If you’re like most people, you probably use Google Docs to keep track of important business meetings and to share ideas with team members. But what if you want to take your meeting notes even further? You can easily create and manage meeting notes in Google Docs by using the tools that are available to you. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

  1. Choose the right tool for the job: There are a number of different tools available for managing meeting notes in Google Docs. You can use OneNote, which is a free app that is popular among business professionals, or you can use Google Sheets, which is a more expensive option but offers some great features.
  2. Format your notes: When you create a new sheet in Google Sheets, make sure that it’s formatted in an easy-to-read manner. This will help you keep track of your thoughts as they come up and make it easier for others to follow along with your discussion.
  3. Use search engines: If you want to find specific information about a particular topic or person during a meeting, try using search engines such as Google Search or Bing Search. This will help you quickly find what you’re looking for and make it easier for others to follow along with your discussion.

When you organize a meeting, it’s probably your responsibility to take notes. Whether you plan to share those notes or just keep them as a reference, be prepared to capture them. Google Docs gives you a convenient way to start.

With a few clicks, you can select the upcoming meeting and have the details with sections for notes and action items all set. Then when the meeting starts, you’re a step ahead.

Insert a Meeting Notes Template in Google Docs

Head to Google Docs and sign in. You’ll want to use the same Google account as the Google Calendar that contains the meeting.

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Go to the spot in your document where you want to add the meeting notes. Click Insert > Templates from the menu bar and select “Meeting Notes.”

You’ll then see a drop-down list of suggested events from your Google Calendar. Choose the meeting or use the Search box if you have many.

And just like that, a meeting note template will pop into your document. You’ll see the date, title, and attendees as Smart Chips. You can simply click one for additional details.

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You have a spot for Notes with the first bullet point ready for your input. You also have an area for Action Items with the first box of a checklist. Like any list in Google Docs, add your item, hit Enter, and you’ll see another bullet or check box ready for your next item.

The meeting notes template in Google Docs is one of those features you don’t realize exists unless you’re browsing through the menu. So remember this handy tool for your next meeting and get a jumpstart on your meeting notes!

If you decide to share the meeting notes with the attendees, take a look at how easy it is to share documents in Google Docs.

RELATED: How to Share Documents on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides