One of the most useful aspects of Google Docs is its compatibility with Microsoft Word. You can create a new Google Doc just by uploading a Word file.
I've often written my first pass of a document on in Word where I'm less distracted, and then uploaded it to Google to better collaborate with others. This feature is also useful if you no longer want to use Word, and have a library of old .doc or .docx files you want to keep using.
Doing this involves three basic actions:
- Select File Upload in Google docs.
- Choose your Word doc.
- Open it in Google Drive (if you want to edit).
Step-by-Step Instructions with Screenshots
1. Open your Google Drive and click New.
![wdgd1](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kdnhJShFdeE65NtJmxHv7T-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kdnhJShFdeE65NtJmxHv7T-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kdnhJShFdeE65NtJmxHv7T-970-80.png 970w)
2. Select File upload.
![wdgd2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4C4hDZaZEmZGfHFW7FRiD-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4C4hDZaZEmZGfHFW7FRiD-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4C4hDZaZEmZGfHFW7FRiD-970-80.png 970w)
3. Select the Word doc and click Open. The file will now upload.
![wdgd3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n43iiTaPeK56cDdhDFiut9-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n43iiTaPeK56cDdhDFiut9-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n43iiTaPeK56cDdhDFiut9-970-80.png 970w)
4. Double-click the uploaded doc.
![wdgd4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZuSSFmupYGRRgosAB7kW83-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZuSSFmupYGRRgosAB7kW83-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZuSSFmupYGRRgosAB7kW83-970-80.png 970w)
5. Click Open with.
![wdgd5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BGJ3KBbqxkswFUmWP3Lxbh-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BGJ3KBbqxkswFUmWP3Lxbh-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BGJ3KBbqxkswFUmWP3Lxbh-970-80.png 970w)
6. Select Google Docs.
![wdgd6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QJzRM9t2m3ZvJ8sXKpvJFG-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QJzRM9t2m3ZvJ8sXKpvJFG-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QJzRM9t2m3ZvJ8sXKpvJFG-970-80.png 970w)
Your Word Doc has been converted to a Google Doc.
![wdgdend](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HLTtaxQhQTnojs9cGXx3bW-320-80.png 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HLTtaxQhQTnojs9cGXx3bW-650-80.png 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HLTtaxQhQTnojs9cGXx3bW-970-80.png 970w)
Google Docs Tips
- How to Use Google Docs Offline
- Create a Custom Template in Google Docs
- Add a Table of Contents in Google Docs
- Track Changes in Google Docs
- Digitally Sign a PDF in Google Docs
- How to Add a Word to Your Google Docs Dictionary
- Change Margins in Google Docs
- Add or Remove Page Breaks in Google Docs
- How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs
- How to Download a Google Doc
- Here’s Every Google Docs Keyboard Shortcut
- Use Smart or Dumb Quotes in Google Docs
- Create Text Shortcuts in Google Docs