Google Docs Automation

Google Docs

Selective Reading Rule

Start with:

• references/senior-master-standard.md
• references/usage-routing.md
• references/quality-checklist.md

Then load only the inherited docs, scripts, assets, or examples that match the user's actual task.

Lightweight Google Docs integration with standalone OAuth authentication. No MCP server required.

⚠️ Requires Google Workspace account. Personal Gmail accounts are not supported.

When to Use

• You need to create, search, read, or edit Google Docs from local automation scripts.
• The task involves document text extraction, append/insert operations, or content replacement in Workspace docs.
• You want direct Docs automation without relying on an MCP server.

First-Time Setup

Authenticate with Google (opens browser):

python scripts/auth.py login

Check authentication status:

python scripts/auth.py status

Logout when needed:

python scripts/auth.py logout

Commands

All operations via scripts/docs.py. Auto-authenticates on first use if not logged in.

# Create a new document
python scripts/docs.py create "Meeting Notes"

# Create a document with initial content
python scripts/docs.py create "Project Plan" --content "# Overview\n\nThis is the project plan."

# Find documents by title
python scripts/docs.py find "meeting" --limit 10

# Get text content of a document
python scripts/docs.py get-text 1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms

# Get text using a full URL
python scripts/docs.py get-text "https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms/edit"

# Append text to end of document
python scripts/docs.py append-text 1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms "New paragraph at the end."

# Insert text at beginning of document
python scripts/docs.py insert-text 1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms "Text at the beginning.\n\n"

# Replace text in document
python scripts/docs.py replace-text 1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms "old text" "new text"

Document ID Format

Google Docs uses document IDs like 1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms. You can:

• Use the full URL (the ID will be extracted automatically)
• Use just the document ID
• Get document IDs from the find command results

Token Management

Tokens stored securely using the system keyring:

• macOS: Keychain
• Windows: Windows Credential Locker
• Linux: Secret Service API (GNOME Keyring, KDE Wallet, etc.)

Service name: google-docs-skill-oauth

Access tokens are automatically refreshed when expired using Google's cloud function.

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.