How to Convert Word to Google Doc
Learn how to convert a Microsoft Word document (.docx) to Google Docs format. This guide covers manual conversion, auto-convert settings, and tips for preserving formatting.
Quick Answer
To convert Word to Google Doc: Upload the .docx file to Google Drive, right-click it, and select Open with > Google Docs. To save it permanently, go to File > Save as Google Docs.
Supported formats:
.docx (Word 2007+), .doc (older Word), .odt (OpenDocument), .rtf (Rich Text Format)
Method 1: Upload and Open (Recommended)
This is the most common way to convert a Word document to Google Docs. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.
Open Google Drive
Go to drive.google.com and sign in to your Google account.
Upload your Word document
Click + New in the left sidebar, then select File upload. Choose the .docx file from your computer. You can also drag and drop the file directly into Google Drive.
Open with Google Docs
Right-click the uploaded Word file. Select Open with from the context menu, then click Google Docs.
Save as Google Docs (optional)
The file opens in editing mode but remains in Word format. To fully convert it, go to File > Save as Google Docs. This creates a new Google Docs file.
Edit without converting
You can edit Word files directly in Google Docs without converting them. Changes are saved back to the .docx format, which is useful if you need to share with Word users.
Method 2: Enable Auto-Convert on Upload
If you frequently upload Word documents, you can set Google Drive to automatically convert them to Google Docs format.
Open Google Drive settings
In Google Drive, click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select Settings.
Enable convert uploads
In the General tab, find the option Convert uploads to Google Docs editor format. Check the box to enable it.
Upload Word files
Now when you upload any Word document, it will automatically be converted to Google Docs format.
Note
This setting applies to all Office file types (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). If you need to keep some files in their original format, use the manual method instead.
Method 3: Double-Click to Open
If your Word file is already in Google Drive, you can simply double-click to open it.
Locate your Word file in Drive
Navigate to the folder containing your Word document in Google Drive.
Double-click the file
Double-click the .docx file. It will open in a preview window. Click the Open with Google Docs button at the top.
Edit and save
The document opens in Google Docs for editing. Use File > Save as Google Docs to create a permanent Google Docs version.
What Converts Well (and What Does Not)
Most Word formatting transfers smoothly to Google Docs, but some features may require adjustment.
| Feature | Conversion Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Text & paragraphs | Excellent | Fonts, sizes, colors preserved |
| Headings & styles | Excellent | Heading levels transfer correctly |
| Tables | Good | Basic tables work well; complex merges may shift |
| Images | Good | Inline images preserved; positioning may change |
| Headers & footers | Fair | May need adjustment; page numbers transfer |
| Custom fonts | Fair | Substituted with similar Google fonts |
| Comments & track changes | Good | Comments transfer; tracked changes may flatten |
| Macros & ActiveX | Not supported | Macros do not work in Google Docs |
Convert Word on Mobile (iOS & Android)
You can convert Word documents to Google Docs on your mobile device using the Google Drive app.
Open Google Drive app
Launch the Google Drive app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Upload or locate Word file
Tap the + button to upload a Word document, or navigate to an existing .docx file in your Drive.
Open with Google Docs
Tap the three dots menu next to the file, then select Open with > Google Docs.
Edit in Google Docs app
The document opens in the Google Docs app. Tap the three-dot menu and select Save as Google Docs to convert permanently.
Pro Tips for Word to Google Doc Conversion
Use common fonts
Fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are available in both Word and Google Docs. Using these ensures your document looks the same after conversion.
Check page setup after converting
Margins, page size, and orientation usually transfer correctly, but double-check under File > Page setup if your document looks different.
Keep the original Word file
Google Drive keeps your original .docx file. The converted Google Doc is a separate file, so you can always reference the original if needed.
Convert back to Word if needed
To share with Word users, go to File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx). Your Google Doc will be downloaded as a Word file.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert a Word document to Google Docs?
Upload the .docx file to Google Drive, right-click it, and select Open with > Google Docs. To save it permanently, go to File > Save as Google Docs.
Does converting Word to Google Docs keep formatting?
Most formatting is preserved, including fonts, headers, tables, and images. Some advanced features like macros, custom fonts, and complex layouts may not transfer perfectly.
Can I edit a Word document directly in Google Docs?
Yes. Google Docs can open and edit .docx files directly without converting them. Changes are saved back to the Word format. This is called "Office Editing Mode."
How do I automatically convert Word uploads to Google Docs?
In Google Drive, click the gear icon > Settings. Check the box for Convert uploads to Google Docs editor format. All future Word uploads will automatically convert.
Can I convert older .doc files (Word 97-2003)?
Yes. Google Docs can open and convert both .doc (older format) and .docx (newer format) files. The process is the same for both file types.
How do I convert a Google Doc back to Word?
Open your Google Doc, go to File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx). The document will be downloaded as a Word file.
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