Updated: March 01, 2025

.GSLIDES File Extension

There is only one filetype that uses .GSLIDES file extension and it is Google Slides Shortcut.

Google Slides Shortcut

File category:	Text Files
Developer:	Google
Open with:	Google Drive (+1 more)
Platforms:	Windows, macOS, In-browser (Online), Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, iPadOS

A .GSLIDES file is a shortcut used to open a Google Slides presentation stored on Google Drive. It does not contain the actual presentation but includes a reference (URL and document ID) that links to it online. These files are created by the Google Drive for Desktop application and work on Windows and macOS. GSLIDES format was originally handled by the Backup and Sync app, which was replaced by Drive for Desktop in October 2021.

Users typically interact with GSLIDES files to quickly open Google Slides presentations without needing to access Google Drive manually. When double-clicked, a GSLIDES file launches the associated presentation in a web browser through Google Slides, as long as the user is signed in to a Google account with the necessary access permissions.

These files are useful for organizing and accessing Google Slides presentations directly from a desktop environment. While Google Drive for Desktop syncs certain file types (like .DOCX and .JPG), it does not store actual Google Workspace documents. Instead, it uses shortcuts like GSLIDES to reference them.

How to Open .GSLIDES as Google Slides Shortcut

Ensure Google Drive for Desktop is installed on your computer.

Double-click the GSLIDES file to open the presentation in Google Slides via your web browser.

If prompted, sign in to the Google account linked to the presentation.

GSLIDES files are technically JSON files that store specific metadata about the presentation, such as its URL and creator information. So if the file does not open properly, you can view its contents using any basic text editor (e.g., Notepad). This reveals the presentation's URL, which can be copied and pasted into a browser to open it manually.

GSLIDES files mainly function as shortcuts and are not meant to be edited directly. They are only useful within the Google ecosystem and require an internet connection to access the presentation online.