Google Docs is a text editor that allows you to create, edit and store text documents directly online. With a free Google account, you can use Google Docs to create and edit your text documents even if they were created using Microsoft Word. This wikiHow teaches you how to open a Google Docs file using the Google Editor or Microsoft Word and how you can view the contents of a file created with Word using Google Docs.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Open a File Created with Google Docs Using Google Docs
Step 1. Locate the Google Docs file you want to view
To view the contents of a file created with Google Docs (in this case the file extension is ".gdoc"), you must use the Google Docs program. It is available both for computers, in the form of a web service, and for mobile devices in the form of an app.
- If the file was sent to you as an email attachment, download it to your computer by clicking on the attachment icon and save it to your desktop.
- If you have received an e-mail message containing the following text "[Username] has invited you to edit the following document", simply click on the "Open in Documents" button to be able to view and edit the file in question.
Step 2. Download the Google Docs app if you are using a mobile device
If you are using an iPhone or iPad, install the app by downloading it from the App Store. If you are using an Android smartphone or tablet, download it from the Google Play Store.
Step 3. Double-click the icon of the Google Docs file you want to open
The contents of the file will be displayed within the text editor.
- If you are using a computer, the document will automatically open within the system default internet browser. If you are using a mobile device, it will open within the Google Docs app.
- If you haven't signed in with your Google account yet, you'll need to do so now within the Google Docs website or app.
Method 2 of 4: Open a File Created with Google Docs Using Microsoft Word
Step 1. Access the file in question using Google Docs
If you've created and edited the file using Google Docs, but want to use Microsoft Word to perform future revisions, you'll need to follow these simple instructions to download the document in DOCX format, so you can open it without any problems in Word.
- If you are not already signed in with your Google account, you will need to do so now.
- If you're using the Google Docs mobile app, use it to open this file.
Step 2. Click on the "File" menu, then select the "Download" option
You will have several options.
If you are using the Google Docs app, press the "⋮" button and choose the "Share and export" option
Step 3. Choose the "Microsoft Word" format
When prompted, select the folder where you want to store the file. It is good to select a folder that is simple to remember and easy to access.
If you are using the mobile app, choose the "Save as Word" option
Step 4. Start Microsoft Word
Use the Word application installed on your computer or mobile device.
If you've chosen to use Word Online, you'll need to upload the file to the OneDrive cloud service before you can edit it. Log into the website https://www.onedrive.com and click on the "Upload" option, then choose the "File" option and select the file you want to edit
Step 5. Press the key combination Ctrl + O (on Windows) or ⌘ Command + O (on Mac), then double-click the document you want to open.
The chosen file will open within the Word app.
- If you are using the web version of Word, click on the "Upload and open" or "More in OneDrive" option.
- If you're using the Word mobile app, select the folder icon, then choose the file you want to open.
Method 3 of 4: Open a Microsoft Word File with Google Docs
Step 1. Launch Google Chrome
If you need to open a Word file with Google Docs, follow the instructions of this method. In this case you will need to use the Google Chrome internet browser which must then be installed on your computer.
If you're using the Google Docs app, you won't need to install any additional software or perform specific configurations. In this case, simply select the Word file in question to open it with Google Docs
Step 2. Go to the chrome web store page for the "Office Editor" extension
This extension must be installed on Chrome for the procedure described below to work correctly.
Step 3. Click on the "Add" button
Step 4. Click on the "Add Extension" button
This will start the installation of the Chrome extension. At the end of this step, the installation procedure screen will close automatically.
Step 5. Double-click the Word file icon you want to open in Google Docs
Regardless of whether the file was sent to you as an email attachment or is stored in Google Drive, you will be able to open it and save it in its original format.
If the file in question is stored on your computer, you will need to upload it to Google Drive first
Method 4 of 4: Create a New Google Docs File
Step 1. Log in using your Google account
In order to use Google Docs, you must have a Google account. If you don't have a Google profile available, you can create one for free using this web page.
If you are using a mobile device, you will need to install the Google Docs application. IOS device users can download it from the App Store, while Android device users can download it from the Google Play Store
Step 2. Click on the "Google App" icon (characterized by a 9-square grid) located in the upper right corner of the main page of the Google website, then choose the "Drive" option
You will be redirected to the Google Drive website.
If you are using the mobile app, tap the "+" button
Step 3. Click on the "New" button, then choose the "Google Docs" option
You will be redirected to the program's web page ready to create a new document.
- If you are using a mobile device, select the "New Document" option.
- Google Docs automatically saves files, so you don't need to regularly hit the "Save" button to store new changes.
Advice
- Google Slides is a free program and is a great alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, while Google Sheets can very well replace Microsoft Excel. Both of these programs can be used the same way you use Google Docs.
- To open a Google Docs file using the program that manages files and folders on your computer (such as Finder or File Explorer), simply double-click the document icon. To open the selected file, your computer's default internet browser will be used and you will be asked to log in using your Google account.
- If you want to name a document using the Google Docs web interface, click on the "Untitled Document" item displayed in the upper left corner of the window and type in the name you want to give the file. If you are using the mobile app, press the "⋮" button and select "Untitled Document".
