Google Drive

Use the information below to better help you utilize Google Drive

Access your files anywhere

Google Drive allows you to access your files from anywhere that you have an internet connection

No more needing a Flash Drive or emailing files to yourself. Simply click the +New Icon in the top left corner and then File or Folder Upload, or you can click hold and drag your file into Google Drive.

Find your Files Quickly

Create Folders:

  1. Click the +New Button and select Folder

  2. Name the Folder

  3. Click Create

Once the folder is created your can click and drag or move files to it

Star Files/Folders:

  1. Right click on a file or folder

  2. Go down the menu and select Add to Starred

The file will now be in the Starred section of Google Drive on the left

*You may also Star documents while in them by clicking the Start Icon next to the title of the document in the top left corner. You can also Star Folders when in them by selecting the Down Arrow next to the folder name at the top of the screen and selecting Add to Starred*

Recent Section:

  1. On the left side select Recent

  2. Navigate to your file

Recent will show you the most recent files you accessed, if you need to see which folder it is in you can right click and select Show File Location.

Utilize Google Apps

Google Docs

Google Docs is Google's version of Microsoft Word. Google Docs brings your documents to life with smart editing and styling tools to help you easily format text and paragraphs. Choose from hundreds of fonts, add links, images, and drawings. Also, take advantage of various templates and automatic saving. Click here to learn more

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is Google's version of Microsoft Excel. Google Sheets makes your data pop with colorful charts and graphs. Built-in formulas, pivot tables and conditional formatting options save time and simplify common spreadsheet tasks. Also, take advantage of various templates and automatic saving. Click here to learn more

Google Slides

Google Slides is Google's version of Microsoft Powerpoint. Google Slides makes your ideas shine with a variety of presentation themes, hundreds of fonts, embedded video, animations, and more. Also, take advantage of various templates and automatic saving. Click here to learn more

Google Forms

Google Forms can help you plan your next camping trip, manage event registrations, whip up a quick poll, collect email addresses for a newsletter, create a pop quiz, and much more. Click here to learn more

Google also has other apps to take advantage of such as Drawing, My Maps, and more. The best part about Google Apps is that you can collaborate in real time with coworkers and friends. It also automatically saves changes, so no more losing information if you forgot to click save.

Save Space

Google Drive has a limited amount of storage for each user. One of the best ways to save space is to convert files to Google's format. Any file that is converted or made in Google's format does not take up any space in Google Drive. One handy feature is the Automatic Conversion Setting:

  1. Click on the Gear Icon in the top right-hand side

  2. Select Settings

  3. Go down to the Convert Uploads section

  4. Select the checkbox

From there on out all files that can be converted to Google's format will when you upload them. When you download the file again later you can choose the format to download it in. Most files, when you choose to download them, will download in Microsoft Office's format.

Getting access to NICC SHared Files

This is only available for NICC Employees!

  1. Go to mycampus.nicc.edu

  2. Search for Shared Files

  3. Select the NICC Shared Files Task

    1. This will take you to your Google Drive

  4. Click on the arrow next to NICC Shared Files at the top

  5. Select Add to My Drive