Google Drive stores your most important files, whether they are Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDFs, images or the hundreds of other file types we support today. Today, we are announcing more ways to make sure you can make them all accessible to you even when your internet connection is unavailable.
In 2019, we launched a beta which enabled you to mark non-Google file types, like PDFs, images and Microsoft Office files, available offline when using Google Drive on the web. Now, we’re making this functionality generally available. When you mark these files available offline, you can easily open these files from your browser even when you aren’t connected to the internet.
ChromeOS users can now also use the easily accessible Files app on their Chromebook to select Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files to be available when offline. This streamlined access eliminates the need to open Google Drive or Google Docs to select files to make them available offline.
Who’s impacted
Admins and end users
Why you’d use it
Users can access all of their important Drive files while offline such as when they’re traveling or when there’s poor internet connectivity.
Additional details
Non-Google files such as PDFs, images and Microsoft Office files will need to be opened using apps installed on your computer through Google Drive Web when offline. This feature is already available for Google Drive for desktop users.
Getting started
- Admins: Drive for desktop and offline access must be enabled for your domain.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about enabling and using Google Drive files offline and using Google Drive files offline on your Chromebook.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 2, 2021
- Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 14, 2021
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as Cloud Identity Free, Cloud Identity Premium, G Suite Basic and Business customers. Available on personal accounts as well.
Resources
Roadmap
- This feature was listed as an upcoming release.