Google's own formats
Google Drive can convert uploaded files to its own formats. This can be done for each file separately or automatically for all uploaded files.
Why is this necessary? Files in Google's own format take up virtually no space. So if disk space is an important factor, do the following:
- Go to Google Drive settings (the "gear" icon > "Settings")
- In the "Upload" section, check the box next to "Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format".
MS Office Formats
Google Drive can also work with original MS Office formats. We are talking about Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. This is useful when this software package is not installed on the computer.
To do this, you only need to perform one action:
- Install the free application for Google Chrome "Edit Office files".
- Now, even without the MS Office software package on your computer, you can open, edit and save files in the .DOCX, .XLSX and .PPTX formats.