Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Directly in Google Chat

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Working together on documents is now easier than ever, thanks to Google Chat’s ability to create, view, and edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides right within your chat rooms. This guide walks you through how to make the most of this feature for better teamwork.

This is a breakdown of how to use Google Chat for live document collaboration with your team.

Google Chat Basics

Google Chat, the evolution of Google Hangouts, is a messaging platform for team communication. You can use it for both direct messaging and group chat in rooms.

For the best experience with Google Chat, it’s highly recommended that you use it on your computer. You have a couple of options to get started: through a web browser or via the standalone app (PWA) installed through Google Chrome.

Accessing Google Chat is possible using browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. However, to install it as a standalone app, you need Google Chrome, as it operates as a PWA extension within the browser.

Accessing Google Chat in Your Browser

To open Google Chat in your browser, look for the ‘Waffle’ icon (nine dots in a grid) in the top-right corner of most Google services like Gmail, Drive, or Calendar. Click it, then select the Chat icon to launch Google Chat.

Alternatively, you can go directly to chat.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

Installing the Google Chat Standalone App

For those who prefer a dedicated app experience, you can install the Google Chat standalone app. Make sure your Google Chrome browser is version 73 or later. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to chat.google.com.

2. Click the ‘Install’ icon (plus sign in a circle), located on the far right of the address bar.
   

   

3. Click ‘Install’ in the pop-up to confirm.
   

   

You can also install the app from Chrome’s three-dot menu, select ‘Install Google Chat’ and confirm via ‘Install’ in the prompt.

Creating and Editing Documents

Google Chat simplifies collaboration by letting you create and edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides within chat rooms. This is limited to chat rooms and is not available in direct messages. Here’s how to use this:

1. Open Google Chat and choose the chat room you want to collaborate in, from the left sidebar under ‘Rooms’.
   

   

2. In the message box, click the ‘Create new document’ icon (paper with a plus sign) and select ‘Google Docs’, ‘Google Sheets’, or ‘Google Slides’ to start a new file.
   

   

3. Enter a name for the document and click ‘Share’.
   

This saves the document to your Google Drive and shares it with everyone in the room.

4. Click the file in the chat to open it beside the chat window, allowing real-time collaboration and discussion.
   
   

The same process works for creating Google Sheets and Slides.

Sharing Existing Files

Besides creating new files, you can also share existing ones from your computer or Google Drive within the chat room.

Uploading Files from Your Computer

1. In the message box, click the ‘Upload file’ icon (a paperclip).
   

   

2. Select your file from the file explorer, and click ‘Open’.
   

   

The file is now attached but not yet shared.

Uploading Files from Google Drive

1. Click the ‘Add a Google Drive file’ icon (Google Drive triangle) in the message box.
   

   

2. Select the file from your Google Drive, and click ‘Select’.
   

   

Sharing the File with the Chat Room

After attaching your file (from your computer or Google Drive), you must share it with the chat room.

1. Click the send icon (paper plane).
   

   

2. In the share dialog, choose the permission level: ‘View’, ‘Comment’, or ‘Edit’ from the dropdown.
   

3. Click ‘SEND’ to share the file.

Using these features in Google Chat allows your team to collaborate on documents directly in your chat rooms, cutting down on app-switching and centralizing communication.