Google Docs and Gmail can be used together to create a simple yet flexible way of tracking just about anything. For example, you can easily track your expenses, create a workout log, or set up a food diary. Here's how.


The Power Tips for Google blog offers this awesome tip for setting up a form in Google Docs and then quickly accessing it in Gmail. The system is really easy to set up:

Basically, create a spreadsheet in Google Docs and then go to Tools > Create form in the menu. Edit the form to add the items you want to record (e.g., date, amount, payment method, description, categories, etc.) Click on the "Email this form" button to email it to yourself. Whenever you want to add log something and have it entered into your spreadsheet, you can quickly submit the form from within that email.


That's it!

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Well, one more thing. For easy access to the form, enable the "Quick Links" lab feature (under Settings > Labs in Gmail) and you can add a permanent link to the form to your menu.

There are lots of ways you can use this. Our one-minute personal inventory form would be great to set up with this system. You can even share the form with other people, for simple group tracking.


Track Your Expenses Using Gmail and Google Docs | Power Tips for Google Docs