How to Save Excel File to Google Drive?

As someone with over a decade of experience in Excel and Google Sheets automation, I can tell you that one of the most common questions I hear is, “How do I save an Excel file to Google Drive?” Luckily, the process is relatively straightforward, and with a few simple steps, you can easily transfer your Excel files to Google Drive. In this article, we’ll explore exactly how to do that, and provide some tips to help you get started.


Step-by-Step Guide to Saving an Excel File to Google Drive

Step 1: Go To Your Personal Google Drive

Before you can save Excel file to Google Drive, you’ll need to ensure you have the file and your personal Google Drive. Once you have it you can open Google Drive on your computer by going to the Google Drive website and signing in with your Google account.


Step 2: Create a Folder and Upload Your Excel File

Create a folder or choose an already existing folder for your Excel file. Once you have the folder click on the right button on your mouse -> a drop-down will show and choose a file upload. Google Drive will open your Computer folder and let you select the file you want to upload.

Import Excel file on Google Drive

Screenshot from Google Drives taken by the author

Once you have selected the file you want to upload on Google Drive the upload will start, wait for a couple of seconds and you’ll have an imported Excel file in your Drive.

Edit your Excel file with google sheets editor. Save excel file

Screenshot by the Author on Google Drive

Now you have uploaded the Excel file on Google Drive you can start editing with Google Sheets and sharing files with others online. Another great feature of Google Sheets is that your workbook is automatically saved.


Step 3: Edit Your Excel File With Google Sheets

Once you have opened your Excel file through Google Drive you can start editing with Google Sheets. Please keep in mind that Google Sheets doesn’t provide as many features as Excel. When you’ve uploaded an Excel file on Google Drive you have only Google Sheets features available. Google Sheets may remove some formatting or replace some formulas and your file can look different once uploaded on Google Drive App. But the great news is that you can edit this file online with colleagues and use other features that Google Sheets provide but Excel doesn’t.

open excel file in google sheets

Screenshot on Google Sheets taken by the Author


Step 4: Convert the Excel file to Google Sheets

Continue editing your Excel file or convert it to Google Sheets for better performance. To save a workbook as Google Sheets go to the quick access toolbar and click on File -> Save Excel File as Google Sheets. This action will create a Google Sheets file copy in your folder.

Save excel file as google sheets doc

Screenshot by the Author in Google Sheets

Now you have a Google Sheets file with the same data and formulas. Feel free to edit your file, and once you need an Excel file or other format you can go to File -> Download -> Choose The Format (.xlsx, .ods, .pdf, .HTML, .csv, or .tsv.)

Download files from google sheets

The screenshot was taken by the Author in Google Sheets


Tips for Saving Excel Files to Google Drive

  • Consider using Google Drive’s Backup and Sync feature. This feature allows you to automatically back up your files to Google Drive, so you never have to worry about losing your important data.
  • Make sure your Excel file is compatible with Google Sheets. While Google Sheets can open most Excel files, there may be some compatibility issues with more complex files.
  • Keep your file names simple and descriptive. This will make it easier to find your files later, especially if you have a large number of files saved to Google Drive.
  • Consider sharing your files with others. Google Drive makes it easy to share files with others, which can be especially useful if you’re collaborating on a project or need to give someone access to your data.

In conclusion, saving an Excel file to Google Drive is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily transfer your Excel files to Google Drive and take advantage of the many benefits of cloud-based storage. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be a pro at saving Excel files to Google Drive in no time.

Learn more about Excel and Google Sheets hacks in other articles. Stay connected with us on social media and receive more daily tips and updates.

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