Google Drive now allows commenting on Microsoft Office files without converting them

Google is adding a new feature to Drive that will add convenience to those of you that have to work with Microsoft Office files on Drive. The new update will allow users to comment on files without converting them first. This new feature will work on Docs, Sheets and Slides for now.

Prior to this, users could view Word, PowerPoint and Excel on Google Drive but they could not comment on it unless they convert them to Docs, Slides, or Sheets format. With this new update, users can comment, assign tasks or mention coworkers and they can reply even if they are not using G Suite. Using this feature is easy, just highlight the area they want to comment on Preview Mode and click the Comment icon.

This new feature is to bridge the gap between G Suite and Microsoft Office, to make it easier for people to collaborate and work together even if they are on different platforms.