these issues.
  • Device-Specific Issues: Many users experience issues specific to iPads, highlighting the need for better tablet optimization.
  • Sentiment Skew: While generally positive, the number of low-rated reviews highlights a significant dissatisfaction among a segment of the user base.
  • Feature Requests Focus: User requests are primarily focused on bringing the mobile app up to par with the desktop version.
  • Political Commentary: A number of recent 1-star reviews mention political issues unrelated to the app's functionality, suggesting a potential influence of external factors on app ratings.

Conclusion

Google Docs remains a valuable tool for many users, particularly for its ease of use and collaborative features. However, the mobile app suffers from performance issues, feature limitations, and persistent bugs that negatively impact the user experience. Addressing these issues, especially the crashing problems and feature disparity, should be a top priority. By focusing on improving the mobile experience and addressing long-standing bugs, Google can significantly enhance user satisfaction and maintain its position as a leading document editing platform.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-docs/id842842640?uo=2