How to Convert Word to Google Docs

While Word has long been the go-to software, it does come with its own set of limitations, especially when it comes to collaboration. Sending files back and forth via email, dealing with incompatible versions, and the perpetual fear of accidentally overwriting someone else's changes can lead to frustration and inefficiency.

Just to avoid any type of frustration situation, especially, when you work on a massive project and have to report to customers, or would like to share your digital resume, you may choose to upload your document as a Google Docs and get your job flow smoother.

So what are the real benefits?

Seamless Cloud-based Storage and Access

The beauty of Google Docs lies in its cloud-based nature. With this feature, you don’t have to worry about losing your documents due to a computer crash or forgetting to save your work. All your files are securely stored on Google Drive, accessible from any device with an internet connection. This means you can start a document on your laptop and seamlessly continue working on it from your smartphone or tablet while on the go. Great, isn’t it?

Easy Collaboration and Real-Time Editing

One of the standout features is its ability to facilitate collaboration effortlessly. Multiple users can edit the same document simultaneously, allowing for real-time collaboration. This eliminates the need for endless email exchanges and ensures everyone stays on the same page. Whether you're brainstorming ideas with colleagues or working on a group project, Google Docs makes collaboration the best-ever solution.

Version Control and Revision History

Keeping track of document revisions can be a nightmare in traditional word-processing software. We guess you have faced such a situation :)

Google Docs, on the other hand, simplifies this process by automatically saving every edit and allowing users to view and restore previous versions of a document. This feature eliminates the fear of making irreversible changes and gives you the peace of mind to experiment freely.

Apart from these benefits, all G Suite applications are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. 

Let’s say ahead, while you have your document opened, you can’t save it right away as Google Docs. What you need is to have access to G Suite or as we usually say - Google Drive.

To guide you through the process, we will use a resume document arranged for this purpose. 

Step 1. Uploading and Opening the MS Word Document

Start by opening your Google Docs account and navigating to the homepage.

Click on the New button on the top left corner of the screen. Select File Upload from the drop-down menu. Now choose the document you want to convert or simply drag the file to the storage or any folder. Once uploaded, the file will appear in your Google Docs home screen.

We will add the resume file to the folder. From there, choose to open as Google Docs.

Step 2. Resolving Formatting Issues During Conversion

Now, when the resume is opened, let’s review the document's formatting to ensure it matches your original file. Pay attention to any inconsistencies or discrepancies in styles, fonts, and spacing.

The first thing we see is Google Docs informing us that some features can’t be displayed correctly.

After observing the document, we see that the overall picture looks the same, layout is clean. The only thing that font used for the headings in Word is Posterama, while in Google Docs this font is missing.

If you would like to change the font of headings or any other content, highlight the heading and go to the toolbar, choose Fonts. From there you may use the font you think suitable (try any until you like the scheme) or add More fonts to search for the one you have seen or heard previously. 

We have decided to use Berkshire Swash for the applicant’s name.

Step 3. Saving the Converted Document

After resolving any formatting issues (if you have any), it's time to save the converted document.

Click on File in the menu bar. Select Save as Google Docs from the drop-down menu.

You can rename the document if desired.

Click Save to finalize the conversion and save the file to your folder.

While both applications are valuable working tools, they have distinct differences in terms of features, accessibility, collaboration, privacy, and cost. So, let’s take a closer look at the distinct features.

File Formats and Compatibility

When it comes to file formats, Word and Google Docs have their differences. Word documents typically have a .docx extension, whereas Google Docs uses its own .gdoc format. While Google Docs can import and export Word files, some formatting may be lost in the process. It is important to be aware of these differences and thoroughly review the converted document to ensure it maintains its original formatting.

User Interface and Features

Both processing editors have distinct user interfaces and feature sets. Word offers a wide range of advanced formatting options and tools, making it suitable for complex document creation.

On the other hand, Google Docs boasts a simpler and more streamlined interface, focusing on collaboration and ease of use. Depending on your specific needs, you may find one interface more intuitive than the other.

Formatting and Styling

Another key difference lies in the way Word and Google Docs handle formatting and styling. While both offer basic formatting features, Word provides more robust options for customization and fine-tuning.

Google Docs, on the other hand, prioritizes simplicity and consistency in formatting, ensuring a clean and professional appearance across all devices.

Privacy Issues

Privacy is another important consideration when choosing between Word and Google Docs. With Word, documents are saved locally on the user's device or a designated server, giving users full control over their sensitive data. In contrast, Google Docs stores files in the cloud, which may raise concerns about privacy and unauthorized access.

However, Google has stringent security measures in place, and users can set password protection and access permissions to ensure the confidentiality of their documents.

Affordability

Yes, yes, don’t get surprised, as Word is not just a plugged-in desktop application that comes along with a new laptop.

Microsoft Word is a paid application that comes bundled with the Microsoft Office suite, requiring users to purchase a software license (until you installed a pirated version). On the other hand, Google Docs is a free service provided by Google, making it a cost-effective choice for individuals and small teams. This affordability, combined with its accessibility and collaboration features, has made it a popular choice for students, freelancers, and startups.

But it’s all up to you guys, what type of application to use. At any rate, you can always convert Word to Google Docs!

Despite our best efforts, sometimes things just don't go according to plan. Here are a couple of common issues that might arise during the conversion process.

- Problems with images, tables, or special characters: These elements can sometimes get a bit wonky during conversion. To address this, make sure your images are properly inserted, tables are well-formatted, and special characters are correctly represented in the MS Word document before converting. And if you encounter any issues, don't panic! You can always adjust and fix them manually in Google Docs.

- Dealing with complex document structures: If your MS Word document has a complex structure with multiple sections, headers, and footers, things can get a little tricky. During conversion, make sure to carefully review the document and ensure that all elements are properly transferred to Google Docs. You might need to do some manual adjustments to maintain the structure and flow of your document.

As you see, converting Word documents to Google Docs is easy with the available options at your disposal. Remember to follow some best practices like cleaning up your document and saving separate visuals in the folder beforehand and staying vigilant during the conversion process to preserve formatting and layout. If any issues arise, don't hesitate to troubleshoot and make manual adjustments to ensure a polished final product.

So go ahead, give it a try, and wish you never face unsolved troubles in working with documents!