File Extension Database

Open GDOC File

GDOC or Google Drive Document Link files are shortcuts used to link directly to a Google Docs document. These files don't contain actual document content, rather, they are used as a quick way to access online Google Docs URLs directly. This format allows users to directly jump to their intended Google Docs documents without hassling with URL inputs. A nice, and simplified way to consider them is like bookmarks to your online Google Docs files.

Opening GDOC Files

As GDOC files are only shortcuts or links, you can't really "open" them in the traditional sense of file usage. When you double-click them, your default web browser will launch and open the Google Docs document that is linked with that GDOC file. The GDOC file is essentially a saved URL to your online document. The proper web-based Google Docs (docs.google.com) is required to access these files.

Editing GDOC Files

Given their nature as web links, GDOC files can't be edited like standard document files. Any necessary changes are made within the Google Docs interface online, and not by altering the GDOC file itself. Changes made in the Google Docs interface will be updated in the linked document (support.google.com/docs/answer/190768?hl=en).

GDOC Files in Google Drive

While handling GDOC files, remember that they do not represent offline copies of your documents. Deleting or moving these files will not affect your original Google Docs document online, because the files only contain links to the online documents. So, you're essentially only changing the whereabouts or existence of a shortcut, not a document. Google Drive is the appropriate platform to handle these documents (www.google.com/drive).

GDOC File Important Information

The GDOC extension represents a shortcut, not a document. It's vital to remember that these files cannot be used as offline backups. They only exist as a convenience for redirecting users to their online Google Docs content. Always ensure that your important documents are backed up in a more universally-accessible format such as .DOCX, .PDF, .TXT and similar. If you rely solely on GDOC files for document accessibility without any other backup, you can potentially lose vital information if Google's servers suffer from an outage, or if you lose access to your Google account. Google Docs provides direct download options for various file types in the File > Download menu (support.google.com/docs/answer/49114?hl=en).

How Can I Open GDOC File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GDOC file is to find a GDOC file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GDOC file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GDOC file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GDOC file opener then try to search online for "GDOC viewer", "application to open GDOC file" or "open GDOC file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GDOC file

How Can I Open GDOC File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GDOC file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GDOC file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GDOC file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GDOC file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GDOC file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GDOC file then try to search for "GDOC viewer", "application to open GDOC file" or "read GDOC file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GDOC file

How Can I Open GDOC File on Android

If you downloaded a GDOC file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GDOC file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GDOC".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GDOC viewer", "GDOC file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GDOC File on iPhone or iPad

To open GDOC File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GDOC file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GDOC". This way you can find apps which can open GDOC files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GDOC viewer" or "GDOC file" online in your favorite search engine.

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