What’s changing
In November 2021, we announced a beta for search chips in Google Drive, which makes it easier for users to find relevant files faster and eliminates the need to perform multiple searches or sort through irrelevant results. Search chips are now generally available for all users.
Who’s impacted
End users
Why you’d use it
When searching in Drive, users often use a few key words to try and locate the file they’re looking for, such as “marketing plan” or “sales report,” which may return results that are too broad.
Now, after a query is entered, users can use search chips to surface more relevant results based on:
- File type, such as a Google Doc, PDF, or image
- People
- Location, such as a shared drive or specific folder
- When the document was last modified File titles only
- Shared labels
- Tasks
Additionally, you’ll also notice various other improvements:
- You'll see spelling suggestions along with search chips
- You can clear search chips on their own, or together with the query
- Additional date options for the “Last modified” chip
We hope search chips make it easier to narrow down your search results and find your important files faster.
Getting started
- Admins: No action required.
- End users: This feature will be automatically available. Simply enter a search query and select one or multiple chips to further drill down results. Visit the Help Center to learn more about finding files in Google Drive.
Rollout pace
- Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on February 15, 2022
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers