Tips to open GDOC file

Can't open the GDOC file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GDOC files as well as a list of programs that support GDOC files.

GDOC file extension

File Name Google Drive Document
File Developer Google
File Category Text Files

The GDOC file is supported on 6 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GDOC files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GDOC file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0

What is GDOC file?

The .GDOC file is a text document for the Google Drive package. Google provides software similar to an office suite in the form of network services. Originally, these services could be used in the form of desktop applications, but this form was discontinued in 2018. Also today, all .GDOC files are stored on Google servers and there is no possibility to download them. .GDOC files currently act as shortcuts that can be added to a computer and open a browser with a specific document in Google Drive.

How to open GDOC file?

The most common problem when using Google Drive Document is that a specific GDOC is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open GDOC, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GDOC file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Google Drive

The first step is to check if the computer has the Google Drive program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Google Drive in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file GDOC with Google Drive. Below is a list of programs that support the file GDOC.

Programs to open GDOC file

Remember to download programs supporting GDOC files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Google Drive with GDOC files

If, despite the installed application, the GDOC file does not start in the Google Drive application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the GDOC file with the Google Drive application.

Step 3. Update Google Drive to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Google Drive program with the Google Drive Document file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Google Inc. page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GDOC file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The GDOC file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the GDOC file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the GDOC file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected GDOC files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the GDOC files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular GDOC file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Google help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted GDOC files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the GDOC file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the GDOC file again. However, some background programs may block the GDOC file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.