Overview
You have the option to work in non-Google applications on your desktop computer/laptop (such as Paint, Microsoft Word, iPhotos, etc.) and save to Google Drive. Most desktop applications typically default to save in a folder on your local computer, but you can set up Google Drive to save your files there. When used this way, Google Drive acts a lot like a network drive providing additional storage beyond what is locally available on your computer.
When logged into your F&M Google account, you can stream your files from Google Drive and access them via the internet. You can also set file preferences to access them when you are offline as well.
Before you get started
If you've never accessed Google Drive from a non-Google application, you will need to run a short set-up first. After this initial set-up, you can easily access the drive from within any desktop application as well as Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows).
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How to
Set up Google Drive for use on your computer
You will need an internet connection to complete set-up.
1. Google Drive is installed on all F&M-owned computers, so you can access it by searching for the application on your computer.
- On Windows: In the Search field, search "Google Drive."
- On Mac: In Finder, search "Google Drive."
- Note: If you conduct this search and cannot locate Google Drive, please submit a Service Request to be sure Google Drive is installed on your computer.
- Note: If using your personally-owned computer, you can download the application from the Google site here.
2. Click Open.
3. Click Get Started.
4. Click Sign In. You will be automatically directed to the browser to sign into your account, so wait as your browser opens.
5. Choose your F&M account, and enter your password. Click Next.
6. Click Sign in.
7. You are now signed into Google and can close your browser, as prompted. In the Google Drive window, click Next.
8. Click Next.
9. Click Got It.
10. Click Skip.
11. Click Open Drive.
12. Your Google Drive is ready for use. You can now save and access files in your Google Drive when using non-Google applications.
Save a file to your Google Drive from non-Google applications
After you set up Google Drive, you can access the Drive from within a desktop application just like you would any other drive location. Your Google Drive will show up as a G: drive when you browse for a file.
1. Within the application, click File.
2. Click Save As.
3. Browse to your available drives. You will see Google (G: ) listed.
4. Select G: drive.
5. You have the option to choose your My Drive or Shared Drive; you can also create a new folder, if needed.
6. Save to your G: drive in the same way you would save to any other drive.
Note: Your file will now be saved in your Google Drive. You can open it from the application when you access it in the future. You will be streaming the file from your Google Drive in the cloud, which means you need to be connected to the internet to access the file. However, as described below, you can set preferences to make the file available offline.
Open a file in your Google Drive from a non-Google application
After you set up Google Drive, you can access the Drive from within a desktop application just like you would any other drive location. Your Google Drive will show up as a G: drive when you browse for a file.
1. With a desktop application open, click File.
2. Click Open.
3. Browse to your available drives, and Google Drive G: will be listed. Choose this.
4. Browse to the folder/file you want to open. (Quick tip: You will only see files listed that are a file type that can be opened by the application you are in.)
5. Work in the file as you normally would. When you save the file, it automatically saves to your Google Drive.
Make non-Google application files in your Google Drive available offline
When you save a file in your Google Drive, it will be streamed from the cloud to your computer. If you need to access the file when you are offline and do not have an internet connection, you can set preferences to do that.
On Windows:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Open Google Drive.
3. Browse to the file.
4. Right-click on the file. (Quick tip: Choose a file, and not the folder.)
5. Click Offline Access > Available Offline.
Note: When you save a file for offline use, a green check displays.
On Mac:
1. Open Finder.
2. Open Google Drive.
3. Browse to the file.
4. Right-click on the file. (Quick tip: Choose a file and not the folder.)
5. Click Available Offline.
Note: When you save a file for offline use, a green check displays.
Important Notes
What to do if you previously used Google Drive and do not see it as an option:
- If you are in an application and want to save to your Google Drive but don't see it listed as an available drive, you may need to re-establish a connection.
- You can do that by simply searching for the application from the Finder (Mac) or Search field (Windows) and typing "Google Drive" and search.
- Click Google Drive, wait a moment while it opens, then close out. Re-open your application, and see if Google Drive is now listed as an available drive.
You can access and manage your application files in Google Drive in your Chrome browser:
- Open your Google Drive at drive.google.com.
- Create folders and drag and drop files to organize them however you need.
- Delete files, change file names, share files, and use any of the other options available in Chrome browser to manage your application files stored there.
- Download files from Google Drive to your computer.
The Help Desk
Need more help? Contact us!
- Enter a Service Request here on this page to route your request to the right expert.
- Call the Help Desk at 717-358-6789.
- Stop by and see us in Martin Science Library.