Get Started with Google Docs, Sheets, & Slides

Overview

Google Docs, Sheets, & Slides allows individuals to create, collaborate, and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online. Files are stored online and shared via Google Drive, or Google Team Drives. Accessible either online (using a browser), or your mobile device.

Features

  • Create a document online through any web browser
  • Easy file sharing and collaboration
  • Automatically saves changes as you make them
  • Edit and format text
  • Add comments and replies
  • Chat with people directly as you collaborate
  • Make a copy

Help Resources

 

Is there any additional information I should know about?

What file formats does Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides support?

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are compatible with the following file formats:

  • Comma Separated Value files (.csv)
  • Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) files
  • Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)*
  • Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx)*
  • Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx, .pps)*
  • OpenDocument Text (.odt)
  • OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods)
  • Rich Text Format (.rtf)
  • StarOffice documents (.sxw)
  • Text files (.txt)
Important
* While Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets support the common Microsoft Office file formats, be aware that if these files are edited with Google's applications and then later reopened within a Microsoft Office application the file formatting (spacing, fonts, etc.) is usually altered

 

Can I use Google Docs offline?

Yes, if you set it up in advance. If you aren't connected to the Internet, you can still create, view, and edit files on:

  • Google Docs
  • Google Sheets
  • Google Slides

How-to Use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offline

You can save the most recently opened documents on your computer.

Prerequisites 

To enable, and use Offline access make sure that you meet the following requirements:

Turn on offline access
  1. On your computer, open the Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides home screen.
  2. In the top left, click Menu.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Turn Offline on.
  5. When you turn on offline access for Docs, Sheeets, Slides, or Drive, it will be turned on for others, too.
Make specific files available offline

If you have enough storage, some of your most recent files will be automatically saved offline. To manually select files to save offline:

  1. After you've enabled offline access.
  2. Open the Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides home screen.
  3. On the file you want to use offline, click More.
  4. Click Available offline.
    • A check mark will appear in the bottom left corner to show that the file is available offline.

 

Need additional help or have issues

For support, requests may be submitted anytime via a ticket using the appropriate Google Workspace @ UA Service form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by the IT Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.

For immediate assistance please review the Contact IT page for the appropriate support group.

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