We all love a good shortcut, right? Here is one of my FAVORITE shortcuts of all time! This is a workaround to share files on Google Drive, instantly!

Though it may not seem like it at first glance, sharing files on Google Drive can actually be quite time-consuming:

It’s more steps than we realize, right?

So today we’ll take a look at how to share files on Google Drive instantly, using Google Workspace or a typical Google Drive (in case your district doesn’t use workspace).

Share Files on Google Drive

This first shortcut will work on a traditional Google Drive.

First, set up a new folder for your shared files:

Add your teammates to your folder. You can do this by clicking the three dots and selecting Share.

(or you can use a Google Drive shortcut and just click on the folder and press the period (.) key to share):

Choose what kind of access you’d like them to have:

Once your colleagues have been added, the folder will have a person icon (to indicate it is a shared folder):

(of course I had to color-code the folder!)

Now sharing all those files will be simple! Any time you’d like to share a new Google Doc, Slide, or Sheet, just click the file and drag it right into your shared folder.

You can also click and drag over several files to select all at once, then put all in the folder to share multiple files instantly!

You will see a little message to remind you this file is being shared:

And that’s it! No need to go into the settings and share out each time.

Everything you place in this shared folder will be automatically shared with your colleagues, every time!

SHare Files in a Google Workspace

If your district uses Google Workspace, you have access to another feature for easy sharing: a Shared Drive!

Shared Drives provide a simple way to share tons of files with your teammates, instantly.

To get started, click on Shared Drives:

Name your new Drive:

Click on 1 Person (under Team Drive) to add new members:

Choose the settings you’d like for members:

Now you can start sliding files right into the Shared Drive!

You will see a popup to remind you that all members will gain access:

Just those few quick steps and now you will save SO much time!

I hope these ideas to share files on Google Drive were of help! I know they have saved me so much time over the years!

Looking for More Ways to Save Time in Google Drive?

I love sharing tutorials to save teachers as much time as possible. Check out these posts on Google Drive…

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Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Have you tried Shared Drives or shared folders before?