Manage your files

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Get tips for structuring a shared drive and creating and finding files.

In this section, you learn how to: 3.1 Create folders 3.2 Move files to folders 3.3 Update Drive files on your computer 3.4 Delete your files 3.5 Restore deleted files

3.1 Create folders

Any new folders that you create in your computer’s Google Drive for desktop folders or in Drive on the web automatically appear on your devices so that you’re organized everywhere.

On the web

1. Open Drive.
2. Click  NewFolder.

On your computer

Using Drive for desktop, create new folders in Drive (My Drive or shared drives) the same way you create other folders on your computer.

3.2 Move files to folders

On the web

Move a file to a folder in My Drive:

1. Select the file.
2. Click More Move to .
3. Select the folder and click Move or Move here.

You can also drag files and folders to a folder in My Drive on the left.

Organize files in the Search results, Recent, Starred, or Shared with me views:

1. Select the file.
2. Do one of the following actions:
   • If the file isn't already in My Drive, click Add to My Drive Organize.
   • If the file is in My Drive, click Move to .
3. Select the folder and click Move or Move here.

   Note: If you move a file under Shared with me, it only moves your copy.

Make a copy of a shared file:

1. In Shared with me, right-click a file and select Make a copy.
2. (Optional) To move the file:

   1. In the pop-up window at the bottom, click Show file location.
   2. Right-click the file and select Move to.

On your computer

Select the files you want to move and drag them to any folder in Drive, the same way you’d move any other file on your computer.

3.3 Update Drive files on your computer

On the web

To restore an earlier version of a file that wasn't created in Docs, Sheets, or Slides:

1. Right-click the file and select Manage versions.
2. Click Upload new version and select a file from your computer.
3. When the new version is done uploading, click Close.

On your computer

To update a file:

1. Open Drive for desktop Open Google Drive .
2. In My Drive or Shared Drives, open a file.
3. Make your changes.
   The changes automatically update to Drive for desktop.

It works the other way around, too. Changes you make in Drive on the web sync back to your computer. Your files and folders are now up to date everywhere.

3.4 Delete your files

Removing a file moves it to Trash:

• If you own the file, moving it to Trash removes it from your My Drive view. The file is permanently deleted after 30 days in the Trash. If you shared the file, those people can still see the file until it's deleted.
• If you don't own the file (for example, if it's been shared with you), moving it to Trash removes it from your My Drive view, but doesn't delete the file. Only the owner can delete the file.

Note: Removed files you own are moved to Trash in Drive and still count towards your total storage, until you permanently delete them on the web.

On the web

1. Select the files or folders that you want to delete and click Remove .
2. (Optional) To delete one file, click Trash, select the file, and click Delete forever.
3. (Optional) To permanently delete all your Trash files, click TrashEmpty trash.

On your computer

Select the files or folders in Drive for desktop that you want to remove and delete them as you would any other file on your computer.

3.5 Restore deleted files

If you change your mind after deleting a file or folder, you can restore it to Drive. Whether you delete it from Drive on the web or from your computer in Drive for desktop, you restore it the same way.

On the web

1. Open Drive.
2. Click Trash .
3. Select the files you want to restore and click Restore .