Amine AIT-ALI
Since its launch in early 2012, the Google Drive app has seen many
changes. When it originally launched it replaced the Google Docs app,
didn't allow you to actually edit documents on iOS, but allowed for
creating and editing Google Docs files within the Android app. Now it
better serves as a hub for accessing the various types of files you
store within Google Drive.
The basics
The
main screen of Google Drive provides a few options for navigating your
files. You will have quick access to files in your Drive, any documents
that have been shared with you, any files or folders you have starred,
recently opened or edited as well as any files you have downloaded for
offline access.
When you first launch the app, you'll find a
list of your folders and files stored in Google Drive. The default
thumbnail view (pictured on the left above) can be changed to a list
view (middle) by tapping on the list icon in the top menu bar.
Naturally, tapping on an item will open it. Tapping on the "i" icon,
however, will open the details screen (pictured right) for the
respective file or folder for Android users. iOS users will need to tap
on the three-dot icon, followed by "i" to view the same information. On
this screen you can view who has access, when changes were made, who
made them and other important details. Additionally, you will find
options for sharing, moving, deleting, renaming, starring (for quick
access) and for files the option to download it to your device for
offline access.
Creating, editing
To
create a document using Google Drive, tap on the floating "+" button.
On iOS, it's blue. On Android, it's red. The options for creating a new
document include uploading a file from your device, scanning a document
with your camera, creating a folder and lastly, creating a Docs, Sheets
or Slides document.
The last three options require the respective app to be installed on your device. Be sure to install Docs (Android | iOS), Sheets (Android | iOS) and Slides (Android | iOS)
on your device. Should you try to create a document without the
accompanying app installed, Google Drive will prompt you to install it
before continuing.
Viewing documents without the above apps installed is still possible, though your editing options will be limited.
When selecting upload, you are able to browse and upload any type of
file to your Drive account directly from your device. It's important to
note -- on Android installing a file manager, such as Astro File Manager,
is required to browse all files stored on your device. By default you
can access images, videos, audio, and downloads. iOS users can upload
files stored on iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or stored within third-party
apps, in addition to uploading photos and videos.
Keep in
mind if you want to place the new item in a specific folder, you will
need to navigate to that folder in the app before you upload or create
it. Otherwise the new file uploaded item will be placed in the root
directory of your Google Drive account.
Menu and settings
Slide
out the menu from the left side of the screen, where you can then
switch accounts or view files that are shared with you, recently
accessed, starred or downloaded, your Google Photos account as well as
those you've uploaded from your device.
Scrolling down the
menu's list on an Android, you'll find an option to view the apps
settings along with the current amount of Drive space you're using with
each account. Within the settings for the Google Drive app, you can set
the amount of data you will want the app to cache, topping out at 250MB.
You can also enable or disable encryption of offline documents as well
as set your device to only upload or update files over Wi-Fi in an
effort to help save your mobile data plan.
iOS users can
access the Settings menu in the same location, however data storage
numbers and is in its own "Storage" category just below Settings. In
Settings, iOS users can add a passcode, enable or disable notifications
for shared files, and auto-backup of photos on your device. Lacking in
iOS is the ability to cache items or restrict uploads to Wi-Fi only.
Source : Cnet.com
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