Google Drive Etobicoke-Mimico Watersheds Coalition

What is Google Drive?

Any Where Access and Collaboration

Documents are saved online and can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection.

If you upload files from compatible

programs like Microsoft Word or Excel, you can even use Google Docs to edit them. Collaboration: Multiple people can

work together on the same document. No need to email documents back and forth.

Converting Files to Google Docs Format

If you are uploading files that you plan to edit online, you will need to convert them to Google Docs format.

Converting allows you to edit a file and to collaborate with others easily. Only certain file types, like MS Office files and PDF documents can be converted to Google Docs format.

Automatically Saves Changes

Google Docs saves

automatically, on a

regular basis. Each

change is tracked as a

new revision.

You can see exactly

what’s been revised, by

whom, and when.

Add Collaborators to Documents

After a person invites

you to their documents

you can review and

comment on their work

at any time.

To Upload Files

Locate the file on your computer that you wish to upload to your Google Drive. Click, hold and drag the file to the Google Drive folder. The file will appear automatically on your Google Drive and the file is no longer stored on your computer. Now you can access the file from anywhere by signing in to your Google Drive.

To Open a File

Whenever you want to view a file in your Google Drive, you can open it directly from your Google Drive folder.

Simply double-click a file to open it. If the file is in Google Docs format, the file will open in a new browser window.

To Upload a File on the Web:

While viewing your Google Drive, locate and select the Upload button.

Select Files . . . from the drop-down menu.

The Upload settings dialog box will appear, which allows you to choose your conversion settings:

Google Drive and Docs - Sharing and Collaborating

Google Drive makes sharing your files simple and easy. In addition, Google Docs allows multiple people to edit the same file, allowing for real time collaboration.

You can have:

Files you keep private;

Files you let others edit;

Files you share publicly and don't let others edit; and

Files that others share with you.

To Share a File with a Limited Group of People

Locate and select the file you wish to share.

The file action buttons will appear at the top of the page. Click the Share button.

The Sharing settings dialog box will open. In the Add people: box, type the email addresses of the people you'd like to share the file with.

Click the drop-down arrow next to each person's name to decide whether they can edit, comment on, or just view the file. Remember, only files in Google Docs format can be edited online by different people.

Google Drive calls the people you share files with editors. By default, editors are allowed to invite new people to access the file. If you want, you can prevent this by clicking [Change]. A second Sharing settings dialog box will appear.

Select Only the owner can change the permissions. Then, click Save to return to the first dialog box.

Click Share & save. Your file will be shared.

Collaboration Tools

Whenever you share a file in Google Docs format, you'll have the option to allow your co-editors to change and edit that file.

Google Docs offer several tools that enhance collaboration by making it easier to communicate with your co-editors and to see which changes have been made and by whom.

Spreadsheets and Presentations

Not Just Documents

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Import existing PowerPoint presentations or create new ones from scratch.

Insert images and videos, and format your slides to fit your preferences.

Publish and embed your presentations in a website, allowing access to a wide audience.