Collaborating effectively often means minimizing the need to switch between multiple apps. With Google Chat, you can now create, view, and edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides directly within a chat room, streamlining your workflow and enhancing team productivity.

This guide will show you how to leverage Google Chat for seamless collaboration on documents with your team members.

Introduction to Google Chat

Google Chat, formerly known as Google Hangouts, is a messaging platform tailored for teams and businesses. It offers direct messaging and chat rooms to facilitate efficient communication and collaboration.

For the optimal experience, it's best to use Google Chat on a desktop. There are two primary ways to access it: through a web browser or by installing the standalone Progressive Web App (PWA) via Google Chrome.

You can access Google Chat using browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. However, installing the standalone app requires Google Chrome since it functions as a PWA extension within the browser.

Accessing Google Chat in a Browser

To open Google Chat in your browser, click on the 'Waffle' icon (a grid of nine small squares) located at the top-right corner of most Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Calendar. From the app launcher, select the Chat icon to access Google Chat.

Alternatively, you can directly visit chat.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

Installing the Google Chat Standalone App

To install the standalone Google Chat app, ensure you have Google Chrome version 73 or later. Follow these steps to install the app:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and go to chat.google.com.

Step 2: Click on the 'Install' icon (a plus sign inside a circle) located at the far right of the address bar.

Step 3: In the confirmation dialog that appears, click 'Install' to proceed.

You can also install the app by clicking the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome, selecting 'Install Google Chat', and then clicking 'Install' in the prompt.

Creating and Editing Documents in Google Chat

Google Chat allows you to create and edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides directly within a chat room, making collaboration more efficient. Note that this feature is only available in chat rooms, not in direct messages. Here's how to utilize this functionality:

Step 1: Open Google Chat and select the chat room where you want to collaborate from the 'Rooms' section on the left sidebar.

Step 2: In the message box at the bottom, click on the 'Create new document' icon (a paper with a plus sign). Choose 'Google Docs', 'Google Sheets', or 'Google Slides' from the options to create a new file.

Step 3: In the dialog that appears, enter a name for your new document and click 'Share'.

This creates the new file within the chat room and saves it to your Google Drive. The document is automatically shared with all members of the chat room.

Step 4: Click on the shared file in the chat to open it alongside the chat window. You and your team can now collaborate on the document in real-time while discussing changes.

You can repeat these steps to create and work on Google Sheets and Slides as well.

Uploading and Sharing Existing Files

In addition to creating new documents, you can upload existing files from your computer or Google Drive to collaborate within the chat room.

Uploading Files from Your Computer

Step 1: In the chat room's message box, click the 'Upload file' icon (a paperclip symbol).

Step 2: In the file explorer window that opens, select the file you wish to share and click 'Open'.

The file will be attached to your message but not yet shared with the room.

Uploading Files from Google Drive

Step 1: Click the 'Add a Google Drive file' icon (the Google Drive triangle) in the message box.

Step 2: In the dialog that appears, select the file you want to share from your Google Drive and click 'Select'.

Sharing the File with the Chat Room

After attaching the file (whether from your computer or Google Drive), you'll need to share it with the chat room members.

Step 1: Click the send icon (a paper plane) to initiate sharing.

Step 2: In the 'Share this file with the room' dialog, select the permission level you want to grant: 'View', 'Comment', or 'Edit'. Choose the appropriate option from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Click 'SEND' to share the file with all members of the chat room.

By utilizing these features in Google Chat, you can enhance collaboration with your team by working on documents directly within chat rooms, reducing the need to switch between apps and keeping all communication in one place.