We have spoken about Google Drive as one of the best cloud storage platforms, but there is a lot more to it that just storing files and more. It integrates multiple other GSuite applications such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. Whether it is your desktop or your smartphone, you can do a lot with it and make things easier for you by some Google Drive Tips.
Now, if you are new to all of this, there is so much new to learn with added features on Google Docs, Sheets, and other apps. From being able to publish your document directly to the web, to using the voice typing feature to write content on the document, you can do it all.
Well, these aren’t entirely new but some Google Drive tips and tricks you may not have known about it just yet.
7 Google Drive Tips And Tricks To Learn Now
1. OCR on PDFs and Images
OCR or Optional Character Recognition is the feature where Google Drive can read the content on your PDFs and Image and choose to open up with Google Docs.
This is only possible in the web app or more precisely on your browser. Not only can you make edits to these documents but download them in the form of a word document if needed.
However, make sure that all the content on your PDF and image is properly written and visible. This is the only way OCR can work and create a good writable document. Here is how you can do it.
- Upload an Image or PDF on Google Drive
- Now, make a right-click on that file.
- Choose Open With, and click on Google Docs.
Google Drive will now create a document that might do the job for you.
Read How to Print a Locked PDF in Google Drive
2. Save to Google Drive Extension
Have you ever used Save to Google Drive Extension on your browser? Well, if you haven’t yet, it is never too late. It is one of the best tools we have come across that helps to save images, docs, and even videos from any webpage.
All you have to do is simply tap on the icon and the tool automatically saves everything you have on your current window.
Moreover, there are options through which you can even change the folder on your Drive to save these files. Once done, all the docs, webpage, images, videos, and more are saved in that folder.
Furthermore, with the recent updates, you can even choose to save your files in the Incognito Mode.
Read How to Request Edit Access in the Google Drive Folder
3. Configure Accessibility Settings
Well, another Google Drive tip or trick you can make the best use of involves the differentially abled people. Yes, Google Docs allows you to make certain changes on the doc so that anyone can make the best use of it.
Here are the steps that you can take to make these changes.
- Open any document on Google Docs
- Now, click on Tools.
- From the drop-down menu, choose Accessibility Settings.
Now, from here you can enable the Screen Reader Support that is good for Blind People, or else you can also enable the Screen Magnifier Support. Once selected, click on OK to confirm. Not everyone requires this tool and so only a few people know about this feature.
4. Enable Face/Touch ID for security
If you are looking to keep your Drive a little more private and secure, you can enable the Face/Touch ID.
Every time you will try to access the file from your smartphone, you will have to have the Face ID or Touch ID added to this. It is super important if all your important files are in here. Here is how you can do it.
- Open Google Drive App on your Phone.
- Click on three horizontal lines to open menu options.
- Now, open Settings and choose Privacy Screen.
- Toggle the option beside Privacy Screen in the new window.
- Click on OK to confirm the selection
Read How to Backup iPhone to Google Drive
5. Create Siri Shortcuts
Did you know you can create Siri Shortcuts on your iOS devices? Well, we too learned about it a few months back. There are endless possibilities to use Siri for Google Drive.
There is a method by which you can enable the option and even train it to make sure there are no issues.
- Open the Google Drive app on your phone.
- Click on three horizontal lines.
- Now, open Settings and choose Siri Shortcuts
- Here, you can click on the + icon to activate the shortcut.
6. Enable Dark Mode
Why strain your eyes all day on your phone, when you can have multiple options to ease the eyes.
Here, you can change the app from light mode to dark mode. You need to follow certain steps if you are looking to make it happen.
- Open the Google Drive app on your Android device.
- Now, click on the Menu button and go to Settings.
- Here, you can choose your theme or simply take the dark mode.
Overall, it is perfect and adds less strain to your eyes.
Read How to Give Google Drive Request Access
7. Google Docs Integration
Lastly, one of the best tricks now is using Google Docs and using Grammarly extension for it. If you have severe grammatical errors, you can upload the doc to this platform.
However, making things easier, Grammarly can be simply added to your Chrome extension where all your content from Google Docs is properly checked.
In fact, it is free of cost and does not charge anything. But for better reviews and tools, you can get a premium subscription for better work.
Read How to Get Google Drive Notification when a File is Added to the Folder
Conclusion
Here we are with all you need to know about the Google Drive Tips and Tricks that will only increase your productivity in the end. Whether it is a writing tool or simply a tool that will help you to correct grammar errors, it can be used for everything.
Moving on, we only spoke about Google Docs integration, you can do the same for all the other tools as well such as Sheet, Slides, and others. Furthermore, Google even allows you to make the word count while handing overwork to the client and get paid accordingly.
You may like the following Google Drive articles:
- How to Fix Common Issues in Google Drive
- How to Convert Image to PDF in Google Drive
- Printing is Disabled for this File Error on Google Drive
- How to Stop Getting Spam on Google Drive
- How to Disable Download Option in Google Drive
I am Carissa Gudinoa, a technology buff, and Office online and Apple expert with over 9 years of experience. I am passionate about helping others get the most out of their Apple devices. I have written extensively about Apple products and technologies. I am committed to providing my clients with the best possible service and am always up-to-date on the latest Apple products and features. I also write extensively on other software available for use at minimal cost or free. This includes Word Online, Outlook Online, Excel Online, and other Office online programs… Check out more.