In a previous post, tips were given on how to search your Google Drive for a file. Here are some tips on how to organize your Google Drive in hopes that you will not have search for that missing file.
Tip #1 - Use Folders
Here are steps on how to create folders and subfolders and move the folders you already may have in your drive.
When you create your folders, really think about what naming system is going to work for you. Here are some possible options:
- By Standard
- By Year
- By Class / Subject
- By Type of Document
- By Grading Period
Maybe you will use a combination of naming systems. You might choose to have a Science folder and inside that folder, you have a folder by Standard. Then inside each Standard folder, you have a folder for Activities, Assessments, and Handouts.
Tip #2 - Use Specific File Name
Be very specific on what you include in the name of your file. This can make it easier when you are using the search feature of Google Drive to find something.
Bad File Name - Presentation
Good File Name - Social Studies, Unit 3, Presentation, 2019
If you add the year or date that you last used the file to the name, you can quickly see what files in your Google Drive you haven't used in a while.
Tip #3 - Color Code Folders
Color coding your folders may help you quickly find your files. You may choose to color-code your files by subject or year. By doing this, you will know that all your math folders are green and your ELA folders are blue. You can quickly click through Drive or know that if you have a blue folder labeled "Worksheets," these are ELA worksheets.
Here are steps to color code your folders and even add emojis to the titles of your folders!
Tip #4 - List vs Grid View
There are a couple different ways you can choose to have your Drive laid out.
One is List view:
One is Grid view:
To change the layout of your Drive, go to to your drive and click the view button located in the upper right corner just before the i in a circle. Find the view that works the best for you or switch between the two depending on what you are doing that day.
Tip #5 - Purge Old Files
It is a wise idea to purge files you don't use anymore. It is recommended to do this at least once a school year. Go through your drive and move to the trash any files you know you will not use again. If you start to put the date used in the file name, this will become easier and easier. If you are in List View, you can also see the date that file was last modified. This may help you determine what you can purge.
**Important! If you use Google Classroom, do not move the folder "Classroom" to the trash. This will impact how your Google Classrooms function and may delete student work.
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