Download and install the Google Drive app to your Mac if you haven't already. Once you've installed and added it to your applications, a Google Drive folder should appear in your Finder.
Bad news, Google Drive fans – the app is going away. But relax – there’s a replacement (two, actually). And it's an improvement.
You might have seen the pop-up below, saying that Google Drive is going away. Well, the deadline is quickly approaching: you have until March 11 to install Drive File Stream or Google Backup and Sync, the replacement apps by Google.
That’s right. The old Google Drive app is going away, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to migrate off of the popular cloud storage app or move to a different service.
The replacement app will depend on whether you are a business or consumer user. Right now, both groups are using the same Google Drive app. However, they are splitting into separate desktop apps.
Business users (using the full GSuite of apps) should click to install Drive File Stream. This allows the same functionality as before, but with much needed bandwidth and storage improvements. Support has been added for the syncing of Team Drives. Files are accessed on demand, to use less storage space on hard drives.
The app is available for both Windows and Mac users, however the location of Drive has changed. For Mac users, Drive is found in Finder under Devices. In Windows, users can find their files as a mounted drive in My Computer.
Consumer users of the free Google products (such as Drive, Gmail, Calendar, etc.) will be directed to download Google Backup and Sync. This makes it easy to access, sync and backup both files and photos from external SD cards, such as from digital cameras, GoPros and drones.
You’ll still be using the same Google Drive interface on the web, and those synced photos will be there. Previously consumers needed two separate apps, one for Google Drive, and one for Photos. This new single app replaces both of those.
Google Backup and Sync is available for both Windows and Mac users.
The mobile apps you are using for Google Drive will stay the same, just as the web version of Drive will. The only change is the desktop sync apps.
If you’ve been unsure or hesitating, it’s perfectly OK to download these replacement apps. It’s a positive change and both apps contain new features that will save both time and hard drive space.
Looking to master Google Drive? Watch our full course, Google Drive Essential Training.
Other courses you might be interested in are:
With almost a billion users, Google Drive has become one of the most popular Cloud storage services in the world. For Mac, the app is renowned for simplicity and ease-of-use. When it comes to collaboration, Google Drive offers a wide range of features and apps, making it easier to create, upload, download, and share files with colleagues, friends, and family.
The perfect replacement for MS Office!
Create, collaborate, and share files with ease and simplicity!
Google Drive is one of the most popular and largest Cloud storage services. Compared to other services like Dropbox, Google Drive lets you create and edit documents using a suite of office applications, such as Google Sheets, Docs, Slides, and Drawings.
For all members, irrespective of the operating system, Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage space. With a paid subscription, this can be upgraded as per your requirements. Paid members also get additional benefits, such as 24/7 support and the option to add up to five individuals with access to storage.
Offline editing and viewing
While using Google Drive’s products, you can view and edit files in offline mode. This functionality works for Sheets, Slides, and Docs. Moreover, offline viewing is supported across devices.
In order to set up the feature, you need to use Google Drive on Chrome for desktops. From the settings menu, enable the ‘Sync Google Docs, Slides, Sheets & Drawings’ files, and you’re good to go.
Multiple accessibility options
In order to help people with disabilities and sight issues, Google Drive comes with a wide range of accessibility options. It’s an important area where Google stands apart from the competition. For instance, you can conveniently add captions to video files and use the screen reader compatibility option for easy access.
Google Drive For Mac Download
File sharing and versioning
Google Drive keeps logging the history of each uploaded file. This allows the platform to prevent malware infection, and lets you revert unwanted changes. Since Google takes a shared approach to editing, this feature comes in handy for collaboration. Users can easily check alterations in the file and proceed with work accordingly.
With a simple right-click, you can share files with several people. All you need to do is enter specific email addresses or produce a shareable link to be distributed among team members. Since Google Drive comes integrated with Google services, it imports email addresses from Gmail automatically. For quick posting of shareable links, Twitter and Facebook have also been integrated to the platform.
Where can you run this program?
Google Drive is accessible on a wide range of platforms via Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, and other browsers. You can use it on Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android.
Install Google Drive On Computer
Is there a better alternative?
If you’re looking for a few alternatives, Dropbox will be a good choice. With plenty of storage space, it allows you to upload and share files with ease. However, Dropbox doesn’t give you any options to create files from scratch, which can be a deterrent for many users. Another good option is Office 365. While the platform comes with a wide range of features, you need a subscription once the free trial is over.
Our take
Google Drive comes with a comprehensive feature-set, allowing you to create files and collaborate with team members easily. While the company offers good backup options, you can choose a paid subscription to upgrade storage space.
Should you download it?
While Google Drive is secure, some people have privacy concerns regarding the platform’s zero-knowledge policy. Moreover, it’s not open source. However, if you’re looking for something convenient and functional to replace MS Office, Google Drive will be an excellent choice.
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