find duplicate files in google drive

How to Find and Remove Duplicate Files in Your Google Drive with FileDrop

Removing duplicate files from your Google Drive folders can help you save space and also make it more organized. With the Find Duplicates tool from FileDrop, you can easily locate and remove duplicate files from your Google Drive folders, leaving you with a clean and organized file system.

What is FileDrop?

FileDrop is a file management add-on for Google Sheets, Docs and Slides. You can install FileDrop from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

With FileDrop you can do different tasks like batch create folders in Google Drive, or batch rename filesย and much more.

The Power of Find Duplicates

As someone who values efficiency and organization, I canโ€™t tell you how excited I am about this new feature. The Find Duplicates tool is conveniently located in the Google Sheets version,ย Folder Tools sidebar, making it easily accessible whenever you need it.

To get started, simply paste the folder ID of the folder you want to clean up, or use the handy Find Folder ID tool to locate the desired folder. Once you have the ID, click โ€œFind Duplicates,โ€ and the tool will begin its magic. It will scour through your folder, including any subfolders, and present you with a list of duplicate files in the Google Sheet.

Streamlined Duplicate Removal

The Find Duplicates tool provides a clear and concise overview of the duplicate files it has identified. Youโ€™ll see the file name, file ID, file path, and the date it was added to your Google Drive. But the real power lies in the โ€œactionโ€ column, where youโ€™ll find the option to delete the duplicate files with just a click.

If you want to keep a specific version of a duplicate file, simply remove the โ€œdeleteโ€ marker from that entry. Once youโ€™ve reviewed the list and marked the files you want to remove, click โ€œDelete Marked Duplicates,โ€ and FileDrop will handle the rest. In no time, your folder will be free of the duplicate files, leaving you with a clean and organized file system.

A Few Things to Note

Itโ€™s important to note that the Find Duplicates tool will only remove files that you own. If you come across duplicates that you donโ€™t have ownership of, they will be marked as โ€œnot owned,โ€ and you wonโ€™t be able to delete them.

Additionally, depending on the size of your folder and the number of files it contains, the process might take a little longer. If youโ€™re using a free Google account, thereโ€™s a 30-second limit, so you may need to restart the process if it times out.

Video Tutorial

ย Conclusion

There you have it, folks! With FileDropโ€™s Find Duplicates tool, you now have a powerful ally in your quest for a clean and organized Google Drive. No more wasting time manually hunting for duplicates or deleting them one by one. Give it a try today and experience the joy of a clutter-free file system!

FAQ

Can the Find Duplicates tool search through my entire Google Drive?

At the moment no, it can only search through folders, not the entire Google Drive. We are working on releasing an update to allow the search in the entire Google Drive.

What happens if I accidentally delete a file I didnโ€™t mean to?

No need to worry! Any files you delete using the Find Duplicates tool will be moved to your Google Drive trash, giving you the opportunity to recover them if needed.

Can I use the Find Duplicates tool on shared folders?

Yes, you can use the tool on shared folders. However, you will only be able to delete duplicate files that you own. Files owned by others will be marked as โ€œnot owned,โ€ and you wonโ€™t have the option to delete them.

Coffee vs. FileDropย  ย โ€“ The Productivity Showdown

The Bottom Line:
One keeps you awake. The other gets work done.

A month of coffee: $150
A month ofย FileDrop:ย $9.99
Why not have both?

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