Google Docs adds live sharing to folders

Google Docs has long let users share documents between one another, but folders--a feature Google begrudgingly added to Docs back in mid-2007, have largely been left out of the picture.

That changed on Monday, as users are now able to share entire folders of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with other people.

The benefit here is that the permissions settings for a shared folder controls the individual file permissions of all the documents inside of it, meaning that you don't have to go through and change each document's viewing permissions one at a time. It's also an easy way to start working on a document, then share it with a select group of individuals without having to remember to invite them in the first place.

Users can now share entire folders with groups of other users.

(Credit: CNET)

Google says this was one of the most requested features from its users, as voted on at its product ideas voting page. Google has also used this feedback for guidance in upgrading its Docs file uploader to accept multiple files at once.

Just as users are able to do in Gmail, the Docs uploader now lets users pick multiple files from their hard drive, then see how far along each upload is. The new process makes it much easier for new users to move entire folders into Google's cloud, which could be handy if--or, rather, when--Google decides to open up Docs to more file types.

Docs users can now upload multiple files at once, making it much easier to simply dump an entire folder from a hard drive into Google's cloud.

(Credit: CNET)

[censorshipblows]

Rock on G-men.

[bonesbautista]

The only thing that's missing is the ability to share with someone who doesn't have a Gmail or Google account. Yes, I could share a folder with someone outside Gmail or Google, but they've got to sign in with their Gmail or Google account - most of the people I know don't use Gmail...

[Police_States_of_America]

this is for verification. essentially by creating a google account of any kind, gmail, docs etc, it is all collective. so when you email someone with permission you are permitting their specific google account to use the information.

[t8]

Nice one Google.
Your service beats the hell out of using MS Office.

[servermaker]

I am assuming you are serious as I reply.

I have to disagree. I spent about 2 hours trying to bang out a spreadsheet using google docs while in bed the other night. Would have taken me about 15 minutes using excel. They are not even close in comparison. If you want to build a simple table, perhaps google spreadsheet functionality is sufficient. But it is tedious to use and incredibly limited in its capability. I actually wish it beat the hell out of office...but it doesn't at this point, IMO.

[rtuinenburg]

I have to agree, formatting a document can be a nightmare.
I love Google products in general especially Gmail, and Voice, but Docs has a way to go.

[redmarine]

Once Google Docs can do pretty much everything that Microsoft Office 2010 can I'll use it seriously. Until then it's not really useful.

I'm wondering, why doesn't Google continue to add more advanced features and make it compete with Microsoft Office 2007+ directly in functionality?

[t8]

Google is not creating a clone. They are creating something more useful than legacy MS Word.

[Maclover1]

Hmmm cuz you fall outside of the "80% of Office users use 20% of Office features"??? Google docs does lack many office features. That said when it reaches Office 2003 feature set, then it will make a difference.

I see more and more small companies moving to OO all the time. Its equal to Office 2003 right now.

[heygeo]

@t8

LOL... everything that Google has done in docs is a direct rip off of others, whether its OO or MS. Goog is doing nothing but playing catch up in this space.. and they are far far behind.

[t8]

No one made it a Web app the way Google has.
Web apps are the future.

[shawshawshawshaw]

The folder interface for Gdocs is STILL TERRIBLE. They need to work on that AND the overall interface - but since they're so busy working on other "technology" I'm not holding my breath...

[t8]

Hi this is Google.
We will put search on hold for 2 years to attend your request.

[heygeo]

heh.. thats exactly what Goog has done.. ignored their search business and cranked out inferior solution after inferior solution... long live Wolfram