Setting Up and Sharing a Google Shared Drive

Click below to see a quick how-to video

Google

17 Steps

Mark SIebert

Creating a Google Shared Drive allows you to store files and collaborate with your team. Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Open Google Drive

- Visit drive.google.com and log in with your Google account.

2. Access Shared Drives

- On the left side menu, find and click on "Shared drives."

3. Create a New Shared Drive

- Click on the "+ New" button located at the top right corner of the Shared drives section.

- A prompt will appear; enter a name for your Shared Drive and click "Create."

4. Configure Drive Settings

- After creation, you can modify settings such as adding a description or changing the color of the drive.

Once your Shared Drive is set up, you can share it with others for collaboration:

1. Open the Shared Drive

- Click on the newly created Shared Drive to open it.

2. Manage Members

- Click on the "Manage members" option, usually represented by a person icon or a "Manage" button.

3. Add Members

- In the dialog that appears, enter the email addresses of people you want to add.

- You can also choose their permission level:

- Manager: Full access to manage the drive.

- Content Manager: Can add and edit files.

- Contributor: Can add files but cannot delete them.

- Commenter: Can only comment on files.

- Viewer: Can only view files.

4. Send Invitations

- Click "Send" to notify them via email. They will receive an invitation to join the Shared Drive.

- Organize Files: Use folders to categorize files for easier access.

- Set Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines for file naming and organization to maintain order.

- Regular Maintenance: Periodically review and clean up files to ensure the drive remains efficient.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up and share a Google Shared Drive, fostering collaboration and efficiency among your team.