Embedded Files
Creating a Google account
Creating a Google account
In order to use Google Drive, you will need a Google account. Google accounts are free, and signing up for one is fairly simple. In order to create a Google account, you'll need to enter some information, including your name, birth date, and location. Creating a Google account will automatically create a Gmail email address and a Google+ profile.
If you have a Gmail address, you already have a Google account, so you won't need to create an account—you can simply sign in to Drive using your Gmail information.
To create a Google account:
Go to www.google.com. Locate and select the Sign in button in the top-right corner of the page.
Click Create an account.
The sign-up form will appear. Follow the directions and enter the required information.
Next enter your phone number. Google will send a verification code to your phone that you will use to complete the sign up process.
Enter the verification code sent to your phone and click Verify.
The personal information page will appear. Follow the directions and enter your information, including your birth date and gender.
Review Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then click I agree.
Your account will be created.
Just like with any online service, it's important to choose a strong password—in other words, one that's difficult for someone to guess. For more information, check out our Password Tips lesson.
Accessing Google Drive
Accessing Google Drive
Once you've set up your Google account, you can access Google Drive by going to http://drive.google.com in your web browser.
You can also navigate to Google Drive from any Google page (such as Gmail or Google search) by selecting the grid icon near the top-right corner, then clicking Drive.
Search Bar
Search Bar
The Search bar allows you to look for specific files. Whenever you enter a search term, Google Drive will automatically display files that match your search. You can also run an advanced search, which allows you to filter your files by type.
Search Bar
Search Bar
The Search bar allows you to look for specific files. Whenever you enter a search term, Google Drive will automatically display files that match your search. You can also run an advanced search, which allows you to filter your files by type.
File Action Buttons
File Action Buttons
These options will appear whenever you select a file. They allow you to quickly share the file, see a preview, or delete it.
Sort
Sort
By default, your files are sorted by the date they were last modified. Click here to reorganize your files by size, name, or editing history.
New Button
New Button
Click the New button to create a new document, spreadsheet, presentation, or other Google document. The new file will be saved to your Google Drive automatically. You can also use the New button to create new folders and upload files from your computer.
Folders
Folders
Related files can be organized into folders. Once files are placed in a folder, you can view, share, and apply changes to multiple files at the same time. When you select a folder in the left pane, only files contained within that folder will appear in the View pane.
Views
Views
You can choose several different views for Google Drive. The default view is My Drive, which shows all of your files. You can also choose to see files that are shared with you (Incoming), favorited (Starred), or recently edited.
View Pane
View Pane
The View pane displays all of your files. It's easy to see who owns each file, what files are shared, and when files were last modified. Simply click to select any file, or double-click to open it.
Google Drive for desktop
Google Drive for desktop
If you prefer to work on the desktop, you can download the Google Drive desktop app to your computer. Available for Windows and OS X, this app makes it a bit easier to upload your existing files and work offline. Once it's installed, you'll see a new Google Drive folder on your computer. Any files you move into this folder will automatically be uploaded to your Google Drive.
Challenge!
Challenge!
Visit www.google.com to sign up for a Google account if you don't already have one.
Open Google Drive.
Notice on the left side how much of your storage is used and how much is available.
Try clicking some of the menu options, like Shared with Me and Google Photos.
Page updated
Report abuse