Top 12 Google Drive Tips and Tricks

Get the most out of Google Drive! Master 12 powerful Google Drive productivity tips: extract text from images, work offline, use keyboard shortcuts, and more.

Top 12 Google Drive Tips and Tricks

Google Drive is a powerful cloud storage solution that goes beyond just file storage. In this blog post, inspired by Kevin Stratvert’s YouTube video on Google Drive tips and tricks, we will explore 12 essential tips to help you get the most out of Google Drive. From extracting text from images to creating shortcuts and using hot keys, these tips will increase your productivity and streamline your workflow.

1. Extract Text from Images and PDFs

Google Drive allows you to extract text from images and PDFs, making it easy to edit and search text within these files. Here’s how:

For Images: Right-click the image file (JPEG, PNG, GIF), select “Open with” > “Google Docs.” The text will be extracted and placed in a new Google Doc below the image.

For PDFs: Open the PDF, select “Open with” > “Google Docs,” and the text will be editable within a new document. To save edits as a PDF again, go to “File” > “Download” > “PDF Document.”

2. Install the Google Drive Progressive Web App (PWA)

Installing the Google Drive PWA provides quicker access to your files:

Click the install icon in the address bar and follow the prompts. A new desktop icon will appear, which you can pin to your taskbar for even faster access.

3. Use .New Shortcuts

Google Drive offers handy shortcuts for creating new documents directly from your browser:

Type doc.new in your browser’s address bar to create a new Google Doc. Other shortcuts include sheet.new, slide.new, form.new, and site.new.

4. Save Space with Drive File Formats

Google Drive formats (Docs, Sheets, Slides) do not count against your storage quota:

Convert your files to Google Drive formats to save space. For instance, a Google Doc uses no storage space, whereas a Microsoft Word document does.

5. Enable Offline Mode

Work on your documents even without an internet connection:

Go to “Settings” > “Settings” > “General” > “Offline” and check the box. Sync your files, and they will be available offline, indicated by a special icon.

6. Use Backup and Sync

Access your Drive files directly from Windows File Explorer:

Download and install the Backup and Sync tool from Google Drive settings. A new Google Drive folder will appear in File Explorer, where you can drag files to sync them.

7. Manage Document Versions

Keep track of different versions of a document:

Right-click the file and select “Manage versions.” You can upload a new version, download previous versions, or keep them indefinitely.

8. Search Drive via Browser Address Bar

Configure your Chrome browser to search Google Drive directly from the address bar:

Go to “Settings” > “Search engine” > “Manage search engines.” Add a new search engine, name it “Drive,” and use https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/my-drive?q=%s as the URL.

9. Create Shortcuts to Files

Make files easily accessible from multiple locations:

Right-click the file, select “Add shortcut to Drive,” or drag it to a folder while holding the Ctrl key to create a shortcut.

10. Drag & Drop to Upload

Quickly upload files or folders to Drive:

Simply drag and drop files from your computer into the desired location in Google Drive.

11. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Drive offers a range of keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity:

Press ? or Ctrl + / to view the complete list of shortcuts. Favorites include v to toggle views and . to open the sharing dialog.

12. Use Drive Attachments in Emails

Save email space and make sharing easier by using Drive links instead of traditional attachments:

In Gmail, click the Drive icon to attach files. Recipients access a single copy of the file on Drive, reducing space usage and keeping everyone updated with the latest version.

Conclusion

By incorporating these twelve Google Drive tips and tricks into your daily workflow, you can transform Google Drive from a simple storage solution into a powerful tool that increases your productivity and streamlines your document management.

Whether you’re working alone or with a team, mastering these techniques will help you get the most out of Google Drive and unlock its full potential. So start implementing these practices today and experience the difference a more efficient Google Drive can make!