Add files and folders to a shared drive

On this page

• Create folders in a shared drive
• Add files to a shared drive
• Move files in a shared drive
• Share files and folders in a shared drive
• Restrict file sharing in a shared drive
• Delete files in a shared drive
• Find files in a shared drive

Create folders in a shared drive

Create or upload a folder

 Add files to a shared drive

Requires at least Contributor access

Any files you add are owned by the team. If you leave the shared drive, your files remain. 

Move files in a shared drive

Move files and folders from My Drive to a shared drive

If you have Contributor, Content manager, or Manager access to a shared drive, you can move files you own or have edit access to into shared drives. When you move a file you created into a shared drive, the shared drive becomes the owner of the file. You're still listed as the creator of the file in the item details.

To move a file or folder, drag it from My Drive to the shared drive. For details, see Move files & folders into shared drives.

Moving files to a shared drive can impact file access.

• You might not be able to move files owned by other people. If you want to move a file owned by someone else, ask the owner to move it. You can also contact your administrator for assistance.
• When you share files with someone outside of a shared drive, they can find the files under "Shared with me." Learn more about Shared with me.

Move files between shared drives

You can drag files and folders from one shared drive to another if you have the required access to the source and destination shared drives.

To move files from one shared drive to another you need Manager access to the source shared drive and Contributor, Content manager, or Manager access to the destination shared drive.

To move folders from one shared drive to another you must have Manager access to both shared drives.

Move files or folders from a shared drive to My Drive

You can drag files and folders from a shared drive to My Drive if you have the required access to the source shared drive and destination folder.

Moving files out of a shared drive can impact file access. See How does file access work in shared drives?

Note: If the shared drive settings don't allow viewers and commenters to download, print, and copy files, this setting stays on the files and folders when you move them out. In My Drive, you can change this setting for files, but not for folders.

 Share files and folders in a shared drive

Restrict file sharing in a shared drive

Requires Manager access

You can use this feature only if your organization supports it. For help, contact your administrator.

You can restrict sharing on all files and folders in a shared drive. You can prevent sharing with people outside of your organization, prevent sharing with non-members in your organization, or disallow people with Commenter and Viewer access from downloading, copying, or printing files in a shared drive.

Delete files in a shared drive

Move a file to trash

Requires at least Content manager access

Restore a file to a shared drive (up to 30 days)

Requires at least Contributor access

Permanently delete a file from a shared drive’s trash

Requires Manager access

1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
2. Click Trash.
3. At the top, next to "Deleted from," click the Down arrow .
4. Choose the shared drive for the trash you want to permanently delete a file from.
5. Click the file you want to permanently delete.
6. Click Delete forever .

Find files in a shared drive

Manage and search for files with Shared Drives

Search in a shared drive

Tip: You can prioritize or star files that you access frequently. See Tips to access your files quickly.