How to convert a non-native file to a native file

Turning static documents into fillable ones transforms the way we collect and manage information. Instead of relying on manual data entry, printing, scanning, or back-and-forth emails, fillable documents allow users to input data directly into a structured form. 

This ensures faster completion, fewer errors, improved accessibility, and seamless automation. Whether it's for contracts, applications, registrations, or reports, fillable documents make workflows more efficient, professional, and scalable.

Yes—Fillable Document is the answer.

It's a powerful Google Workspace add-on that lets you turn your existing Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides into interactive fillable templates. Whether you’re creating application forms, agreements, or dynamic templates, Fillable Document makes the process simple, fast, and automation-friendly—with no coding required. 

💡 Since Fillable Document is a Google Workspace add-on, it doesn't run directly on Word, Excel, PDF, or other non-native formats.

You can simply convert it to a google native file like Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide to make it compatible with the add-on. 

You can easily turn your existing PDF, Word, or other document formats into a fillable document using the Fillable Document add-on. 

Here's how to do it step-by-step:

Convert your non-Google file into a native Google format, which is required for using Fillable Document.

What Are Non-Native and Google Native Documents? 

Google Native Documents are files created directly using Google Workspace apps—such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. These formats are fully compatible with Google Workspace add-ons like Fillable Document.

Non-Native Documents, on the other hand, originate from other platforms such as Microsoft Office, Zoho, or OpenOffice. These include common file types like:

• .doc, .docx (Word)

• .xls, .xlsx (Excel)

• .ppt, .pptx (PowerPoint)

• .pdf (Adobe PDF)

• .odt (OpenDocument Text)

✅ Step 1: Upload the File to Google Drive

1. Open Google Drive

2. Click on the “New” button > “File Upload”

3. Choose your file (DOCX, PDF, PPTX, etc.) and upload it

✅ Step 2: Open with the Appropriate Google App

1. Locate your uploaded file in Drive

2. Right-click the file → Select “Open with”

   • Use Google Docs for Word files

   • Use Google Slides for PowerPoint files

   • Use Google Sheets for Excel files

✅ Step 3: Convert to Google Native Format

1. Once the file is open in the Google app, click “File” in the top menu

2. Select “Save as Google Docs”, Sheets, or Slides depending on the file type

3. The converted file will be saved in your Drive as a Google-native document

✅ Step 4: Open the Converted File with Fillable Document

1. Locate the new Google-native file in Drive

2. Open it, then go to Extensions > Fillable Document > Start

3. Begin adding fillable fields and customize your interactive template

🎉 Done! 

Once your file is in a Google-native format, Fillable Document works smoothly to help you add form fields, automate document creation, and streamline your workflows. 

Install and launch the Fillable Document add-on from the Extensions menu of your Google Doc/Sheet/Slide.

Use the easy sidebar UI to add text fields, dropdowns, checkboxes, and more—right inside your document. No coding needed.

Generate the fillable version and share it with others. 

🎯 With Fillable Document, your static Word or PDF files transform into dynamic, fillable templates—perfect for seamless workflows and smarter document automation.