Hamburg  - Google Docs, which has so far been an online-only service for creating documents and preparing presentations, can now be used offline, company officials reported.

The offline mode can be accessed at docs. google. com. When first activating the service, users are directed to download Google Gears, a free browser plug-in. Once the download has been completed, offline access is available around the clock.

The service means users do not have to be as vigilant about saving documents and any changes, since those are uploaded automatically whenever the computer has an active internet connection. That automatic update also relieves users from having to switch between the online and offline applications.

Google says the offline service is compatible with Internet Explorer, versions 6 and higher, Google Chrome and Firefox, versions 1.5 and higher. (dpa)