About Google Drive
What is Google Drive?
Google Drive is Google's cloud storage, with 15 GB free on every Google Account shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. For firms it is part of Google Workspace, scaling from 15 GB to 5 TB of storage per user.
Drive lets you edit Google Docs, Sheets, Microsoft Office files and PDFs in real time, and preview more than 100 other file types. Files are shared with edit, comment or view permissions and expiry dates, and business plans add shared drives where teams store files together. Drive for desktop on Windows and macOS keeps files up to date on your computer, and the Android and iOS apps scan receipts and statements into searchable PDFs. Drive adds AI-powered search, Gemini, comments on PDFs, electronic signature requests, ransomware detection and data loss prevention (DLP) policies, with client-side encryption for organisations that need it.
Who is Google Drive for?
- CA firms already using Gmail and Google Workspace.
- Teams that edit Docs, Sheets and Office files together in real time.
- Firms that want shared drives owned by the firm rather than individuals.
What type of software is Google Drive?
Google Drive is listed under Cloud Storage.
What are Google Drive's core capabilities?
- Storage: 15 GB free, up to 5 TB per user on Google Workspace.
- Collaboration: Real-time editing of Docs, Sheets, Office files and PDFs, with comments.
- Sharing: Edit, comment and view permissions with expiry dates, plus shared drives for teams.
- Devices: Drive for desktop on Windows and macOS, and Android and iOS apps with document scanning.
- AI and search: AI-powered search and Gemini.
- Security: Ransomware detection, DLP policies, e-signature requests and client-side encryption.
Answers above are based on Google Drive's website, read on 30 Oct 2026.
Who makes Google Drive?
Google Drive is made by Google and is part of Google Workspace.
What CAs are saying about Google Drive
Google Drive has no reviews on SoftwaresForCA yet.
Key features
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- ?Free PlanFree storage you can keep using without paying.
- ?Desktop Sync AppA Windows or Mac app that keeps folders on your computer in sync with the cloud.
- ?Mobile AppsAndroid and iOS apps to view, upload and back up files from your phone.
- ?Offline AccessKeep chosen files available without an internet connection.
- ?Files On-DemandSee every cloud file on your computer without it taking up local disk space.
- ?Large File UploadsUpload or transfer very large files, such as audit files or scanned archives.
- ?Password & Expiring LinksShare links protected by a password or set to expire on a date.
- ?File RequestsSend clients a link to upload documents straight into a folder, without an account.
- ?Shared Team FoldersTeam folders or shared drives that belong to the firm, not to one person.
- ?Real-Time Document EditingEdit Word, Excel or other documents together in the browser.
- ?CommentsComment on files to give feedback or ask questions.
- ?Encryption at Rest & in TransitFiles are encrypted on the provider's servers and while being uploaded or downloaded.
- ?Client-Side EncryptionFiles are encrypted on your device so the provider cannot read them.
- ?Two-Factor AuthenticationA second step, such as an OTP or authenticator app, when signing in.
- ?Version HistoryRestore earlier versions of a file after changes.
- ?Deleted File RecoveryRecover deleted files from a trash or recycle bin for a set number of days.
- ?Ransomware ProtectionDetect ransomware and roll files back to before an attack.
- ?Admin Controls & Audit LogsManage users and devices, set sharing policies and see who accessed what.
- ?Search with OCRSearch inside files, including text in scanned documents and images.
- ?AI AssistantAI that summarises files, answers questions about them or finds content.
- ?Document ScanningScan paper documents to PDF with your phone camera.
- ?E-SignatureRequest or add electronic signatures on documents.
- ?Business PlansTeam plans with pooled storage, admin controls and per-user billing.
- ?Lifetime PlanPay once for storage you keep, instead of a subscription.
- ?Data Region ChoiceChoose the country or region where your files are stored.