Converting files in Google Drive – Jenny’s Weekly Tip #7

When you upload a file to Google Drive,  you will need to convert the file so that it is compatible with Google Drive. Converting a file to a Google Document, Spreadsheet, or Presentation allows you to edit, collaborate on, and share it online.

When you convert a file, the original file will remain intact and accessible from Google Drive on the web and (if you have the application installed) Google Drive for your Mac or PC. A copy of the file in a Google format appears in My Drive in Google Drive on the web.

To convert a file, follow the instructions below:

1. Upload your file to Google Drive on the web

Or

2. Add your file to Google Drive on your PC or Mac and wait for the sync (automatically when connected to the internet) to upload the file to Google Drive on the web

3. Locate the file in Google Drive on the web and Right-Click on the file to open up file options

4. Navigate to ‘Open with’ and select the appropriate Google format e.g. Google Docs, Google Spreadsheets

5. Continue to edit the the Google document (remember the Google document will save automatically).

Compatible file types

These are the file types that can be converted to a Google document, spreadsheet, or presentation:

• For documents: .doc, .docx, .html, plain text (.txt), .rtf
• For spreadsheets: .xls, .xlsx, .ods, .csv, .tsv, .txt, .tab
• For presentations: .ppt, .pps, .pptx
• For drawings: .wmf
• For OCR: .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf