June 8, 2026
Request lightweight document alignment with approvals in Google Drive
Google Drive is introducing alignment approvals, a lightweight mechanism that allows teams to request and record document sign-offs without file changes resetting the approval flow. When a document is in a partially approved state, collaborators can continue making edits without resetting any recorded approver decisions.
Alignment approvals can be initiated via a new checkbox within the standard request dialog across web clients.
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When checked, "Require all approvers to review the same content" resets pending approvals if the file content changes. This is the default behavior. |
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When unchecked, changes to the file content don't reset pending approvals. |
This feature serves use cases where strict content locking is unnecessary, making it easier for teams to maintain momentum on fluid projects. While an approval remains pending, individual approvers retain the flexibility to manually reset their approved status back to pending if subsequent content edits no longer match their expectations.
This update follows a series of recent enhancements to the Drive approvals ecosystem, including programmatic approval management with the Drive API.
Getting started
- Admins: Approval requests are enabled by default and can be disabled at the domain, OU, and group level. There is no admin setting that controls alignment approvals specifically; users can access them if they have access to the broader approval request feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about managing Drive approvals.
- End users: Alignment approvals will be off by default and can be enabled by the user. Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting approvals in Drive.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) started on June 2, 2026
- Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 15, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Standard and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Education: Education Plus
- Other Editions: Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits
- Education Add-ons: Teaching and Learning
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Manage approvals
- Google Drive Help: Get approvals on files in Google Drive
- Google Workspace Developer Documentation: Manage approvals