The best way to use Google Drive search filters on Android and iOS

Google Drive’s search filters make it easier to discover the recordsdata you want straight away by combining varied search classes. This characteristic is invaluable when you wrestle to handle your storage on Google Drive. You’ll be able to shortly slim your search or carry up all recordsdata of specified sorts by tapping a couple of buttons.

Google Drive’s search filters debuted on iOS and shortly after made their method to Android. The characteristic is equivalent on each platforms, so you’ll be able to comply with this information whether or not you employ an iPhone, iPad, or considered one of our favourite Android tablets.

The best way to use Google Drive’s search filters

Search filters have been added to the general public model of Google Drive in April 2024. For those who do not see the filters, examine for an replace, as you is probably not operating the model with search filters.

These steps work for the Android and iOS variations of the Google Drive app.

1. Open the Google Drive app.
2. Faucet Search in Drive on the high of your display screen.

   

3. Faucet the drop-down packing containers to browse search filters.

   

   

You should use the filters with out coming into something within the search bar. For instance, deciding on the Spreadsheets filter lists each spreadsheet saved in your Google Drive account.

Google Drive’s search filters defined

Here is a breakdown of every search filter you should utilize in Google Drive and the way they work.

Sort

This filter allows you to set up your outcomes by file sort. Not solely are frequent file sorts discovered right here (for instance, Paperwork, Spreadsheets, and Pictures), however you may as well filter for shortcuts, folders, and archives. It is a helpful method to discover a folder you want shortly.

Individuals

This filter allows you to seek for content material owned by different those who they shared with you. You’ll be able to filter by title or electronic mail handle. It is helpful mixed with the Sort filter to search out content material like schedules created by your supervisor utilizing a spreadsheet.

Modified

This filter allows you to search by the final date a file was modified in Google Drive. Modified means every thing from a file added to Google Drive to a single letter modified in a doc’s textual content. Folders additionally seem right here if objects inside it have been added or eliminated.

Suggestions for utilizing Google Drive’s search filters

After familiarizing your self with Google Drive’s search filters, discover your recordsdata even quicker by following the following pointers.

Use a number of filters

You’ll be able to mix as many Sort and Individuals filters as you need in Google Drive. The one exception is the Modified filter, which lets you choose just one date vary at a time. Utilizing a number of filters is a useful method to discover content material, similar to figuring out paperwork edited by a number of folks or grouping pictures and movies.

Seek for totally different file sorts in a single class

The Sort filter would not specify precise file sorts. It is because Google Drive routinely teams file sorts into single classes. For instance, JPEG and PNG recordsdata are discovered within the Pictures & Photos filter, Photoshop recordsdata are discovered within the Drawings filter, and Microsoft Phrase paperwork are categorized as Paperwork.

For those who’re uncertain what class your file sort falls into, seek for the file sort (similar to DOCX) within the search bar.

Use the search bar to pick filters

Getting into a filter title into the search bar shows that filter as a chip under your search. Faucet this so as to add the filter to your search, and tapping it clears your search. It is a helpful method to discover filters with out scrolling via the drop-down menus. You’ll be able to’t use this technique to carry up date ranges within the Modified filter.

Seek for textual content in a photograph

Google Drive allows you to seek for textual content in a photograph. Enter the textual content you are looking for within the search area, then choose the Pictures & Photos filter from the Sort menu. This brings up all pictures with the textual content within the file title and the picture.

The best way to shortly set up recordsdata in Google Drive

Google Drive’s search filters are a helpful method to discover a file shortly. Nonetheless, when you aren’t certain what you are in search of, it may possibly take a while to search out what you want. To keep away from useless looking, listed here are some fast methods that will help you discover recordsdata in Google Drive.

Make vital recordsdata accessible offline

For those who plan to be in an space with out a dependable web connection, you may want a method to entry important recordsdata. Toggle the Out there offline swap in a file to reserve it to your cellphone. In case your machine is operating low on room for brand new recordsdata, attempt these tricks to release space for storing.

Add colours to your folders

Google Drive’s default grey for folders would not make it easier to establish vital folders. Faucet the three-dot button subsequent to a folder to vary its colour. You can not discover folder colours within the search bar.

Star vital recordsdata and folders

You’ll be able to faucet Add to Starred from a file or folder so as to add it to the Starred class in Google Drive. This helps set up important recordsdata and folders. You can not seek for starred recordsdata and folders.

Do not waste time looking for recordsdata in Google Drive

Google Drive’s search filters are an efficient method to discover vital paperwork and folders shortly. Whereas it has a couple of limitations, it is an important app characteristic. Google Drive can retailer and set up pictures, however we advocate utilizing Google Pictures to handle your library of pictures and movies throughout all of your units.