Google Drive Basics

What is Google Drive? Google Drive is a way to store your files (documents, pictures, etc.) so that you can access it from any computer, smartphone, or tablet. With Google Drive your first 15 GB of storage are free!

What do I need to use Google Drive? All you need is a Google account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for free.

Is my Gmail account the same as my Google account? Yes! You would use the same username and password for your Gmail account and for Google Drive.

Making a Google Account

1. Open your web browser and go to google.com. Click the button that says “Sign In.”

2. Click “Create Account” to go to the next step.

3. Fill in this information to create an account: First and Last Name. Create a Gmail username - think of this as a unique address. If the one you want isn’t available, try adding another number or letter. Password – follow the instructions to make a password that only you know. Write this down along with your username in a place you won’t forget!

Click “Next” to continue.

4. You will need to fill in some more information to create your Google account. When you’re finished, you’ll get a confirmation that your account has been created.

How Do I Open Google Drive?

Once your account has been created you’re ready to use Google Drive!

1. To get to Google Drive, make sure you are signed into your Google account, and go to google.com.

2. Then, click on the group of grey squares in the upper right hand corner. Click “Drive” to open Google Drive.

How do I use Google Drive?

Once you log in to Google Drive, here’s what your home screen or “My Drive” may look like.

Here’s where you can find all of your files. Let’s go over the basics of how to store and use files in Google Drive.

Use the New button to upload a file (like a document or picture) you already created, or choose to create a new folder, or new file within Google Drive (Google Doc, Google Sheet, etc.)

My Drive: As mentioned before the “My Drive” serves as somewhat of a home screen. All of the files and folders that you have saved on your Google Drive will appear here. Shared with me: Any files or folders that other people have shared with you will appear in this tab.

Recent: Here you can see the files that you have used or modified most recently.

Starred: Files that you have “starred” will appear here for easy access. To “star” a file simply right click on the file and select the option that says “add to starred.”

Trash: Any files you delete will be moved into the trash. In order to permanently delete them select the “empty trash” option. Otherwise files that remain in the trash will continue to use up storage.

Storage: Here you can see how much of your 15GB of storage you’ve used. It also gives you the option of purchasing more storage if you want to.

At the top of the screen you will see the search bar.

-Simply type the name of a file or folder in order to find it.

-If you click the small arrow pointing downwards you can do a more advanced search. This allows you to set more specific parameters in order to find the file or folder.

Next to the search bar you have multiple icons. Here are a brief description of them:

Support: In the shape of a question mark, click this icon if you need help.

Settings: In the shape of a gear/cog, click this icon if you want to access settings or make keyboard shortcuts.

Google Apps: These are represented by the grey little squares, click this icon if you want to switch to a different Google App.

Advanced/Glossary:

Cloud Storage Web Browser: A program used to access the internet. Examples: Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Safari, Edge.