Both companies and individuals can save and work together on files with the Google Drive integrate, and this is beneficial. For novice users trying to save time, this guide outlines software, configurations, and purpose based expectations the users are trying to achieve. Learn tips to maximize Google Drive.
How To Open Google Drive
Now let us begin with Google Drive. Open the program by following the steps below.
1. Open a Browser: Look for your browser and in the browser window type in ‘drive.google.com’. Google Chrome will provide the best experience.
2. Click Enter: Now input your details. After the credentials are entered, you will be redirected to the start page of Google Drive where you will be able to manage your files.
If you are signing into your Google account for the first time, the first thing you will notice is a blank screen with some tabs on the left side of the window which facilitate you to navigate through the application swiftly. Tabs represent central features of Google Drive.
New Features That Google Drive Has Worked On Recently
Below are some tabs which help in file organization on Google Drive.
1. New Tab
Within this section, it is possible to make new files and folders or import those that already exist in your Google Drive. For this purpose, please select the option ‘{@New Tab}’ and wait until the following options load.
Folder: With this function, you can organize all your files and folders to their appropriate places.
File Upload: You can now upload documents by dragging them from your desktop.
Folder Upload: This allows you to upload a folder and its contents at once.
Google Docs: You can create or edit documents like Ms Excel.
GoogleSheets: Like Excel, it enables you to create and edit spreadsheets.
Google Slides: It allows you to create slides and presentations like PowerPoint.
Google Forms: It is used for creating forms and carrying out surveys.
In addition, other features from Google such as Google Drawings and Google Sites are accessible to users.
2. My Drive Tab
My Drive is where any file or document created or uploaded to Google Drive is stored. It is automatically set as the default option which means it is what opens first. The my Drive tab serves as the primary storage location for all folders and documents uploaded to the Google Drive account.
3. Shared With Me Tab
Google Drive also allows users to store documents that have been shared with them in their own Google account’s Drive. Similarly, files shared by other Google Drive users with you are stored under this section.
4. Recent Tab
The Recent Tab contains files or folders one has worked on the most over the past couple of days to the exact minute and hour beneath it which is very convenient. This can be particularly useful when one cannot recall where a missing document that they have previously worked on is located.
5. Starred Tab
Everything which is considered important or starred is kept in this section. Accessing important documents as well as accessning starred documents is a matter of few clicks only.
6. Bin Section
Files deleted by the user are kept in this section as the name suggests. Files deleted through bin section can be restored at any time. It is possible to restore any document from the bin within one month of deletion. After which, they are gone forever. For users wishing to clear the entire bin, there is an “Empty” function that removes all the files instantly.
Searching For A File In Google Drive
Google Drive has various features which assist the user in finding certain files or folders which are needed through a search box available at the upper part of the page. The user is only required to enter a portion of the title or even the type and Google Drive will instantly provide the relevant subhead in seconds without going through severals tabs.
Unlocking Old Data In Google Drive
Google Drive comes with features that can be altered by the user which help in maximizing the user experience. The user will find them useful if the following steps are followed.
Open Settings: At the upper right part of the page there is an icon that resembles a gear. If clicked, the user can access settings.
Change User Restrictions: People with the granted permission to access Google Drive Document will be able to view the document activity history. They are able to retrieve information such as who viewed the document and when, who collaborated on it, what changes were done, etc. This enables much ease in collaborative work.
To summarize, There is a user interface that needs to be learned and if done in a good way, productivity in file management will be heightened. Google Drive has the ability to create and share documents, control files, and even tailor the application to your needs and this means it is high time you start managing your documents in Google Drive.
Google Drive can be used as a collaborator for file sharing purposes. Store your working documents on drive so that they can be printed later. Document management must always involve different staff members with contributions by other users. You must define the appropriate preferences for your case. And by the most effective use of those features, better work results will be achieved.
