No, Lie-- I'm a Google Docs Girlie. 

I use Google Docs. I share assignments with my students via Google Docs. I even have most of my lesson plans in Google Docs. (I barely even know how to use Microsoft Word anymore.) Here are some of my very FAVORITE Google Docs tips!

Sharing Documents with Students

How to Create a "Template" Page from a Google Doc

Google Docs allows users to share documents as templates so others can make a copy of them easily. Follow this step-by-step guide to create and share a "Use Template" page for your Google Doc.

Step 1: Create Your Google Doc

1. Open Google Docs or Google Drive.

2. Click on Blank Document or open an existing document.

3. Format and edit the document as needed.

Step 2: Adjust Sharing Settings

1. Click the Share button in the top-right corner of the document.

2. Under General Access, change the sharing settings to Anyone with the link or limit it to your domain, depending on your needs.

3. Ensure the permission level is set to Viewer (so users cannot edit the original document).

4. Click Copy link, then Done.

Step 3: Modify the URL to Create a "Use Template" Link

1. Paste the copied link into a new tab or a document.

2. Identify the part of the URL that looks like this:
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/edit?usp=sharing

3. Replace edit?usp=sharing with template/preview, so the URL now looks like this:
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/template/preview

Step 4: Share Your Template Link

1. Copy the modified URL.

2. Share it via email, website, or any other platform.

3. When users click the link, they will see a "Use Template" button to make a copy of the document.

Bonus Tip: Shorten Your Link

To make your link more user-friendly:

• Use a URL shortener like bit.ly or TinyURL.

By following these steps, you can easily create and share Google Docs as templates for your students to use!

Want Students to be Able to See, but NOT Copy Your Doc? Do this!

It's almost the EXACT process as above, but don't add the word "template"! Follow steps 1 &2 from above, then:

Step 3: Modify the URL to Create a "Use Template" Link

4. Paste the copied link into a new tab or a document.

5. Identify the part of the URL that looks like this:
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/edit?usp=sharing

6. Replace edit?usp=sharing with/preview, so the URL now looks like this:
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/preview

Step 4: Share Your Template Link

4. Copy the modified URL.

5. Share it via email, website, or any other platform.

6. When users click the link, they will see your doc on a white background with no "Copy" buttons in sight! Woohoo!

Check out the link above to see the difference! No Force Copy, and no access to make a copy even if they wanted to! Huzzah!