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How to Save a Google Spreadsheet to Desktop (Step-by-Step)

November 16, 2023 1.4K views

Saving a Google Spreadsheet to your desktop can be a game-changer. Put yourself in the user's shoes or share your experiences to captivate their interest. Throughout the process, share tips and compare different methods based on your own encounters.

Part 1 How to save a Google Spreadsheet to desktop without Microsoft (Using WPS)

WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite compatible with Microsoft Office and Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet editor, and presentation software. WPS Office is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Convenience of WPS

WPS Office is a convenient alternative to Microsoft Office, especially for users who do not want to pay for a subscription. It is also a good option for users who need to collaborate with others who use Microsoft Office, as it is fully compatible with Microsoft file formats.


Using WPS to Save a Google Spreadsheet to Desktop

To save a Google spreadsheet to desktop using WPS Office, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/ and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Right-click the Google spreadsheet file you want to save and select Download as.

Step 3: Select Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) as the file format and click Download.

Step 4: Open the downloaded spreadsheet file in WPS Office Spreadsheet.

Step 5: Click File > Save As.

Step 6: Select a location on your desktop to save the file and click Save.

Compatibility with Google and Microsoft Office

WPS Office is fully compatible with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. You can open and edit Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files in WPS Office, and you can also save WPS Office files in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides formats.

I have used WPS Office to save Google spreadsheets to my desktop several times and have had no problems. The process is quick and easy, and the saved spreadsheet files are fully compatible with Microsoft Excel.

Troubleshooting

If you have any problems saving a Google spreadsheet to your desktop using WPS Office, try the following:

  • Make sure that you have the latest version of WPS Office installed.

  • Try saving the spreadsheet file to a different location on your desktop.

  • Try saving the spreadsheet file in a different file format, such as CSV or ODS.

If you are still having problems, please contact WPS Office support for assistance.

Part 2: How to make a google spreadsheet shortcut icon on the desktop?

In this section, we explore an alternative method for saving a Google Spreadsheet to your desktop by creating a direct shortcut icon, providing a convenient way to access your sheet without relying on additional software. Follow these steps for a straightforward process:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome: Launch your Google Chrome browser and sign in to your Google account.

Step 2: Access Google Sheets: Navigate to Google Sheets and locate the specific spreadsheet you want to save.

Step 3: Create Shortcut: Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of your browser to open the Chrome menu. From the menu, select 'More Tools' and then 'Create shortcut...'

Step 4: Name the Shortcut: A pop-up window will appear. Name your shortcut to reflect the content of the spreadsheet. Optionally, check the box that says 'Open as window' for an application-like experience.

Step 5: Confirm Shortcut: Click 'Create' to generate the shortcut on your desktop.

Step 6: Access from Desktop: You can now access your Google Spreadsheet directly from the desktop by double-clicking the newly created shortcut icon.


Comparison of the Two Methods

The two methods for saving a Google spreadsheet to your desktop have the following advantages and disadvantages:

Method 1: Using WPS Office

  • Advantages:

  • Quick and easy

  • Compatible with Google and Microsoft Office

  • Disadvantages:

  • Requires WPS Office to be installed

Method 2: Creating a Chrome shortcut

  • Advantages:

  • Does not require WPS Office to be installed

  • Works with any browser, not just Chrome

  • Disadvantages:

  • Requires more steps than using WPS Office

  • Shortcuts may not work if you move them to a different location on your desktop

Overall, I recommend using Method 1 if you have WPS Office installed. It is the quickest and easiest way to save a Google spreadsheet to your desktop. If you do not have WPS Office installed, or if you need to save the spreadsheet to a different location on your desktop, then you can use Method 2.

Part 3 Why use WPS Office?

For users without Microsoft Excel, WPS Office emerges as a versatile and free solution for seamlessly saving and opening Google Spreadsheets on their desktop. This section highlights the key reasons why WPS Office stands out in the realm of spreadsheet management:

WPS Office caters to individuals who may not have access to Microsoft Excel, providing an accessible alternative for saving and opening Google Spreadsheets on their desktop. The user-friendly interface and cost-free nature of WPS Office make it an appealing choice for those seeking efficient solutions without the need for a Microsoft Office subscription.

Key Features and Benefits:

  1. Compatibility with Microsoft and Google: WPS Office ensures compatibility with both Microsoft and Google formats, offering a unified platform for users with diverse document preferences.

  2. Multi-Format Creation: Users can leverage WPS Office not only for spreadsheet management but also for creating Word documents, Sheets, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations directly. This versatility streamlines document creation and editing processes.

Choosing WPS Office extends beyond spreadsheet functionality, providing a comprehensive office suite that caters to various document creation needs. Whether it's crafting a report, designing a presentation, or editing a spreadsheet, WPS Office ensures a seamless and free experience for users, enhancing desktop document management without the need for Microsoft Excel.

FAQs

Can I edit the sheet after saving it to the desktop?

Yes, you can indeed edit the sheet after saving it to the desktop using either method mentioned in the guide. Whether you choose to utilize WPS Office or create a shortcut icon directly from Google Sheets, the saved Google Spreadsheet on your desktop retains its full editing capabilities. Simply open the file with the associated software or online platform, and you can seamlessly make edits, updates, or modifications to the spreadsheet content.

Can I use WPS on mobile phones?

Absolutely, WPS Office is available for mobile phones, offering a convenient and cross-device solution for users on the go. You can download the WPS Office app from the respective app store for your mobile platform. With WPS Office on your mobile device, you can continue to view, edit, and manage your documents, including spreadsheets, ensuring a consistent and accessible experience across desktop and mobile platforms.

Can I share the saved Google Spreadsheet with others?

Yes, you can share the saved Google Spreadsheet with others. Whether you've saved the spreadsheet using WPS Office or created a shortcut icon directly from Google Sheets, the collaborative features of Google Sheets remain intact.

Summary

This article serves as a practical guide for users seeking to save a Google Spreadsheet to their desktop, offering step-by-step instructions through two methods: using WPS Office and creating a direct shortcut icon from Google Sheets. WPS Office is prominently highlighted for its user-friendly interface, compatibility with both Google and Microsoft, and versatility in handling various document formats. The emphasis on personal experiences and insights throughout the guide enhances its user-centric approach, providing readers with a comprehensive and accessible solution for their desktop-saving needs.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.