How to use google drive for beginners (Practical Guide)

It is very important to know how to use Google Drive for beginners to store your files in the cloud. In addition to being compatible with a variety of devices, Google services are the primary method for backing up Android phones and allowing you to share access with others.

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Therefore, Drive is a useful resource for personal, professional, and academic use. The same platform can be used to store important files as a backup, create text documents, spreadsheets, or even presentations. Now, for beginners, here is a practical guide on how to use the tool below!

How to create a Google Drive account

To create a Google Drive account, just have a Google account and sign in with your Gmail account. The platform automatically links your login and offers up to 15 GB of storage to store your files in Google Photos and Gmail.

To access Google Drive from different devices, To open in a browser, go to drive.google.com or download the app for Android, iOS, Mac, or Windows.

How to create folders and add files to Google Drive

After logging into your account, you can now create folders and store files in the cloud on Google Drive. To do this, follow these steps:

  • On your computer, right-click your Drive library. On mobile, tap the “+” icon.
  • Choose between uploading the file or creating a folder.
  • Give the folder a name and save the changes to create it.
  • Choose a file from your device and upload it to Drive.
  • Once the upload is complete, simply open Google Drive on any other device to access these documents.

How to download a file from Google Drive

The reverse way can also be done: you can download a file from the cloud to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. In this case, select a specific file in the tool, right-click, and press the download icon. If you want to download a folder or several files at once, Drive will convert them to a ZIP file.

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How to share files on Google Drive

One of the advantages of cloud storage is the option to share the same file or folder with multiple people. That way, in group work, each collaborator can access, download, and add new files in a folder, for example.

To share, follow these steps:

  • Select your document or folder.
  • Click on the share icon.
  • Invite people via email or generate a shareable link.
  • Finally, choose whether invited people will be able to view, comment, or edit.

How to use Google Drive on a computer

The Google Drive desktop app allows you to automatically backup folders on your computer and even create a virtual disk to access all files saved in the cloud. In this way, Google Drive works as an extra section of your computer: if you need to open or edit content, you can find it directly from Windows Explorer or Finder, without having to use the browser.

When installing Drive, choose your folders and backup method. Then sync your files.

How to use Google Drive on mobile

The Google Drive app is installed on Android phones by default. The app gives you the option to access and manage your files on your phone. The app includes the same functions as the browser version, with features to create, share, and download content.

Also, Google Drive is used to set up WhatsApp and Android device backups. For photos and videos, the backup can be done automatically by Google Photos. In Drive, you can save files and other folders on your device.

How to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using Google Drive

Drive also integrates with Google’s productivity suite, with quick access to Docs, Sheets, and Slides. In a folder, just right-click to create an editable file quickly.

That way, every Google Docs file created with this shortcut is already stored in the folder in question and follows all the sharing settings in the folder. For instance, when creating a text document in a shared folder, everyone with access and permission will be able to edit it.

Is Google Drive free?

Yup. Each Google account can use all of Drive’s available functions, with 15GB of storage split between the service, Photos, and Gmail. To increase this limit, you must purchase a paid Google One subscription plan.

Google One offers plans ranging from 100GB to 30TB, with prices starting at R$9.99 (US $1.96) per month. In addition, the subscription allows you to share this space with up to five people in your family group.

Can I recover deleted files from my Drive?

It depends. Drive has its own recycle bin, which keeps removed files for up to 30 days before permanently deleting them. So if you’ve deleted some content, you can still restore it to your library on time.

In the case of shared files, other people can make a copy if the file is deleted. If you remove a file that you do not own, it will only be removed from your library.

What files are accepted on Google Drive?

Any type of file can be uploaded to Google Drive. The tool has support for general file extensions of text, audio, video, image, code, and compressed, among other options. There is also support for company-specific formats such as Adobe , Microsoft, and Apple.