The good news is that if you use the Chrome browser, Google makes an extension that lets you open Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) directly into their Google counterparts (Docs, Sheets, and Slides) without converting them. And, if it’s a document you need to edit and return to someone else that uses Word, converting it and then reconverting it isn’t ideal. However, Google Docs doesn’t do a great job at retaining most formatting that can go along with a Word document. Instead, you have to upload the file to Google Drive, and then open it in Google Docs-a process that converts it to a Google Docs file.įor simple, mostly text documents, that might be fine, especially if the document is something you’re just going to be using yourself. By default, you can’t work directly with a Word file in Google Docs. You can use it to create new document files and collaborate with other users. Much like Word Online, Google Docs works in your browser. Word Online also has a few restrictions on printing, and you might not be able to fine-tune your prints as you would in the desktop app. You can view all those things if they’re already present in the document you just can’t work with them. All the basics are there, but you won’t be able to some of the more advanced stuff like create captions and bibliographies, create or apply styles, or use advanced reviewing tools. Not all the features of the desktop version of Word are present, either. You have to be online for it to work there’s no way to edit a local file offline. That said, there are a few disadvantages. For viewing and editing documents, it’s a great solution. Word Online is probably your best bet for working with Word documents (other than actually using the desktop app), because it does a good job of maintaining the original formatting of the Word documents. The iOS and Android app are also free and allow you to view and edit documents on the go. This feature works with Word Online, the Windows and Mac desktop apps, and the mobile apps. Word Online also features real-time collaboration that lets multiple people work on the same document at the same time. However, you cannot work in the web-app and the desktop app simultaneously. All the changes you make to one version are automatically synced to the other. Word Online also integrates with the desktop version of Microsoft Word, and you can seamlessly switch to the desktop app with the click of a button. The interface of the Word Online is similar to the desktop version of Microsoft Word, so if you’re familiar with Word, you’ll feel right at home.ĭocuments you create with Word Online are saved automatically to your OneDrive folders. You just have to sign in with a free Microsoft account. It’s part of the Microsoft Office Online suite, and you can access it without a subscription. Word Online is Microsoft’s own cloud-based solution for working with Word files.

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