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Getting started with Google Docs

This page will help you get started with using Google Docs at Reed. If your question isn't answered here, you can explore Google's comprehensive help website for Docs.

Logging in

Visit docs.reed.edu and log in with your Kerberos name and password.

Note: We have seen a bug where some people get a random language when logging in. Please see this screenshot for how to change it to English.

Creating Documents

Click on Create New... and pick the type of document you want to work on. You can create formatted text, spreadsheets, presentations, and an ever-growing list of other types of files.

View Google's youtube video on getting started with docs.

Sharing Documents With Others

Find the Share button in the upper right. You'll see who already has access to the document, and there is a box below where you can add collaborators. Add the email addresses of people you'd like to share the document with, and they will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.

Finding Shared Documents

To find a document someone has shared, you can either:

  • see all the documents shared with you in the left-hand pane,
    or
  • navigate to the shared folders on the lower portion of the left-hand pane.

You may also receive an invite to view a coworker's document in an email, or you can invite your coworkers to see your documents. Clicking on the link in your email will take you to the document in your web browser. You may be required to sign in with your Reed username and password.

Exporting and Backing Up Your Google Documents

Although Google's servers are reliable, it's a good idea to make back up copies of your documents in Google Apps.

To export a document from Google Docs:

  1. In an open Google Doc, click the File menu; scroll down and highlight Download As. 
  2. You'll see options to save common formats such as Word or Excel, PDF, or even OpenOffice. Once you've made your desired format, your browser will prompt you to save the file to your computer. 

To save all your documents at once:

  1. View all your documents (the default view).
  2. Select the top one.
  3. Hold down the shift key and click the bottom file to select them all.
  4. Choose Download... from the Actions menu (on the right-hand pane).
  5. You'll see options to save common formats such as Word or Excel, PDF, or even OpenOffice. Your browser will prompt you to save the files to your computer.