Officially, Google Docs files are compatible with Microsoft Word. Yeah, there are some limitations but if you want online access to a document or want to collaborate on a document with others, Google Docs is a great tool.
Because of this compatibility you’ve always been able to edit a Google Doc in Office. The problem was, you had to log in to Google Docs, download the file, open it in Word (or Excel), edit it, save it, and upload it back to Google Docs. That’s hardly an efficient use of your time.
But what if you could access your Google Docs transparently via Office? Now you can when you download and install OffiSync! Once installed in either Office 2007 or 2010 (I’ve not tested it in Office 2003 yet) you’ll get an additional ribbon which allows you to directly access your Google Docs files.
Ok, technically it does the downloading and uploading for you, so you’re technically not live editing as you can with others when logged into Google Docs directly, but if you just need to edit a doc, and you’re more comfortable in Office, this is the tool for you.
Michael Sauers is the Director of Logan Library in Logan, UT. Prior to this he was one of the founding staff and Technology Manager for Do Space in Omaha, NE. After earning his MLS in 1995 from the University at Albany's School of Information Science and Policy Michael spent his first 20 years as a librarian training other librarians in technology along with time as a public library trustee, a bookstore manager for a library friends group, a reference librarian, a technology consultant, and a bookseller. He has written dozens of articles for various journals and magazines and has published 14 books ranging from library technology, blogging, Web design, and an index to a popular horror magazine. In his spare time, he blogs at TravelinLibrarian.info, runs The Collector's Guide to Dean Koontz website at CollectingKoontz.com, takes many, many photos, and typically reads more than 100 books a year.
Unless otherwise stated, all opinions are my own and are not to be considered those of the City of Logan, UT.
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2 Replies to “Edit Google Docs in Office”
Cool, thanks for the pointer!
HI, I have found your work really interesting and it is a thought provoking post. Thanks for such a timely post
Officially, Google Docs files are compatible with Microsoft Word. Yeah, there are some limitations but if you want online access to a document or want to collaborate on a document with others, Google Docs is a great tool.
Cool, thanks for the pointer!
HI,
I have found your work really interesting and it is a thought provoking post. Thanks for such a timely post