Here’s how to use offline editing for Office files in Google Docs.
It will soon be possible to edit Microsoft Office documents in Google Docs when they’re offline, thereby removing your need on Microsoft’s productivity tools.
Google Workspace, the suite that includes Google Docs, Drive, Sheets, and more, now allows for offline editing of Office files, according to Google’s most recent blog post(opens in new tab).
Even while Google Workspace has always supported Microsoft Office files without requiring any filetype conversion, having the ability to edit your works offline is still a valuable feature. That’s because, regardless of the type of file you’re currently using, productivity shouldn’t be dependent on an online connection.
Offline editing of Office files will be supported by Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and the overall procedure will function quite similarly to how it works with Google filetypes. It only functions with documents that have previously been accessed using a Google workplace app and opened in Office editing mode.
Like with other files, you must also have offline access activated. For you to do this, Chrome or Edge must have the Google Docs Offline Chrome Extension installed (opens in new tab). To accomplish that, open the settings menu, click the gear icon in the top right corner, choose Settings, and then double-check that the Offline setting is turned on.
You ought to be able to view your files offline after doing that. When you re-connect to the internet, any modifications you make to documents while they are offline will sync with Google Drive.
The ability to edit Office files offline in Google Workspace started rolling out on June 27; Google warned that it could take up to 15 days to complete. Therefore, if you don’t yet have the choice, wait and come back in a few days. Customers with Workspace and Business accounts as well as personal Google accounts will all have access to the service.