Google Drive for desktop: Stream or mirror your files on Mac
How to Download and Use Google Drive on Your Mac
Google Drive is a cloud storage service that lets you store, access, and share your files across different devices. Whether you want to backup your photos, documents, videos, or any other type of file, Google Drive can help you keep them safe and organized. In this article, we will show you how to download and use Google Drive on your Mac, as well as some tips and tricks to make the most of it.
download drive google mac
What is Google Drive and Why You Need It
Google Drive is more than just a place to store your files. It is also a platform that integrates with various Google apps and services, such as Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Google Meet, and more. With Google Drive, you can:
Create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and other types of files online.
Sync your files across your computer, smartphone, tablet, and web browser.
Access your files offline when you don't have an internet connection.
Share your files with anyone, even if they don't have a Google account.
Control who can view, comment, or edit your files.
Manage your storage space and upgrade to more if you need it.
Google Drive Features and Benefits
Some of the features and benefits of using Google Drive are:
You get 15 GB of free storage space for your personal account. You can use this space for your Gmail messages, Google Photos, and Google Drive files.
You can access your files from any device that has the Google Drive app installed or from any web browser that supports it.
You can search for your files by name, type, date, or content. You can also use filters and labels to organize your files.
You can preview your files without opening them. You can also open various file formats with the built-in viewer or editor.
You can backup your files automatically and restore them if you accidentally delete them or lose them due to a device failure.
You can use the version history feature to see the changes made to your files over time and revert to a previous version if needed.
You can use the trash feature to delete files that you no longer need. You can also empty the trash or restore files from it within 30 days.
Google Drive Pricing and Plans
If you need more storage space than the free 15 GB, you can upgrade to a paid plan. Google offers different plans for individuals and businesses. The plans for individuals are:
PlanStoragePrice
Google One100 GB$1.99/month or $19.99/year
Google One200 GB$2.99/month or $29.99/year
Google One2 TB$9.99/month or $99.99/year
The plans for businesses are:
PlanStoragePrice
Google Workspace Business Starter30 GB per user$6/user/month
Google Workspace Business Standard2 TB per user$12/user/month
Google Workspace Business Plus5 TB per user$18/user/month
Google Workspace EnterpriseAs much as you needContact Google for a quote
With a paid plan, you also get some additional benefits, such as:
How to download Google Drive files on Mac
Download Google Drive for desktop on macOS
Sync Google Drive with Mac Finder
Backup Mac photos to Google Drive
Download Google Drive app for Mac
Stream Google Drive files on Mac with File Provider
Install Google Drive for desktop on Mac
Access Google Drive offline on Mac
Troubleshoot Google Drive issues on Mac
Uninstall Google Drive from Mac
Download Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Mac
Use Google Drive shortcuts on Mac keyboard
Share Google Drive files from Mac
Manage Google Drive storage space on Mac
Encrypt Google Drive files on Mac
Download multiple Google Drive files on Mac
Update Google Drive for desktop on Mac
Transfer files from iCloud to Google Drive on Mac
Use Google Drive as a backup service for Mac
Compare Google Drive and iCloud for Mac users
Download Google Photos to Mac from Google Drive
Use Google Drive with Microsoft Office on Mac
Set up Google Drive for desktop for your organization on Mac
Change Google Drive settings on Mac
Restore deleted Google Drive files on Mac
Use Google Drive File Stream on Mac
Download videos from Google Drive to Mac
Open PDF files from Google Drive on Mac
Use Google Drive with Siri on Mac
Create folders in Google Drive on Mac
Download music from Google Drive to Mac
Edit Google Drive files on Mac without internet connection
Use voice typing in Google Docs on Mac
Scan documents with Google Drive on iPhone and save to Mac
Sync bookmarks from Safari to Google Chrome using Google Drive on Mac
Use Google Forms with Google Drive on Mac
Convert files to different formats using Google Drive on Mac
Collaborate with others using Google Drive on Mac
Use Google Slides presenter view with Google Drive on Mac
Add comments and suggestions to Google Docs on Mac
Use keyboard shortcuts for Google Sheets on Mac
Create and edit charts in Google Sheets on Mac
Insert images and videos in Google Slides on Mac
Use templates in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Mac
Protect your Google Drive files with password on Mac
Use version history in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Mac
Export Google Calendar events to Google Sheets on Mac
Merge data from multiple Google Sheets into one on Mac
Use conditional formatting in Google Sheets on Mac
Access to Google experts for support and guidance.
Ability to add your family members to your plan and share your storage space with them.
Extra benefits from Google and its partners, such as discounts, credits, and rewards.
Advanced security and privacy features, such as encryption, backup codes, and recovery options.
Enhanced collaboration and productivity tools, such as Google Meet, Google Chat, Google Calendar, and more.
How to Download Google Drive for Desktop on Your Mac
If you want to sync your Google Drive files with your Mac, you need to download and install the Google Drive for desktop app. This app lets you access your Drive files from Finder, backup your Mac folders to Drive, and stream files on demand. Here are the steps to download and install the app on your Mac:
Step 1: Go to the Google Drive Download Page
Open your web browser and go to https://www.google.com/drive/download/. You will see two options: Backup and Sync and Drive for desktop. Backup and Sync is the older version of the app that will be replaced by Drive for desktop soon. Drive for desktop is the newer version that has more features and better performance. We recommend that you choose Drive for desktop. Click on the Download button under Drive for desktop.
Step 2: Choose Your Sync Option
You will see a pop-up window asking you to choose between two sync options: Stream or Mirror. Stream means that you can access your Drive files from Finder without taking up space on your Mac. You can stream files on demand when you need them or mark them as available offline if you want to access them without an internet connection. Mirror means that you can sync your Drive files with a folder on your Mac and keep them in sync both ways. You can choose either option depending on your preference and needs. Click on the option you want and then click Next.
Step 3: Sign in with Your Google Account
You will be redirected to a sign-in page where you need to enter your Google account email and password. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one by clicking on Create account. After signing in, you will see a welcome screen with some information about the app. Click on Get Started to continue.
Step 4: Select the Folders and Devices You Want to Sync or Backup
You will see a screen where you can choose which folders and devices you want to sync or backup with Google Drive. You can select any folder on your Mac, such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc., or any external device, such as a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, etc. You can also select which folders from your Drive you want to sync with your Mac. You can change these settings later if you want. Click on Next when you are done.
Step 5: Give macOS Permission to Access Your Files and Folders
You will see a screen where you need to give macOS permission to access your files and folders. This is necessary for the app to work properly. Click on Open System Preferences and then click on the lock icon at the bottom left corner of the window. Enter your Mac password and then check the box next to Google Drive File Stream (or Google Backup and Sync if you chose that option). Close the window and then click on Done.
How to Use Google Drive on Your Mac
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed Google Drive for desktop on your Mac. Now you can start using it to store, access, and share your files. Here are some of the things you can do with Google Drive on your Mac :
How to Access Your Drive Files from Finder
One of the benefits of using Google Drive for desktop is that you can access your Drive files from Finder, just like any other file on your Mac. You will see a Google Drive icon on the left sidebar of Finder. If you click on it, you will see all your Drive files and folders. You can open, edit, delete, rename, move, or copy them as you normally would. You can also create new files or folders by right-clicking on an empty space and choosing New Folder or New File.
How to Manage Your Drive Settings and Preferences
If you want to change your sync or backup options, manage your storage space, or adjust other settings and preferences, you can do so from the Google Drive menu bar icon. This icon is located at the top right corner of your screen and looks like a cloud with the Google logo on it. If you click on it, you will see a menu with various options, such as:
Open Google Drive: This will open your Drive folder in Finder.
View online: This will open your Drive web page in your browser.
View synced folders: This will show you which folders on your Mac are synced with Drive.
View backup status: This will show you the progress and status of your backup process.
Pause syncing: This will temporarily stop syncing your files with Drive.
Preferences: This will open a window where you can change your sync or backup settings, manage your storage space, update your app, or sign out of your account.
Help: This will open a window where you can access the help center, send feedback, or report a problem.
How to Share and Collaborate with Drive Files
Another benefit of using Google Drive is that you can easily share and collaborate with others on your files. You can do this from Finder or from the web browser. Here are some of the ways you can share and collaborate with Drive files:
From Finder: You can right-click on any file or folder and choose Share. This will open a window where you can enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with, choose their access level (view, comment, or edit), and add a message if you want. You can also copy a link to the file or folder and paste it anywhere you want.
From the web browser: You can go to https://drive.google.com and sign in with your account. You will see all your Drive files and folders. You can select any file or folder and click on the Share button at the top right corner. This will open a window where you can enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with, choose their access level (view, comment, or edit), and add a message if you want. You can also copy a link to the file or folder and paste it anywhere you want.
From Google apps: If you are using any of the Google apps that integrate with Drive, such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, etc., you can share and collaborate with others on your files from within the app. You can click on the Share button at the top right corner of the app and follow the same steps as above.
When you share a file or folder with someone, they will receive an email notification with a link to access it. They can also find it in their Shared with me section in Drive. They can view, comment, or edit the file depending on their access level. They can also chat with you and other collaborators in real time by clicking on the Chat button at the top right corner of the app.
Tips and Tricks for Using Google Drive on Your Mac
To make your Google Drive experience even better, here are some tips and tricks that you can use on your Mac:
How to Use File Provider to Stream Drive Files on macOS 12.1 and Up
If you have macOS 12.1 or later installed on your Mac, you can use a feature called File Provider to stream your Drive files without downloading them. This means that you can save space on your Mac and access your files faster. To use this feature, you need to enable it in your preferences. Here's how:
Click on the Google Drive menu bar icon and choose Preferences.
Click on Sync options and then click on Stream files only.
Click on Apply changes.
Now, when you open Finder and go to Google Drive, you will see all your files with a cloud icon next to them. This means that they are stored in the cloud and not on your Mac. You can double-click on any file to stream it and open it with the default app. You can also right-click on any file and choose Make available offline if you want to download it to your Mac.
How to Drag and Drop Files Between Drive and Other Apps
If you want to quickly move or copy files between Drive and other apps on your Mac, you can use the drag and drop feature. This works for both streaming and downloaded files. Here's how:
To move a file from Drive to another app, drag the file from Finder and drop it on the app icon in the Dock or on the app window.
To copy a file from Drive to another app, hold down the Option key while dragging the file from Finder and drop it on the app icon in the Dock or on the app window.
To move a file from another app to Drive, drag the file from the app window and drop it on the Google Drive icon in the Finder sidebar or on the Google Drive folder in Finder.
To copy a file from another app to Drive, hold down the Option key while dragging the file from the app window and drop it on the Google Drive icon in the Finder sidebar or on the Google Drive folder in Finder.
How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Drive Actions
If you want to save time and perform common Drive actions with your keyboard, you can use some of the keyboard shortcuts that are available for Mac users. Here are some of them:
Command + Shift + G: This will open Google Drive in Finder.
Command + Shift + O: This will open Google Drive in your web browser.
Command + Shift + S: This will open the Share window for the selected file or folder.
Command + Shift + I: This will open the Info window for the selected file or folder.
Command + Shift + U: This will open the Update window for the selected file or folder.
Command + Shift + P: This will pause syncing for Google Drive.
Command + Shift + R: This will resume syncing for Google Drive.
Conclusion
Google Drive is a powerful and versatile cloud storage service that can help you store, access, and share your files across different devices. By downloading and installing Google Drive for desktop on your Mac, you can sync your files with your Mac, backup your Mac folders to Drive, and stream files on demand. You can also use Google Drive to create, edit, and collaborate on various types of files online with Google apps and services. With these tips and tricks, you can make your Google Drive experience even better and more productive. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Google Drive on Mac:
Q: How much space does Google Drive take up on my Mac?
A: It depends on whether you choose to stream or mirror your files. If you choose to stream your files, Google Drive will take up very little space on your Mac, as it will only store temporary files that are needed for streaming. If you choose to mirror your files, Google Drive will take up as much space as the files that you sync with your Mac. You can check how much space Google Drive is using by clicking on the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage > Applications > Google Drive.
Q: How do I uninstall Google Drive from my Mac?
A: If you want to uninstall Google Drive from your Mac, you need to follow these steps:
Click on the Google Drive menu bar icon and choose Preferences.
Click on Disconnect account and confirm your choice.
Drag the Google Drive icon from Finder to Trash.
Empty Trash.
Q: How do I update Google Drive on my Mac?
A: Google Drive for desktop will update automatically when a new version is available. You can also check for updates manually by clicking on the Google Drive menu bar icon > Preferences > About > Check for updates.
Q: How do I fix Google Drive not syncing or working on my Mac?
A: There are several possible reasons why Google Drive might not sync or work properly on your Mac. Some of them are:
Your internet connection is slow or unstable.
Your macOS version is outdated or incompatible.
Your Google account Your Google account has some issues, such as incorrect password, expired session, or insufficient storage space.
Your Google Drive app has some errors, such as corrupted files, conflicting files, or missing files.
Your Mac has some problems, such as low disk space, high CPU usage, or malware infection.
To fix Google Drive not syncing or working on your Mac, you can try some of the following solutions:
Check your internet connection and make sure it is fast and stable.
Update your macOS to the latest version and make sure it is compatible with Google Drive.
Sign out of your Google account and sign in again with the correct credentials.
Clear your Google Drive cache and restart the app.
Resolve any file conflicts or errors by following the instructions on the app or the web browser.
Delete any unnecessary or duplicate files from your Drive or Mac to free up some space.
Scan your Mac for any malware or viruses and remove them if found.
Contact Google support or visit the Google Drive help center for more assistance.
Q: How do I contact Google Drive support?
If you need more help with Google Drive, you can contact Google Drive support by following these steps:
Click on the