Upload & Download Files (Google Drive)

Downloading

Often we need to save a document that is on the internet on our computer (or portable storage), possibly as a backup. Perhaps we will need the files somewhere where the internet is not available or not reliable

1. download the file (save as)
2. choose where to save it (Downloads folder?)

To obtain (export) a Google file in a different format

If you use Microsoft Onedrive, there is not normally a problem with the file type, as Microsoft automatically uses their own common file types.

However, Google Drive converts documents into its own file type for editing.

Normally we will need a document in a specific format, (eg MS Word or Excel) not as an online Google Doc. Perhaps we need to obtain a letter or accounts (spreadsheet) in a format someone else uses (eg MS Word or Excel file format). To obtain a Google file in another format is known as exporting.

1. Open the file
2. Select File > Export > (choose type)
3. Choose the folder on your device you want to save the file in

Uploading

Some things to think about first:

• where will you save the file when it is uploaded?
• do you have to open a folder to put it in?
• where is your file on the computer?
• tell the website you want to upload (upload file)
• find on computer (file explorer)
• select the file
• upload (or open etc)

This is simpler as Google handles the file type

1. Open the folder on GDrive you want to save your file in
2. New > Upload file
   1. Go (navigate) to the folder on your device containing the file you want to upload
   2. Press Open (I know!!)