Google Drive accepts uploads from drive.google.com, drag and drop, the Drive for desktop app and Chrome. Select New then File Upload or Folder Upload on a computer. Uploads use your Drive storage even inside a folder someone else owns. Files with an existing name upload as new revisions.
You have files on your computer and want them in Google Drive. Google lists five ways to upload them.
Steps follow the Google Drive Help page on uploading files and folders to Google Drive.
How to Upload With the New Button?
- Go to drive.google.com.
- Select New.
- Choose File Upload or Folder Upload.
- Select the item on your computer.
How to Upload With Drag and Drop?
Open or create a folder in Drive and drag files or folders into it.
How to Sync With Drive for Desktop?
Install Drive for desktop. Drive for desktop adds a Google Drive folder to your computer and everything you drag into it uploads to Drive.
How to Save From Chrome?
- PDF viewer. Open a PDF in Chrome and select Save to Drive at the top right. It does not work in Incognito or Guest mode.
- Print view. Install the Save to Google Drive extension and select Save to Drive in the print window.
How to Convert Uploads to Google Formats?
Open drive.google.com/drive/settings on a computer and tick Convert uploads to Google Docs editor format. Drive settings change only from a computer.
What is Worth Knowing Before Uploading?
- Storage. Uploaded files use your Drive storage, even in a folder someone else owns.
- Same name. Files with an existing name upload as new revisions. Select Keep both files to retain both.
- Dates. Upload time becomes the creation time and modification time can be earlier.
Google does not state storage limits, daily upload limits or file size limits on this page. Related reading: how to merge Google Drive accounts and how to backup Google Docs to a local drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Save Files to Google Drive?
Select New at drive.google.com then File Upload or Folder Upload.
Does Google Drive Upload Folders?
Yes. Select New then Folder Upload or drag a folder into Drive.
What Happens When I Upload a File With the Same Name?
Drive adds it as a new revision of the existing file. Select Keep both files to retain both.
Can I Change Upload Conversion Settings on Mobile?
No. Google states Drive settings change only from a computer.
Key Takeaways
- New, drag and drop, Drive for desktop and Chrome all upload files.
- Folder Upload moves complete folders.
- Uploads count against your Drive storage.
- Same name uploads become revisions.
- Conversion settings change only on a computer.
Sources and References
Facts follow Google Drive Help.
- Upload files and folders to Google Drive (Google Drive Help) support.google.com