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Preview, download or update a document

Look at a file without downloading it, download a copy, rename it or upload a new version.

  • Daily work
  • 5 steps

Before you start

Who this is for

Everyone.

Before you start

  • A document in Drive.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Open the document

    Click it to open the preview and details.

  2. Step 2: Download a copy

    Choose Download to save it to your device.

  3. Step 3: Rename it

    Choose Rename to give it a clearer name.

  4. Step 4: Upload a newer version

    Choose New version file and pick the updated file. Earlier versions are kept.

  5. Step 5: See its history

    Open Activity to see who viewed, changed or shared it.

What happens next

Everyone works from the latest version, and the history shows how it got there.

Questions

What do Retention and Legal hold mean on a document?

Some documents must be kept for a set time — for example signed agreements. The details panel shows how long a document is kept and whether it is on hold.

Ready? Try it now.

Open Drive in a new tab and follow along.

Still stuck?

Ask the community, or tell our support team what you were trying to do.