I spend so much time on Google Docs that I do my best not to think about it. But I was forced to today — because Google Docs isacting weird.
There were issues. Firstly, I couldn’t select any text on Google Docs. Secondly, much of this text was running off the page. The technical term for this, I believe, is “a shitter.”
On top of this, Google Sheets was layering text over the top of itself, making it impossible to read anything. And, I don’t know about you, but reading tends to be a big part of my Google Docs Suite experience.
Anyway, this is the sort of shit that Google Sheets has been serving me recently:
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It’s free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
And here’s what it looked like while I was trying to write:
While the text issue in Google Sheets was kinda funny (mainly because I didn’t need to present anything), Google Docs acting weird was infuriating.
I first noticed it yesterday, and spent the afternoon closing and opening Chrome again to try and fix it. Nothing worked. Thankfully,I came across this Google community post.
Basically, it says to turn off your adblocker if Google Docs is acting weird.
And — WOULD YOU BELIEVE? — I turned off my adblocker and was able to start working again. Whether this is a good thing or not depends entirely on your view ofmy art.
From what I can tell at the moment, this is an issue that’s only impacting Google Docs on Chrome. Other browsers I’ve tried this on don’t have the problem — so maybe try switching to them if turning off your adblocker doesn’t work.
I wouldn’t expect this issue to last more much longer, I’d assume Google will fix it as soon as possible. This gives me just enough time to stare in the mirror and question the life choices that led me to spending most of my waking life on Google Docs.
The horror, oh god, the horror of it all.
Story byCallum Booth
Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting(show all)Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC.
Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too.
Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.
