How to Upload Files to Google Drive

Introduction

You can upload, view, share, and edit files with Google Drive. When you upload a file to Google Drive, it will take up space in your Drive, even if you upload to a folder owned by someone else.

Important Links

• https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2424368?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&oco=1

Types of files

• Documents
• Images
• Audio
• Video

Uploading on Your Computer

Upload Files & Folders

On your computer, you can upload from drive.google.com or your desktop. You can upload files into private or shared folders.

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. At the top left, click New   File Upload or Folder Upload.
3. Choose the file or folder you want to upload.

Drag Files into Google Drive

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com
2. Open or create a folder.
3. To upload files and folders, drag them into the Google Drive folder.

Use Backup & Sync

1. Install the application on your computer.
2. On your computer, you'll see a folder called "Google Drive."
3. Drag files or folders into that folder. They will upload to Drive and you will see them on drive.google.com.

Convert Documents into Google Format

If you want to upload files like Microsoft Word documents, you can change a setting to convert files.

Note: You can only change Google Drive settings from your computer.

1. Using a computer, go to drive.google.com/drive/settings
2. Next to "Convert Uploads," check the box.

Upload Files With The Same Name

If you upload a file with the same name, Google Drive will upload the file as a revision of the file already in Google Drive.

To keep both files:

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com
2. Upload a file.
3. Click Keep as separate file.

Uploading on an Android Device

Upload and View Files

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Drive app.
2. Tap Add .
3. Tap Upload.
4. Find and tap the files you want to upload.
5. View uploaded files in My Drive until you move them.

Tip: To upload a folder, open Drive on your computer.

Convert Documents into Google Formats

If you want to upload files like Microsoft Word documents, you can change a setting to convert files.

Note: You can only change Google Drive settings from your computer.

Turn Mobile Data Usage On or Off

You can choose to use your mobile data or only use Wi-Fi to transfer files.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Drive app.​
2. At the top right, click Menu    Settings.
3. Under "Data usage," turn Transfer files only over Wi-Fi on or off.

Uploading using iPhone & iPad

Upload & View Files

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Drive app.
2. Tap Add .
3. Tap Upload.
4. Find and tap the files you want to upload.

• To upload photos or videos, tap the photos and videos you want and tap Upload.

Tip: To upload a folder, open Drive on your computer.

Convert Documents into Google Formats

If you want to upload files like Microsoft Word documents, you can change a setting to convert files.

Note: You can only change Google Drive settings from your computer.

Turn Mobile Data Usage On or Off

You can choose to use your mobile data or only use Wi-Fi to transfer files.