Once you have signed into the portal, you have the option to use several different apps. You may have noticed or added apps such as Word, PowerPoint, or Excel. These are a few of the Microsoft Program apps that are accessible from your portal and linked to your OneDrive account. When you create and edit documents using the online programs, they are saved and accessible centrally at OneDrive.com.
If you do not see the icons for these apps in your GCU Portal, you may need to manually add them to your My Apps section. For instructions on how to add apps, check out Navigating the GCU Portal.
Signing In
If you have not already signed into OneDrive, you may be prompted to sign in when you select the app you want to use.
Be sure to sign in with the same credentials you signed into the portal with and select Work or school account if you receive a prompt.
Please select the appropriate program for further details about using Microsoft Online through the Portal:
Opening a File
To open a new file in Word, either select a template, or select New blank document to get started.
You can find previously created files and edit them by searching the recent section, or by clicking the More in OneDrive and searching the Files section.
To open a new file in PowerPoint, either select a template, or select New blank presentation to get started.
You can find previously created files and edit them by searching the recent section, or by clicking the More in OneDrive and searching the Files section.
To open a new file in Excel, either select a template, or select New blank workbook to get started.
You can find previously created files and edit them by searching the recent section, or by clicking the More in OneDrive and searching the Files section.
Editing a File
Once you have your file open, you can edit the file online. Since you are using an online version instead of the downloaded program, some features may be limited.
If you have already downloaded the offline version of Word, and you would like to use it instead, you can select Open In Word from the top menu bar at any point.
If you have already downloaded the offline version of PowerPoint, and you would like to use it instead, you can select Open in Desktop App from the top menu bar at any point.
If you have already downloaded the offline version of Excel, and you would like to use it instead, you can select Open in Desktop App from the top menu bar at any point.
Saving and Downloading a Document
Once you have created a new document, it is automatically saved to your OneDrive account.
You can rename the file, save a copy of the file, or download the file by navigating to File > Save As in Word.
By navigating to the File section in PowerPoint, you will have the option to Download As.
You can rename the file, save a copy of the file, or download the file by navigating to File > Save As in Excel.
Locating and Editing Previously Saved Files
Rather than going to an individual program that only shows recent documents, OneDrive automatically saves your files and makes re-accessing them much more manageable.
If you haven’t already, add the OneDrive app to your app dashboard by Customizing Your Apps and select it to navigate to the OneDrive homepage.
You will be directed to your main page and you can select your file from here. For more details about utilizing or accessing documents in OneDrive, please see Accessing OneDrive with Your GCU Email Account.