Google Drive is one of the cloud file storage solutions and any user automatically gets 15 GB of space for each account created on Google. That is, if you have a Gmail address, you can access Google Drive automatically, without any further registration, and manage your files online, using alternative services such as Dropbox or Microsoft's OneDrive.
It should be noted that all images and attachment files from the email account or Google Photos count towards the total capacity of the service, which the user can increase through a subscription.
Although simple to use, there are several actions and options that aren't always very intuitive, but can come in handy once you get to know them. Whether creating quick shortcuts to documents, directly from the browser, using a Chrome extension with some essential utilities or even synchronizing between the cloud and associated equipment, through the dedicated application.
Google's cloud tool also serves as a central hub for all productivity applications, such as Docs, Sheets and Slides, functioning as a file repository, accessible from anywhere, whether online or offline.
In today's episode of Lessfios Office we're going to show you 6 useful tips to make Google Drive a more productive tool, whether at home or at work.
Create a shortcut to files in Google Drive
Creating a shortcut to a file or document is an efficient way to access content that you use frequently. It also ensures that you do not duplicate files, considering that space is “precious” in the service. Thus, you can create, move, rename a shortcut without the danger of changing the file itself. To create the shortcut, just be in Google Drive, find the file or folder they are in and right-click on it and choose the option “Add Shortcut to Drive”. The list of folders where you want to place the shortcut will appear and it will be listed in the left frame.
Use the Google Drive app on your computer
The synchronization of files between the PC and other devices with the cloud is one of the bases of the Google Drive service. If you don't want the manual experience of managing files through the browser, you can always install official application on the computer. Then you'll have to choose the folders to be synchronized and all the files you put there will be available on all synchronized equipment and of course, in the browser. Note that despite having more space on the computer, the limit on the 15 GB drive remains.
Create bookmarks with deep links to the address bar
If you frequently use Docs or Sheets, consider creating direct shortcuts to new documents from the address bar, storing them in favorites. That is, you can use the shortcut http://doc.new for Docs; http://sheets.new for Sheets; http://deck.new Google Slide; http://site.new to the Google Site; and http://form.new for Google Form. These are the main productivity applications that you can add to the bookmarks bar without entering Google Drive.
Drag files from computer to Google Drive
As it is accessed in a browser environment, when you want to add a file, you probably still use the huge “New” button in the upper left corner. Instead of looking for the respective file, simply drag them from your computer to your browser folders. The file will be copied to the cloud instantly.
Save images you see on the Internet to Google Drive
In case you want to save an image or other element online, you can also do it straight to Google Drive. But if you notice, when you press the right mouse button for the usual “save file as” you won't have access to Google Drive. To do this, you will need to install a official extension from Google to Chrome called “Save to Google Drive”. From then on, whenever you choose "save as" the option to save to the cloud will appear.
Send attachments in Gmail through Google Drive
Gmail has a limitation of 25 MB of files that you can attach in the composition of the email. But you can easily get around this limitation by uploading files that are in Google Drive. You will have to ensure that you have placed these files in the cloud first, then when you are composing an email, instead of clicking on the “attach files” icon below, choose the Google Drive symbol. It will open your files page and select what you want. The email, instead of carrying the attachment, provides the address for the recipient to download the respective file. When sending, you will have to select the respective authorization of the recipient to access the file.
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This was today's MenosFios Office, where we show 6 useful tips to make Google Drive a more productive tool, whether at home or at work. Now, we ask our readers to comment on them and to contribute with additional information they deem necessary on this same topic.
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