What is the first step to edit a file saved on your desktop using Google Docs?

To edit a file saved on your desktop using Google Docs, the first step is to upload the document to Google Drive. Google Docs operates within the Google Drive ecosystem, which serves as cloud storage for your files. By uploading the document to Google Drive, you make it accessible to Google Docs, allowing you to open and edit it directly within the platform.

Once the document is in Google Drive, you can easily open it with Google Docs, edit it, and save changes. This process streamlines collaboration as well, enabling others with whom you've shared the document to contribute or comment if needed.

The other options involve unnecessary steps or alternative software that do not align with the Google Docs editing process. For instance, opening the file in Microsoft Word would not facilitate editing in Google Docs, and sharing the file via email or converting it to PDF format does not allow for editing at all—PDFs are typically meant for viewing rather than editing. Thus, uploading the document to Google Drive is a crucial and logical first step for editing within Google Docs.