Google is making it possible to edit Microsoft Office files when users of Google Workspace are on an iOS device, the company announced Tuesday.
This brings the collaborative and assistive features in Google Workplace to Microsoft Office files when using iOS devices like MacBooks, iPads and iPhones. The feature is already available on the web and Android devices.
According to Google, this now allows users to edit, comment and collaborate on Microsoft Office files using real-time collaboration tools in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides.
It makes it easier for Google users to open and edit files from Office that were shared by partners, vendors, coworkers or others and helps solve file-sharing problems when using different operating systems and communication platforms.
This also expands sharing options, improves sharing controls and reduces the need to download and email file attachments while streamlining workflows by reducing the need to convert file types.
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In a blog, Google said, “Office editing will replace Quickoffice (sometimes known as Office Compatibility Mode), which has more limited functionality and collaboration capabilities.”
The feature is available for users of Google Workplace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus as well as G Suite Basic, Business, Education, Enterprise for Education, and Nonprofits customers as well as personal Google accounts.
Supported file formats include .doc, .docx, .dot, .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt, macro-enabled Excel files, .ppt, .pptx, .pps and .pot.
To add an Office file to Google drivers, users will go to .drive.google.com, select New > File upload and choose the file they want to upload.
For system administrators, Google published a guide to help set up Office editing.
In October, Google announced the rebrand of G Suite to Google Workspace as the company aims for a deeper integration of its core tools into a single unified experience.
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