How to Collaborate on Google Drive Files in a Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat

Quick and easy-to-follow guide for Google Chat users

You can add files from your Google Drive, including Shared drives and files shared with you. 

You can also view a list of files shared in a chat space, open files, and add files to Drive. 

  • Image files are never listed.
  • Deleting a chat message removes a shared file from the chat space but not from Drive.
  • Be careful with the chat history setting if you’re sharing documents in a chat space. When history is off in a chat space, shared files won’t be accessible in a space’s “Files” section. If you need everyone you’re chatting with to view shared files, turn on chat history and then have people share files.

How to add files from Google Drive to a Google Chat space step-by-step with images

Step 1

How To Collaborate On Google Drive Files In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 1

In Google Chat https://chat.google.com, while looking at a chat space full-screen, click the Files tab on top, just below the chat space’s name.

Step 2

How To Collaborate On Google Drive Files In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 2

Click Add file.

Step 3

How To Collaborate On Google Drive Files In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 3

The Select an item window shows up. 

By switching among the tabs on top, you can look for files in My Drive, Shared drives, Shared with Me, Recent, or Upload a new file.

Below the tabs, you have the search bar, allowing you to find something quickly. 

Also, there are two icons on the right of the search bar, allowing you to switch between List or Grid view.

Click an item and then click the Select button.

Step 4

How To Collaborate On Google Drive Files In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 4

A file preview appears – click the Send button or press the Enter key on your keyboard to send the file. Optionally, you can also type a message and send both at the same time.

Step 5

How To Collaborate On Google Drive Files In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 5

Your file appears in the chat. Others can click to view it and make updates.

Step 6

How To Collaborate On Google Drive Files In A Chat Space (Group Chat) In Google Chat - Step 6

Everyone can access it under the Files tab as long as chat history is on.

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