Sharing and working together

Share files, and work on them together at the same time. One of the best things about Google Docs, Sheets and Slides is that several people can work on the same file at the same time. Everyone sees the changes as they happen. No more emailing copies back and forth. To share a file, tap Share, type the other person's email address, choose what they can do, and tap Send.

Who can do what

A viewer can only read the file. A commenter can read it and add comments, but can't change the text. And an editor can change everything, so only make people editors when they need to be. Use comments to suggest ideas without changing someone's work. Select the text, tap the comment button, and type your comment.

Working well together

Agree who does which part before you start. Keep your comments kind and helpful. If something is deleted by mistake, go to File, then Version history, to bring back an earlier version. And only share private files with people you trust. Don't set them to anyone with the link.

New word: Link sharing

You can also share with a link. Anyone who has the link can open the file. It's handy for things everyone can see, like a class timetable. Set it to viewer, so nobody can change it, and never use link sharing for private files.

Quick check

Quick check. You want a classmate to read your essay, but not change it. What access should you give? Viewer. They can read it, but they can't change anything. Options: Viewer; Editor; Owner; Anyone with the link can edit.

Recap

Several people can work on the same file at once. Share by email, as a viewer, a commenter or an editor. Comments let you suggest changes without editing. And version history can bring back an earlier version.

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