File-sharing 101: the way to actually share files in Google Drive and OneDrive

 

Need to share an enormous file, or photos or videos that will not slot in an email? Never fear. it is easy to send almost anything to co-workers, relations and friends online -- and sometimes for free of charge .

Enter two of the foremost popular options for sharing files, photos and videos: Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Here, we'll walk you thru the way to choose which cloud file sharing service is best for you, what proportion it costs to use, and the way to truly share files with others. (Make sure you inspect our comparison of the simplest cloud storage services of 2021, too.)

How to choose a file sharing service: Google Drive vs. Microsoft OneDrive

Which file sharing service you would like to use likely depends on whose ecosystem you're already in: Google Workspace (formerly called G Suite) or Microsoft 365. If your workplace is governing which you employ , you almost certainly do not have a choice. But if you are looking to check in for private use, you would possibly want to understand a touch about each service. 

If you employ any of Google's productivity apps (Gmail, Docs or Calendar, for example), using Google Drive is sensible . With Drive, you get 15GB of free storage for love or money you upload, including photos, videos and documents. those that need more room can check in for Google's storage subscription service, Google One. Google One plans start at $2 a month within the US for 100GB of storage and other features, like Google Store discounts.

If you employ Outlook or Windows 10 (which you'll still download for free) and are wont to Microsoft's ecosystem, OneDrive could be the higher choice for you. Microsoft 365 subscribers (who even have access to apps like Word and Excel) have 1TB of storage available. Non-subscribers can check in for OneDrive Basic for free of charge , which gets you 5GB of storage. Or, almost like Google One's base tier, the OneDrive Standalone plan costs $2 a month for 100GB of storage. 

Both Google Drive and OneDrive are compatible with Android and iOS, also as Windows and MacOS desktops.

How to share files on Google Drive

Using Google Drive? Here's the way to share files step by step: 

1. On your computer, attend drive.google.com.

2. Right-click on the folder or file you would like to share. 

3. If you would like to share with people or groups, click Share. Enter their email addresses within the Add people and groups field. On subsequent screen, you will see that they're set to Editor as a default, which suggests they will make changes to the file or add photos. you'll click the sink and alter them to Commenter or Viewer. Add a message if you would like , and click on Send. The people you share it with will get an email with a link to the file or folder. 

4. If you would like to urge a shareable link that you simply can send to an individual or group, right-click on the folder or file, and click on Get link (you'll also see this if you click Share, at rock bottom of the window). The default setting is Restricted, which suggests only people you've shared the file with within the step above can open the link. If you click that, you'll change it to Anyone, which suggests anyone with the link can open it. If you select Anyone, ready to "> you'll then decide if you want those people to be able to edit, comment or view the file from the dropdown. Click copy link. 

Alternately, you'll open any file and click on Share within the top right corner to ascertain these options.

How to share files on OneDrive

If you're using OneDrive, here's the way to share files: 

1. attend the OneDrive website, and check in together with your Microsoft account (or your work or school account). 

2. Select the file or folder you would like to share by clicking the circle within the upper corner of the item. you'll also pick multiple items to share them together (though you cannot do that on work or school accounts). 

3. At the highest of the page, click Share. 

4. Enter the e-mail addresses or groups you want to share with. Click the pencil icon next to the present field, and choose if you would like those you share with to be ready to edit, or simply to look at the file. Add a message if you would like to, and click on Send. The people you share it with will get an email with a link to the file or folder. 

5. If you'd rather get a link for sharing, click Share, and click on the highest box, which says People you specify can edit. you'll change this setting to anyone with the link, anyone in your organization, people with existing access or specific people. Under Other settings, you'll uncheck the allow editing box, which suggests people you share with can view, copy or download the file without making changes. Click Apply. Then, click Copy to repeat the link. 

Alternately, you'll open any file and click on Share within the top left corner to ascertain these options. 

For more, inspect the way to get Microsoft 365 for free of charge and 10 Gmail tricks you'll use a day .