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I can't say I've ever wanted to tag someone in a Google Doc before, but the ability to insert objects and special characters without reaching for the mouse is definitely a helpful addition. The normal method of linking to another Google Doc or Calendar event usually involves switching between tabs and pasting web links, and the universal insertion menu is much faster.

The new menu appears in Docs files (not Sheets or Slides, at least for now) when you type the '@' character, and acts as a global search for almost anything you could want in a document. You can search for other files in Drive, which will add a link to them in the current document. Tagging someone will insert their full name and ask if you want to share the document with them. It can also be used to insert special characters, lists, and other formatting options, but that part doesn't seem to be working for my account (yet).

Here's hoping Google will continue updating the menu with more options — inserting an emdash without going into the character menu or typing the Unicode number would be lovely.

"We’ve added a universal insertion menu to easily add things like tables and images," Google wrote in a blog post, "in addition to smart chips, directly in Google Docs. Simply type '@', and you’ll see a list of recommended files, people, meetings, as well as different content elements and formats to insert into your work. You can also search all available components."

Google Docs is one of the best ways to create and edit documents, especially when you want to collaborate with other people. Google also usually rolls out new features on a regular basis, and now another helpful addition has arrived — a menu for quickly inserting names, file links, media, and other information without reaching for your mouse.

Google Docs is one of the best ways to create and edit documents, especially when you want to collaborate with other people. Google also usually rolls out new features on a regular basis, and now another helpful addition has arrived — a menu for quickly inserting names, file links, media, and other information without reaching for your mouse.