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I just created a file in Google Drive and made it "editable by anyone with the link". However, if I open the link in another browser where I'm not logged in Google, I seem unable to edit the file (I can see it though). Is it standard behaviour or have I made any mistake? An if it's standard, can I change it somehow so that all my collaborators (even those without Google account) can edit the file?

This is the form for setting the permissions:

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This is what I see in an other browser when I use the "Link to share" link (click to enlarge):

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The document when I open it in the other browser (I didn't manage to make a screenshot of the File/Soubor menu, but all menu items like "Open" or "Edit" are disabled):

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3 Answers 3

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Are you sure your Sharing settings look like these? I've just created a document and edited it without any troubles (created with my google account and edited using different browser - not logged in).

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  • Thanks for the answer. I see exactly the same thing as you with exactly the same settings. But then I'm unable to edit the document in another browser. I added screenshots to the question.
    – yo'
    Apr 3, 2014 at 10:11
  • I got it. The reason is soooo stupid. See my self-answer, and thanks again for the help.
    – yo'
    Apr 3, 2014 at 11:33
  • I see your file is of type xlsx (excel). You need you need to convert it to Google Docs format. see support.google.com/drive/answer/2407404?hl=en&rd=1 Apr 3, 2014 at 11:35
  • Yep, that's what I just made an answer about, including the reason.
    – yo'
    Apr 3, 2014 at 11:49
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So after seeing in the other answers that it really should work, I tried to trace the problem, here it goes:

The file has to be a - Google Spreadsheet - rather than a - XLS/XLSX Spreadsheet - .

The reason is that XLS(X) files need an additional App to be edited, which you can't use without Google account.

How to know which is which? By the icon: enter image description here The left one is the good one (Google), the right one is the bad one (XLSX). Similar W is used for DOCX.

How to convert the file? Click Open with... Google Sheets and then Save a copy.

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I think that, for editing, Google make a distinction between "anyone" - meaning a person with a Google account, and "everyone" - meaning people irrespective of Google account status.

The distinction isn't applied to reading, but I'm sure I've send evidnece of it applying to edits before.

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  • Thanks. Even changing to "Anyone on the web can edit" doesn't help. Do you have an idea how can I change it to "everyone"?
    – yo'
    Apr 3, 2014 at 11:30
  • I got it. The reason is soooo stupid. See my self-answer, and thanks again for the help.
    – yo'
    Apr 3, 2014 at 11:38

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