Google is developing its web-based software to allow users to edit word processing documents offline.

The internet giant said it will begin to allow users of its Google Docs application to edit documents without an active web connection.

Google Gears was introduced around 15 months ago where developers could build offline features into their programmes. The Gears programme worked with Google Docs allowing word processing documents to be viewed and edited offline.

A status indicator shows if the application is on or offline and when a link is restored any changes made in Google Docs is synchronised with the server. The offline feature will be available over the coming weeks.

Philip Tucker, software engineer, spoke on the official Google Docs blog: "I don't have to remember to save my documents locally before packing my laptop for a trip. I don't have to remember to save my changes as soon as I get back online.

"And I don't have to switch applications based on network connectivity. With the extra peace of mind, I can more fully rely on this tool for my important documents."