You can now edit client-side encrypted Excel files with Google Sheets

Google has added a new option that lets you view and edit client-side encrypted Excel files with Google Sheets. This feature currently supports .xslx Excel file types, with a maximum size of 20MB and 5 million cells.

Changes made by you will be saved in the original Excel format. Google noted that while some features are not displayed and/or editable, they will be preserved in the document and viewable in Microsoft Office.

Additionally, some other features may not appear or be altered in the latest version of the file when it is edited in Google Sheets. If editing causes any features to be lost or altered, you will see a notification within the document.

"We are making it easy for you to leverage Google Workspace with the tools and formats you already use while preserving the confidentiality of your sensitive data with client-side encryption. As we continue to improve Office editing in encrypted Google Sheets, you may encounter incompatibilities for certain features," Google wrote in a blog post.

Google Workspace admins can enable client-side encryption at the domain, OU, and Group levels (Admin console > Security > Access and data control > Client-side encryption).

This update is gradually rolling out to Rapid Release domains and may take up to 15 days to be fully visible. Gradual rollout for Scheduled Release domains will commence on September 14, 2023. It will be available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Education Plus customers.

Earlier this week, Google announced a new "Help me organize" feature that helps Google Sheets users create highly organised plans, trackers, timelines and more. The feature makes template tables with sample data and does not have access to the data within your spreadsheet or elsewhere.

Help me organize is available as part of the Duet AI for Google Workspace Enterprise add-on.