In November 2008, the Google Docs team posted a holiday video on Youtube that created a snowflake, magically, in an application akin to Excel. In the video, four users collaborate on a shared spreadsheet, using colors to fill pre-set chart squares. Watching the art emerge from a source usually associated with business is entertaining and inspiring.
Using Google's Collaborative Applications
The collaborative spreadsheet art is designed, no doubt, to make experimenting with Google Apps more appealing. Many people already have systems in place to work together with technology, although using email attachments to discuss revisions is not as seamless as using Google's collaborative tools. Registering for an account with Google is free, and users have access to an ever-growing assortment of Google tools.
Collaborative Spreadsheet Art for Beginners
Google offers instructions for creating art similar to that in their snowflake videos, but their four step set of instructions is only appropriate for users who are comfortable with spreadsheets and who want to use a template. More detailed instructions are needed for people who want to create their own collaborative spreadsheet art, rather than simply modifying or building upon the work that the Google team created.
The Google Spreadsheet Art template has 100 rows x 215 columns. Four users were invited to participate in coloring squares with preassigned colors. First time users might start with a smaller spreadsheet and one other collaborative user.
Preparing a Spreadsheet for Artistic Collaboration
After creating a Google account, users should go to Google Docs and choose to open a new spreadsheet. Once the spreadsheet is opened, users can begin creating spreadsheet template for the art project.
- Resize the cells so they are a uniform size. To adjust multiple cells at once, highlight as many cells as needed, and adjust the cell size by using the cross bar at the border of the row in the last column.
- Freeze the cell sizes by clicking on the row borders in the first column. The border will change from a thin black line to a thick, gray line with diagonal stripes.
- Save the spreadsheet, which is called a canvas when it moves from business to art. Google's saving feature is different from Microsoft Office or Open Office software. Because of Google's autosave, the document is already named. To save the spreadsheet under a user chosen name, choose the "rename" option under file. Google will then autosave all drafts under that name.
- Play with the color tool, which is on the toolbar above the spreadsheet. Clicking on a color and a cell will automatically fill the cell. A warning box will pop up to notify users that the spreadsheet is being modified.
Color options may seem limited, but the thrill of collaborative art comes from creating together rather than having subtle shifts in shade and hue. Once users are comfortable with the spreadsheet and the color fill tool. it is time to invite another user to collaborate.
Collaborating with Other Users
On the top right corner of the document screen, Google gives document owners the option to share files. Beginners might want to share with just one other user, and should choose to invite collaborators. People who are interested in experimenting or working with multiple people can choose to share with the world, which then invites anyone to alter and save the file.
It is nice but not necessary to have a Google account in order to collaborate. When the file owner selects "share with the world", the file is literally shared with the world. Anyone can access it, anyone can build on it, and anyone can alter it beyond recognition. Share with the world should be used with caution.
Creating Art By Filling Boxes
Making a picture on a spreadsheet can be time-consuming. Using one color at a time allows multiple boxes to be filled simultaneously, so oceans, beaches, snowstorms, and sky are easy. Creating details in images require fewer boxes to be filled at once, and is more labor-intensive.
Surprisingly, having a shared picture in mind is not required. Pictures can build organically, if users are willing to follow each other's lead rather than dominate the screen. Google invites users to share their creations with the Google team by filling out a form, which is located on their Collaborative Art template and instruction section.
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