Google Workspace Changes

Clearer indication of 'View' and 'Comment' access in Google Docs editors

Google is introducing UI tweaks to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings to make it more apparent when a user has only 'View' or 'Comment' access. Users with 'View only' access will see a new blue button in the toolbar, while those with 'Comment only' access (in Sheets, Slides, and Drawings) will see a green button, both of which allow the user to easily request edit access from the file owner.

Easier file renaming in Android apps

Users can now edit document, spreadsheet, and presentation titles directly from the overflow menu in the top right corner of the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps for Android, making renaming files faster and simpler.

Improved comment and suggestion handling in Office Compatibility Mode for Android

In the Google Docs app for Android, users can now reply to comments when working in Office Compatibility Mode. Additionally, suggestions and comments in this mode now appear in the Comments panel in the order they were made, rather than grouped by type.

New download functionality for Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

The Office Compatibility Mode extension in Chrome now includes a feature that allows users to instantly download a local copy of edited Microsoft Office files. This functionality is accessible via the File drop-down menu and a button in the top right corner of the screen, making it easier for users to share files in Microsoft Office format or upload them via webforms.

Expanded image type support for file conversion in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Google has expanded the image types supported during the conversion of Microsoft Office files to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. In addition to JPEG, PNG, EMF, and WMF, users can now successfully import and export larger images, less common formats like TIFF, and images with non-RGB color profiles such as CMYK.

Google Docs now supports exporting non-Latin text and specific unicode blocks to Microsoft Word.

Google Docs on desktop now allows users to export documents containing non-Latin scripts—including Armenian, Bengali, Devanagari, and 13 others—as well as various unicode blocks like Arrows, Bopomofo, and mathematical operators, to Microsoft Word while maintaining readability. This update facilitates better collaboration for users working in more than 25 different languages.

Mobile image insertion now available in Google Docs apps for Android and iOS.

New versions of the Google Docs app for Android and iOS now allow users to insert images directly from their mobile devices. This functionality is available for both online and offline use.

New features for Google Docs apps on Android and iOS.

The Google Docs app for Android and iOS has been updated to allow users to accept, reject, or comment on suggestions and manage tracked changes and comments within Word files. Additionally, table editing is now available for iOS users.

Export Google Docs files in OXML formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx)

Users can now export Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files in OXML formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) via the “Download as” menu. Additionally, rapid release domains will no longer have the option to export files in the older .doc, .xls, or .ppt formats.

Ability to create documents offline

Users can now create documents offline, provided they are running the latest version of Chrome or ChromeOS and have the Google Drive Chrome app installed.

Offline document creation for Google Docs

Users will have the ability to create new documents offline. This functionality requires the latest version of Chrome or ChromeOS and the installation of the Google Drive Chrome app.

Offline editing and commenting for Google Docs

Users now have the ability to edit documents and leave comments while offline. To use this feature, users must be running the latest version of Chrome or ChromeOS and have the Google Drive Chrome app installed.

Offline editing and commenting for Google Documents.

Users will have the ability to edit documents and leave comments offline. To use this feature, users must be running the latest version of Chrome or ChromeOS and have the Google Drive Chrome app installed.

Offline document editing and commenting now available.

Users can now edit documents and leave comments offline. To access this functionality, users must be running the latest version of Chrome or ChromeOS and have the Google Drive Chrome app installed.

Add comments to uploaded files opened with Google Docs Viewer.

Users now have the ability to add comments to any file uploaded to Google Docs or Drive that can be opened with Google Docs Viewer. Additionally, these files can be shared with other users specifically with commenter permissions.