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Google Drive: Uploading Files & Folders

This article covers instructions for using the web version of Google Drive. Be aware that other versions, such as the mobile app, will vary in functionality.


Any type of file can be uploaded to and stored in Google Drive, including PDFs, Word documents, images, and videos. Files uploaded to Google Drive are accessible and downloadable across devices (mobile, desktop, etc). Be aware that files of uncommon formats may not be readable directly within Google Drive, but can be downloaded.

To upload a file to Google Drive:
  1. Navigate to drive.google.com. Ensure youre logged in with your PLU ePass.
  2. Click New to the top-left, and select File Upload.
  • Alternatively, to upload an entire folder, select Folder Upload.

  • Locate and select the desired file. 
    • To select multiple files, hold the Shift key.
  • Click Open. The files will begin uploading and a pop-up with the progress status will appear to the bottom-right of the page.

  • Alternatively, click-and-drag files/folders from the computer desktop into the Google Drive window to upload.

    Do not close the web browser, navigate away from Google Drive, or disconnect from the internet during the upload process. When uploading is complete, a green checkmark next to the file will appear in the upload pop-up.

    Uploading a file with the same name as an existing file will replace it. To see the previous version of that file, click Manage Version in the upload pop-up.

    Microsoft Office Files

    Uploaded Microsoft Office files will open in their Google app counterpart. For example, Word files will open Google Docs, PowerPoint presentations will open in Google Slides, and Excel spreadsheets will open in Google Sheets. Microsoft Office files can be edited and shared the same ways as any file created directly within Google Drive.

    To use a Microsoft Office file in a Google app, upload it as previously described. When it is opened after uploading, it will automatically open as a Google file.




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    KeywordsWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft, upload   Doc ID107486
    OwnerJanelle B.GroupPacific Lutheran Univ
    Created2020-12-01 14:38:40Updated2023-08-04 16:28:19
    SitesPacific Lutheran University
    Feedback  0   0