At last, Google provided a solution to the long-standing issue with the Microsoft office features on Google Drive. The software giant now allows editing Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents on its own platform.

When Google Drive debuted, it made a way for users to access their Microsoft Office documents using the Google platform. For Microsoft Word, users use Google Docs. Microsoft Excel documents were made available through the Google Spreadsheet while Google Slides made viewing PowerPoint presentations possible.

However, the said ways to open Microsoft Office documents came with certain restrictions. They would all launch at preview mode. Users did not have access to change them online.

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In its aim to provide users a more "deeply integrated user experience," Google provided an avenue for more access to their users. A part of them is the innovation on how Google Drive opens access to Microsoft Office.

The firm explained that its most recent update makes it easier to open and edit the existing documents from the seasoned office software. They added that users can collaborate on office files by directly editing and putting comments on their usual interface.

According to TechRadar, Google explained that any change made online on a certain file is automatically saved. The saved file follows the existing format such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

To open an existing Microsoft Office file in Google Drive and make it available for editing, a user simply has to double click the document. Double-clicking on the document automatically puts it in editing mode.

On the other hand, Google did not completely eliminate the preview mode from Microsoft Office documents on Google Drive. Users have two ways to open documents in preview mode.

First, while double-clicking the file, holding the "P" disables the editing. Another option is to right-click and select the preview mode from the dropdown list.

Google and Microsoft Office Issue Fix Launch

Google now makes the editing experience available to anyone under the Rapid Release track. Meanwhile, other users may enjoy the said feature beginning November 30.

In order to gain access and edit Microsoft documents online, one does not have to be on a paid subscription. The latest feature is available for business and personal users as well.

More as Google rebrands G Suite to Workspace

The update comes as a part of Google's aim for productivity offering wider streamlining. This is one of the firm's moves for interoperability progress between the two suites.

Google recently rebranded the G Suite and now calls it Workspace. The innovative suite offers a more integrated experience on the well loved Drive, Gmail, Docs, Slide, Spreadsheet, and Calendar.

Some of the features that the firm introduced via the Google Workspace is Google Meet picture-to-picture mode. The function allows users to simultaneously work on Docs, Spreadsheet, or Slide while hearing and seeing one another.

Google also states that the latest innovations as a fundamental shift so that workers can collaborate amidst the global pandemic. The firm says it aims to help everyone succeed in this new reality through a fully integrated user experience.

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