How to Access Google Meet from Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides

Google recently launched a new integration that allows users to access Google Meet video conferencing directly within Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This makes it easy to collaborate on documents while having a video conversation.

Benefits of the Integration

There are several benefits to accessing Google Meet from Docs, Sheets, or Slides:

Streamlined Collaboration

• You can discuss a document, presentation, or spreadsheet in real-time over video without having to switch between tabs or windows
• Everyone can see edits and changes happening live as you work together

Improved Multitasking

• The call interface is displayed in a sidebar so you can see people’s video feeds without obscuring your work
• You can focus on your document while still participating in the video meeting

Enhanced Presentations

• Present your Docs, Sheets or Slides files directly to a Google Meet call with one click
• Share your screen to display your work without leaving the meeting

Accessing Google Meet

Join a Meeting

To join a Google Meet video meeting from Docs, Sheets or Slides:

1. Open the file you want to collaborate on
2. Click the Meet icon in the top right corner
3. Select “Join a meeting”
4. Enter the meeting code and click “Join now”
5. The video call will open in a sidebar next to your file

Start a New Meeting

To initiate a new Google Meet session from your document, spreadsheet or presentation:

1. Open your Docs, Sheets or Slides file
2. Click the Meet icon in the top right
3. Choose “Start a meeting”
4. Send the joining info to meeting participants
5. People can click your meeting link to join the call

Present a File

To present a Docs, Sheets or Slides file in an active Google Meet session:

1. Open the Google Meet tab
2. Click “Present now”
3. Select the tab with the file you want to present
4. Click “Share” to display it in the meeting

Call Controls

The sidebar in Docs, Sheets and Slides provides access to Google Meet call features:

• Mute/unmute your microphone
• Turn camera on/off
• See everyone – Toggles between active speaker and grid view
• Meeting details – Rename meeting, get joining info to share
• Leave call – Exit the Meet session

Requirements

To access Google Meet integration from Docs, Sheets or Slides, you need:

• A Google Workspace or Legacy GSuite account
• The Chrome browser (functionality does not work in other browsers)

The feature is rolling out gradually starting in April 2022, so it may take a few weeks to be enabled for all users.

Best Practices

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Google Meet integration with Docs, Sheets and Slides:

Organize Your Workspace

• Open your document and video call in separate tabs for easier screen sharing
• Position tabs side-by-side to see meeting video and your file at the same time

Use Headphones

• Wear headphones to prevent audio feedback issues when sharing your screen
• Mute yourself when not presenting to eliminate background noise

Close Unnecessary Apps

• Shut down unused programs and browser tabs
• This improves video performance by allowing more resources for Meet

Test Features in Advance

• Set up a test meeting to check screen sharing capabilities beforehand
• Confirm speakers, microphone and camera are working properly

Integrating Google Meet with Docs, Sheets and Slides makes real-time collaboration seamless. Following these tips will ensure you have great video meetings while co-editing files.