.GSLIDES File Extension

Google Slides Shortcut

Developer	Google
Popularity	Average rating 3.3 / 5. Vote count: 29
Category	Text Files
Format	.GSLIDES
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an GSLIDES file?

The .GSLIDES file extension is a unique and relatively new entrant in the world of digital file formats. This extension is specifically associated with Google Slides, a popular online presentation program that is part of the Google Workspace suite.

The .GSLIDES file doesn’t contain the actual presentation but serves as a shortcut to access the presentation stored on Google Drive.

This file format represents an interesting fusion of cloud computing and traditional desktop environments.

More Information.

The .GSLIDES file extension was introduced as part of Google’s efforts to streamline online collaboration and document management.

Its initial purpose was to provide a convenient way for users to access their presentations directly from their desktop, without having to navigate through the Google Drive interface.

This innovation was part of a broader strategy by Google to integrate its cloud services more seamlessly into users’ everyday workflows.

Origin Of This File.

Google Slides, as part of Google Docs, was first introduced in 2006, originally developed by a company called Upstartle. In its early days, Google Slides was a more basic presentation tool compared to its counterparts.

The .GSLIDES extension came into being as Google evolved its services to be more cloud-centric, allowing users to create and share presentations online without downloading them.

File Structure Technical Specification.

A .GSLIDES file is not a traditional file in the sense that it does not contain the presentation’s data. Instead, it is a web shortcut that points to a presentation stored on Google Drive.

This file is typically small, often just a few kilobytes, as it only contains the URL and metadata necessary to access the presentation online.

The structure of a .GSLIDES file is relatively straightforward, containing an identifier for the corresponding Google Slides presentation and some additional information for authentication.

How to Convert the File?

Converting a .GSLIDES file into a more widely used format like PowerPoint (.PPTX) or PDF is a simple process, thanks to the integrated features of Google Slides. Here’s a step-by-step guide to converting your .GSLIDES files:

Open the .GSLIDES File:

Double-click the .GSLIDES file. It will open in your default web browser, directing you to the Google Slides presentation online.
Ensure you are logged into your Google account to access the presentation.

Access Google Slides:

Once the presentation opens in Google Slides, you have full access to all the editing and exporting tools provided by Google.

Choose the Format for Conversion:

Click on “File” in the top menu of Google Slides.
Hover over “Download” to see a list of available formats. Google Slides typically offers several formats, including Microsoft PowerPoint (.PPTX), PDF Document (.PDF), Plain Text (.TXT), JPEG Image (.JPEG), PNG Image (.PNG), and Scalable Vector Graphics (.SVG).

Download in the Desired Format:

Select the format you want to convert your presentation into. For instance, if you need to convert it to a PowerPoint presentation, click on “Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)”.
Once you click on the desired format, the file will be converted and downloaded to your computer.

Using the Converted File:

After downloading, you can find the file in your computer’s download folder or the location you have set for downloads.
You can now open and edit this file in a compatible program. For example, a .PPTX file can be opened and edited in Microsoft PowerPoint or other compatible software.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

One of the main advantages of .GSLIDES files is their convenience. They enable quick access to presentations and facilitate easy sharing and collaboration.

Being cloud-based, they also save local storage space and ensure that the presentation is always up to date. These files also have disadvantages.

They require an internet connection to access the presentation, and their utility is limited outside the Google ecosystem. They can pose a challenge for users unfamiliar with cloud-based services.

How to Open GSLIDES?
Open In Windows
Locate the .GSLIDES File: Find the .GSLIDES file in your file explorer.
Double-Click to Open: Double-click on the file. It should automatically open your default web browser and redirect you to the Google Slides presentation, provided you are connected to the internet.
Google Account Login: If not already logged in, you’ll need to log into your Google account to access the presentation.

Open In Linux
Find the File: Locate the .GSLIDES file in your file manager.
Open with a Web Browser: Right-click on the file and choose to open it with a web browser of your choice. If double-clicking doesn’t work directly, this method usually does the trick.
Login to Google Account: As with Windows, ensure you are logged into your Google account in the browser to access the presentation.

Open In MAC
Locate the File: Search for the .GSLIDES file using Finder.
Open the File: Double-click the file. It will open in your default web browser, redirecting you to the Google Slides presentation online.
Sign In: Ensure you’re signed into your Google account to view the presentation.

Open In Android
Use a File Manager App: Locate the .GSLIDES file using a file manager app.
Open the File: Tap on the file. It will either open directly in the Google Slides app (if installed) or prompt you to open it in a web browser.
Google Account: Make sure you are logged into your Google account in the app or browser.

Open In IOS
Find the File in Files App: Locate your .GSLIDES file in the Files app.
Tap to Open: Tap on the .GSLIDES file. It should open in the Google Slides app, or you might be prompted to open it in Safari or another web browser.
Login Required: Log into your Google account if you haven’t already.

Open in Others
Accessing the File: Using whatever file management system is available.
Using a Web Browser: Opening the file in a web browser, as .GSLIDES is essentially a shortcut to an online presentation.
Google Account Access: Being logged into a Google account is essential to access the presentation linked by the .GSLIDES file.