What Are Matters in Google Vault: Quick Introduction

Quick and easy-to-follow introduction for Google Workspace administrators

Introduction to Google Vault matters: getting started

You can think of a matter as a folder in Google Vault.
Creating a matter is the first step you need to take before you can do anything else.
Matters allow you to perform actions in Vault.

Google Vault matters best practices

It’s best to restrict a matter to a specific goal so that you know what you’ll find there just by its name and description.

What does a matter include

A matter includes:

Saved searches
Exports
A list of accounts with data on hold
A list of the accounts that can access the matter
An audit log that records actions performed through the matter

Retention and holds

You don’t need a matter to create retention rules.
You need to create a matter to create holds.

Sharing matters

You can share matters with other Vault users so that a group of users can work on the same goal.

Closing and deleting matters

After you’re done with a matter, you can close and then delete it.

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What Are Matters in Google Vault

To do anything in Google Vault, you first need to create a matter – click here to learn exactly what that is.

Add a Matter to Google Vault

Create a new matter to use for Vault actions.

Share a Google Vault Matter With Other Users

Grant someone access to a matter.

Close a Google Vault Matter

Once an investigation is complete, its related matter can be closed.

Delete or Reopen a Matter

Reopen a closed matter, or delete it permanently.

Backup and protect your data

Data protection and security tools are crucial, especially if you store any sensitive data in your accounts.

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