The Shared Drive Manager:
- manages members of the Shared Drive
- ensures folder and file organization
- ensures that folders and files are shared securely
Manage members of the Google Shared Drive
All members of a Shared Drive can view all folders and files in the Shared Drive. No member can be excluded from a folder or file in the Shared Drive. Certain members may have more permission than others depending upon their level of access/role. Four levels of access are available.
Permission Can ... | Content manager | Contributor | Commenter | Viewer |
| view all files and folders | X | X | X | X |
| comment on files | X | X | X | |
| edit files | X | X |
| |
| create and add files | X | X | ||
| create folders | X |
| ||
| move files and folders to the Trash | X |
| ||
| move files and folders within the Shared Drive | X |
|
| |
| add and remove people on specific files | X |
|
Who should be a member of a Google Shared Drive
Assign someone as a member of the Shared Drive if they need access to view, edit, or upload files in the Shared Drive.
NOTE: Your group may choose to provide access to view files through the resident website. In that case, only people who edit or upload files need to be added as members of the Shared Drive.
Add and remove members of Google Shared Drive
As the Shared Drive manager, you may need to add or remove members. Note: A Shared Drive member must have a personal Google account.
- Open the Shared Drive and click on Manage Members.
- To add a person:
- Enter the person's email address and select the person from the drop-down list that appears. Note: you must select the person from the drop-down list.
- Select an access level.
- Select if you want to notify the person. If you do, you may include a message.
- Click Send or Share.
- To remove a member:
- Next to the person's name, click the access level.
- Click Remove access.
- Click Save.
Step-by-step instructions with screenshots is available at Manage Google Shared Drive members.
Updated 8-26-2025