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How to Find Specific Words in Google Docs (Easy & Quick)

December 7, 2023 961 views

Let's make finding words in Google Docs a breeze! Imagine a guide that's like a friendly companion, walking you through each step. I've sprinkled in some tips to make it even easier. Bolded keywords and lots of images are here to guide you. Ready to simplify your Google Docs journey on PC, iPhone/iPad, and Android? Let's get started!

How to Find Specific Words in Google Docs on a PC

Step 1: Open your Google Docs document on your computer.

Step 2: Click on "Edit," then select "Find and replace" (Alternatively, use the shortcut Ctrl + H).

Step 3: In the "Find" field, type the word you're looking for. If you want to replace it, enter the new word in the "Replace with" field.

Step 4: To navigate through instances of the word, click "Next" to see the next occurrence or "Prev" to go back.

Step 5: Optional Features:

  • Match case: Enables matching words with the exact same capitalization.

  • Match using regular expressions: Utilizes regular expressions for word matching.

Step 6: To replace a highlighted word, click "Replace." For replacing every instance, click "Replace all."

How to Find Specific Words in Google Docs on an iPhone or iPad

Step 1: Open the Google Docs app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Tap "More" button and then select "Find and replace."

Step 3: Type the word you want to find.

Step 4: To navigate through each instance of the word, use the arrows at the top of the screen.

Step 5: To replace the word, tap "Replace with."

Step 6: For replacing a single word, tap "Replace."

Step 7: To replace every instance of the word, tap "All."

Step 8: To return to the document, tap "Close."

How to Find Specific Words in Google Docs on Android

Step 1: Open the Google Docs app on your Android phone or tablet.

Step 2: Tap "More" and then select "Find and replace."

Step 3: Type the word you want to find.

Step 4: Tap "Search."

Step 5: To view each instance of the word, tap the arrows in the top right.

Step 6: Replace a single word:

  • Tap "More" and then select "Replace."

  • Type the replacement and tap "Replace."

Replace a word every time it's used:

  • Tap "More" and then select "Replace all."

  • Type the replacement and tap "Replace all."

Step 7: To return to the document, tap "Done."

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How to Find Specific Words in WPS Office

Step 1: Open your document on WPS Writer

Step 2: Open the Find Dialogue Box:

After pressing Ctrl + F, a pop-up dialogue box appears.

Step 3: Enter the Specific Word:

In the "Find What" text box within the dialogue box, type the specific word you need to find.

Step 4: Initiate Search:

Click on the "Find Next" button to start the search process.

FAQs

How to select all words in Google Docs?

Selecting Text on PC:

  1. Double-click on a word to quickly select it.

  2. Employ keyboard shortcuts:

  3. Ctrl + A to select all.

  4. Ctrl + Shift + Right/Left arrow to pick a word.

  5. Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down arrow to choose a paragraph.

  6. Utilize the Find and Replace interface for selecting all instances of a specific string.

Selecting Text on Android:

  1. Tap and hold on the text to bring up the selection handles.

  2. Drag the handles to encompass the desired text.

  3. Use the "Select All" option found in the Edit menu to choose all text in the document.

Selecting Text on iOS:

  1. Double-tap on a word to select it.

  2. Drag the selection handles for custom text selection.

  3. Opt for the "Select All" option in the Edit menu to choose all text in the document.

Can I search for a specific word or words in a “read-only” Google Doc?

When viewing a Google Docs document in "read-only" mode, direct searching within the document is restricted for users with view-only permissions. However, if you're using the Chrome browser, a workaround is available.

Click on the three vertical dots at the top right and select "Find" from the dropdown menu. This allows you to initiate a search within the read-only document using the browser's find functionality, providing a solution for users with limited access permissions.

Summary

To sum it up, this guide offers practical insights for effortless word searches in Google Docs across different platforms, from PCs to mobile devices. The friendly preface, featuring bolded keywords and visuals, sets a welcoming tone.

Notably, the article underscores the prominence of WPS Office as a compelling alternative to Google Docs. WPS Office is highlighted for its user-friendly interface, free access, compatibility with major document formats, free PDF editing capabilities, and the added value of WPS AI for advanced document analysis and formatting.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.