In this quick tutorial I want to show you the new features of FileDrop’s new sidebar, the Folder Tools, and how to easily copy files and folders in Google Drive with the help of Google Sheets and FileDrop.
Please see the video below.
Here is the text version.
1. Introduction to FileDrop:
For those unfamiliar with FileDrop, it’s a versatile file manager designed for Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides. Available in the Google Workspace Marketplace, it offers a plethora of features, including the ability to translate documents, extract text with OCR from images and PDFs, and even harness the power of AI for your daily tasks.
2. Accessing the Folder Tools:
To begin, launch FileDrop and navigate to the Folder Tools menu. This is where the magic happens!
We have multiple tools here like Folder Report, Share Files and more. Today we are focusing on copying files and folders in Google Drive.
3. Copying Files and Folders:
Here’s how:
- Start by navigating in Google Drive to the folder you wish to copy.
- Next, copy the folder ID of your source folder.
- Paste this ID into the ‘source folder ID’ field.
- Similarly, copy and paste the destination folder ID.
- You’ll notice an option labeled “copy only folder structure, no file.” This is particularly useful when you want to replicate a folder structure without the files inside. It’s a time-saver, especially when setting up for new projects or employees.
4. Understanding the Folder Structure Option:
Choosing the “copy only folder structure, no file” option means that only the folder’s structure will be duplicated, not the files within. This is especially handy when you want to maintain a specific organization without manually recreating folders.
5. Initiating the Copy:
Once you’ve made your selections, click on ‘start copying’. A notification will alert you that an email will be sent upon completion. Depending on the number of files, this process can be swift or might take a few minutes. If you’re dealing with thousands of files you can close the sidebar, be patient and wait for the notification email.
6. Checking the Copy Status:
You can monitor the copying process in real-time. In this demo, with 13 files, the process was relatively quick. Once completed, you can also check your email for a confirmation notification.
Conclusion:
And that’s it! With FileDrop’s new sidebar, copying files and maintaining folder structures has never been easier. We hope you find this tutorial helpful. Remember, we’re continually improving, with plans to handle tens of thousands of files in the future. Stay tuned for updates, and happy file managing!
