Google Docs Goes Offline - a Techlife Illustrated How ToGoogle’s inviting all their users to become trapeze artist’s and work without a net, an Inter-net connection. The innovation machine that is Google just keeps on rolling, and their newest trick is using a tool called Google Gears to let users work untethered.

One of the bigger drawbacks of Google Docs is now a thing of the past. Techlife Illustrated has put together this easy to follow guide to getting Google Docs offline. (This is our first Illustrated How To, leave a comment with your thoughts.)

Step 1

Step 1 - Techlife Illustrated - Installing Google Gears

While in Google Docs, in the upper right hand corner is a link to “Offline.” Which gets Google Gears on your computer.

Step 2

Step 2 - Techlife Illustrated - Google Gears, download now button.

After clicking “Install Google Gears”, you are brought to the Google Gears (beta) install screen. As you can see I was on a Windows machine, but Gears is available with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Mobile, Mac and Linux today.

Step 3

Step 3 - Techlife Illustrated - Saving the Gears Installation Files to your Computer

After downloading the file and saving it, you will need to close all your open browser windows and install the application.

Step 4

Step 4 - Techlife Illustrated - Congrats. Google Gears is now installed.

Once Google Gears installation is complete, the software success screen pops up.

Step 5

Step 5 - Techlife Illustrated - Google Gears recognizes its sister site Google Docs when you visit.

Google Gears recognizes its sister site Google Docs when you visit. It of course confirms you want to trust this site, always a nice step.

Step 6

Step 6 - Techlife Illustrated - Invasion of the Desktop or Helpful Shortcut, it's your call.

In what could be termed a sneaky play, Google Docs asks if it can place a shortcut on your desktop. This is why many people see this piece as a direct Microsoft Office competitor. I see it as helpful. If you use Google Docs a lot, having it handy is nice.

Step 7

Step 7 - Techlife Illustrated - Let the syncing begin, as Google Docs now syncs for offline use

Chant it with me now, SYNC! SYNC! SYNC! SYNC! Google Docs begins the sync process with a nice progress bar and a cute little green circle to let you know what is going on.

Step 8

Step 8 - Techlife Illustrated - Let's check out the setttings.

If you click on “Settings” you get the 2 options of desktop shortcut and disabling offline access. I would guess more and more features will be added to this area over time.

Step 9

Step 9 - Techlife Illustrated - Fully synced and ready for offline Google Docs

When the little green circle has a white check box, your Google Docs are fully in sync, call Justin Timberlake.

(This is our first Illustrated How To, leave a comment with your thoughts.)