How to Stop Suggesting on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Matthew Burleigh

Tired of those pesky suggestions popping up while you’re typing on Google Docs? You’re not alone. Good news, there’s a simple way to turn off those suggestions and get your work done without interruption. It only takes a few quick steps, and I’m here to walk you through it. Let’s get started!

Step by Step Tutorial to Stop Suggesting on Google Docs

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re going to do. We’re going to adjust some settings in Google Docs that control the suggestion feature. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a distraction-free document where you can let your creativity flow without any interruptions.

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Start by opening your Google Docs document.

Once you’re in Google Docs, make sure you’re logged in to the correct account. Open the document you want to work on, or create a new one if needed.

Step 2: Click on "Tools"

In the top menu, click on the "Tools" option.

You’ll see a list of tools available for your document. We’re interested in the one that controls spelling and grammar suggestions.

Step 3: Go to "Preferences"

In the drop-down menu under "Tools," find and click on "Preferences."

This is where you can customize how Google Docs works for you, including turning off those suggestions.

Step 4: Uncheck "Show Suggestions"

In the "Preferences" window, look for the option that says "Show suggestions" and uncheck it.

By unchecking this box, you’re telling Google Docs that you don’t want any help with your typing. You’re all set to go solo!

Step 5: Save Your Preferences

Click on "OK" to save your new preferences and close the window.

Your changes are now saved. You won’t see any more suggestions unless you decide to turn them back on.

After completing these steps, you’ll notice that the suggestion feature is no longer active. Your typing will be uninterrupted, allowing you to focus solely on your content.

Tips to Enhance Your Experience with Google Docs Suggesting

  • Double-check your work. Without suggestions, it’s all on you to catch any typos or errors.
  • Remember, you can always turn suggestions back on if you miss the extra help.
  • If you’re collaborating with others, let them know you’ve turned off suggestions so they aren’t confused.
  • Use the “Explore” feature in Google Docs for additional help with research and formatting.
  • Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn suggestions back on after disabling them?

Yes, you can turn suggestions back on at any time by going back to "Preferences" and checking the "Show suggestions" box.

Will turning off suggestions affect other Google Docs features?

No, turning off suggestions only affects the spelling and grammar suggestion feature and won’t impact other functionalities.

Can I disable suggestions for a specific document only?

The preferences are account-based, so changing the setting will affect all documents under the same account.

Is there a shortcut to quickly turn suggestions on or off?

Currently, there isn’t a keyboard shortcut for this setting. You’ll need to follow the steps mentioned in the tutorial.

Will other people see suggestions if I’ve turned them off?

If you’re collaborating on a document, other people’s settings for suggestions will be based on their own preferences, not yours.

Summary

  1. Open Google Docs
  2. Click on "Tools"
  3. Go to "Preferences"
  4. Uncheck "Show Suggestions"
  5. Save Your Preferences

Conclusion

Google Docs is a powerful tool that many of us use daily. Whether you’re writing an essay, creating a report, or just jotting down some notes, the ability to turn off suggestions can make your writing experience much smoother. Remember, it’s important to proofread your work since you won’t have the extra help from Google Docs. But don’t worry, with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

This tutorial on how to stop suggesting on Google Docs is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to customizing your writing environment. There are many other settings and features you can explore to make your Google Docs experience fit your needs perfectly. So go ahead, take control of your writing, and make Google Docs work for you!

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.

He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.

You can read his bio here.

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