Google Workspace For Staff | Navigating Google Drive

This article will show you how to upload, create, share and convert files in Google Drive.

To help familiarize yourself with the Google Suite products, the chart below shows you the equivalent Microsoft office for reference.

How to Upload Files

You can upload files from your computer or create files in Google Drive.

1. Sign in to your Google Drive Account. At the top left, click New and then, File Upload or Folder Upload.
2. Choose the file or folder from your File Explorer that you want to upload and click Open. 

How to Create a New File

1. At the top left, click New and then select from Google doc, Google Sheet or any of the Google products listed. A new window will open with a blank document.

*Note: All Google Products automatically save every few minutes.

How to Share Files and Folders

1. Open the doc, sheet or slide you want to share, click on the Share button in the top right corner. 
2. Type in the name of the person or group  you want to share the document with and select what permissions you want them to have (Viewer, Commenter, Editor).
3. Optional: Add a message to your notification email. If you don't want to notify people, uncheck the box.
4. Click Done and the person/group will receive email notification the file/folder has been shared with them. 

Convert Microsoft Word to Google Docs

1. Upload a Word document into  your Google Drive, double-click on it to open the Word file.
2. At the top center drop down, click Open with Google Docs.

Convert Microsoft Excel to Google Sheets

1. Upload an Excel spreadsheet into  your Google Drive, double-click on it to open the Excel file.
2. At the top center drop down, click Open with Google Sheets.