Sharing a folder in Google Drive can be incredibly beneficial to work efficiency and flow.

It’ll also mean you’re able to make the most out of the cloud storage service’s capabilities.

It’s a great way to back up any important files and data, making your life that much easier.

Let’s take a look at how to share folders in Google Drive.

Creating a shared Google Drive: An overview

If you’re wondering “can you share a folder in Google Drive?”, the answer is yes.

Creating a shareable link for a Google Drive folder will allow you to work effortlessly with others on team projects, send files to other organizations, and keep everything together in one secure place.

There are multiple ways to share files with Google Drive; within the app, on the desktop browser, or sent directly to someone else’s email.

How to create a Google shared drive

Wondering how to create a shared folder on Google Drive?

Fear not, in Google Drive sharing documents is simple and fast, and we’ll show you how.

Share Google folder information and files in the web app and on mobile with the below easy steps:

In the web app

Creating and sharing Google folders is simple. If you’re on a desktop, follow these quick steps to create a Google shared drive:

  1. Log in to Google Drive with your Google account.
  2. Click the “Shared drives” page from the left “Drives” menu.
  3. Click “+New” in the upper left corner to create a shared drive.
  4. Name the new drive in the pop-up window that appears, then click “Create”.
  5. Open the shared drive and move files from “My drive” to the shared drive or upload files directly.

On mobile (iOS and Android)

If you’re on mobile, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your web browser and locate your Google account.
  2. Click the “+” button to create a new shared drive.
  3. Create a new folder within the shared drive and name it.
  4. Open the shared drive and either add files from your mobile or move files from “My drive”.

How to locate Google shared folders

Now you’ve created your Google folder, here’s how to locate it within your shared folders:

In the web app

  1. Log in to your Google Drive.
  2. Locate the “Shared with me” button on the left side of Google Drive.
  3. You’ll see a folder list on the right side of Google Drive that will display all the folders and files shared with you.
  4. Click the folder or file to open it or share.

On mobile (iOS and Android)

  1. Launch the app on your phone or head to your web browser.
  2. Locate the “Shared with me” button on the left side or tap “Shared” at the bottom.
  3. This will give a list of shared folders and files in your Google Drive.
  4. Click the folder or file you’d like to open or share.

How do I share a folder in Google Drive?

Let’s take a look at how to share a folder in Google Drive depending on what device you’re using.

Google folder sharing is easy on the app or via your desktop browser:

Via links in the web app

If you’re on a desktop, follow these steps to share a folder in Google Workspace via the web app:

  1. Go to Google Drive via your browser and sign in to your account.
  2. To create a new folder to share, click the “New” button in the top left corner.
  3. In the “New” drop-down menu, click on “Folder” at the top of the list. You can upload a folder straight from your computer or create a new folder within Google Drive.
  4. Name your folder in the pop-up and click “Create”. Then open your new folder in “My drive”.
  5. Select the folder you want to share. Then, at the top of the screen, above the list of files in your folder in the drop-down, click “Share”. It will then give you the option to email directly or share via a link.
  6. Now you can copy the link and send it to the desired recipient.

Via links in the mobile app

  1. Head to your Google Drive app or on your mobile browser.
  2. Click the Three-Dot Menu on the folder page and click the “Share” button.
  3. On the “Share” option, you can create a link.
  4. Now you can copy the link and send it to the desired recipient.

Sharing multiple files or folders in bulk using the web app

Sometimes you want to share more than just one folder or file. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Open the Google Drive web app on your desktop.
  2. Head to the home page and select all the items you wish to share, which can be either individual files or folders.
  3. Right-click to open the “Options” dialog.
  4. Click “Share”.
  5. Click “Copy links” in the bottom left corner of the box. The links are now copied and can be sent to anyone in bulk.

Is there a better way to seamlessly share files?

Google Drive isn’t the only tool available when it comes to sharing files.

So, what other options are out there and might they be better than Google Drive?

Challenges of using Google Drive

There are some challenges associated with using Google Drive as your primary tool to store and share files.

For one, Google Drive has limited storage options.

The platform has a limit of file sizes you can upload in a day. This limit is 750GB. This may be fine if you’re only using it for smaller files, but if you consistently upload large files, you may find this frustrating.

It also comes with other file size limitations. For instance, when converting a text document to Google Docs, the maximum file size is 50MB.

What’s more, this decreases to 20MB for Google Sheets. This could be an issue if you’re trying to upload large sheets with sensitive business data.

Additionally, Google Drive relies on a stable internet connection.

This means if your internet connection isn’t always reliable, you could be waiting a while to upload and download files.

Even though there is an offline working mode, sometimes text can be lost while the file re-syncs. This means you could lose important work.

Why PandaDoc VDR is a better option

Although Google Drive has become a popular way to share files between individuals, it is not the only way.

In fact, alternatives to Google forms and other file sharing tools can also offer a plethora of other handy features that may be useful to you.

For instance, PandaDoc not only allows you to share files, but can also be used for eSignatures to send or receive documents to sign across businesses quickly and efficiently.

This allows you to speed up the signing process, as all signatures can be acquired virtually, instead of manually having to send paperwork from one party to the other.

What’s more, its Virtual Data Room (VDR) is a powerful alternative to Google Drive, allowing you to store and share documents easily.

You can also streamline the document signing process and customize your branding. This virtual deal room makes the process more personable as it acts as a meeting point for clients and employees alike.

You can also take advantage of its integration capabilities, where you can integrate it with your current tech stack, such as in the case of PandaDoc for Google Workspace.

From Zoho to Salesforce, you can seamlessly integrate your PandaDoc VDR with other solutions, too, so your team can easily flick between the applications.

More benefits of PandaDoc VDR

PandaDoc’s VDR room is a reliable tool that allows you to connect with others in a safe, secure workspace environment.

You can set up private access to key documents to ensure no leaks are made during the review and negotiation process.

Thanks to FERPA, GDPR, HIPAA, and eIDAS compliance, you can rest assured that PandaDoc has got you covered.

Some other benefits of PandaDoc VDR include:

  • Customizable document visibility to ensure information is only seen by the right people.
  • Access to comprehensive document analytics from within the virtual data room.
  • Quick access to the room via a unique link.
  • Notifications about any changes made in the VDR room.
  • Send personalized email invites to join the data room.
  • Define data access levels for each user.

Switch to PandaDoc VDR for easy file sharing and more

File sharing has never been easier thanks to PandaDoc VDR.

In a world where remote teams need more support than ever, PandaDoc is the ideal solution to keep everything in check, and ensure better collaboration than by sharing a folder in Google Drive.

Store and access files from one shared place, allowing clients and employees to access the files whenever they need them.

It means your data room is always available within just a few clicks, putting clients and prospects at ease.

Why not schedule a 15-minute demo today, to learn more?

Frequently asked questions about sharing a folder in Google Drive

  • You can share an entire Google Drive. Log into your account, and select all the files in your Google Drive. It may be easier if you organize your files into folders first. Once you have selected all folders you can right click and find “Share”. Click this and type in the email of the person you’d like to send your Google Drive to. Alternatively you can create a link and send it that way.

  • You can use shared drives to store data including documents and folders. This data can be accessed by everyone with a link. To share a file within Google Drive, click on the three dots on the right hand side of the file at the top corner. It will then provide you with a link, or you can email it to the recipient directly.

  • Sharing a folder in Google Drive is easy, but you may need to revoke access to a document. To stop someone having access to a previously shared file or folder in Google Drive, you need to head to the access settings of the file or document. Click “Share” and then use the drop down to select “Restricted Access”. This will mean that only you can access the file now.

Disclaimer

PandDoc is not a law firm, or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. This page is not intended to and does not provide legal advice. Should you have legal questions on the validity of e-signatures or digital signatures and the enforceability thereof, please consult with an attorney or law firm. Use of PandaDocs services are governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.