By now all Tech Time With Timmy fans know all about Google Docs, Slides, and Spreadsheets – they’re so cool and easy to use. One of the best features of this little suite of tools is their ability to be easily shared with others so co-workers can collaborate and share ideas while working on the same document.
This amazing feature means people from opposite sides of the globe could potentially be working together on the same document or presentation.
This comes about by one person creating a document, slide, or spreadsheet and then “sharing” it with as many other people as needed. The person who first creates the document is considered the “owner” while everyone else is just given shared access.
That’s usually all you need to know and it all works fine as the people with shared access have pretty much the same capabilities in what they are able to do with the document as the original owner.
But, what do you do when the owner of the document no longer needs or wants to be involved in the project? Maybe they’re no longer working at the same workplace or doing the same course.
Prefer to watch a video instead? Click here to watch the video version of how to change ownership of a Google Doc, Slide or Spreadsheet.
Can you change the owner of a google doc?
Yes – you can transfer ownership of Google Docs, Slides, and Spreadsheets and it’s pretty easy to do. First, make sure that you do in fact want to transfer the ownership of your document, sharing is easier and makes more sense if you’ll still be involved in the project. But, if it’s a transfer you’re after, here are the steps:
1. To change the ownership of the doc the person receiving it must already have access to the document. So, if you haven’t already done this, you’ll need to “share” it with them first.
Just click on the share button in the top right-hand corner, type in their email address, and click send.
2. You then need to click on the “share” button again. It will bring up the share window again and show you who already has access to the document. This time you need to click on “Advanced”.
3. This should bring up a window called “Sharing settings”. This will show you as the owner and anyone else who has access will be listed there. Choose the person you want to transfer ownership to and click on the pencil next to their name.
4. This will bring up a menu and you need to choose “Is owner”
5. The new owner should now have “Is owner” next to their name while you should have an editing pencil next to your name. But, you’re not done yet!
6. Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the window.
7. This will bring up a window asking if you are sure – click yes and you’re done.
Then you or the new owner can remove you from having access to the document. And that’s it, you have successfully transferred ownership of your Google Doc, Slide, or Spreadsheet.
Still a bit confused? No problem, Timmy walks you through the whole process on his video How To Easily Transfer The Ownership Of A Google Doc, Sheet, or Presentation To Another Person.
Just remember, sharing is quicker and easier and usually all you need to do but, if a change of ownership is required, now you know how to do it!
