Skip to main content

Google Drive for Android gets improved search, better sharing & enhanced PDF viewer

Google has updated Drive for Android with a Material Design facelift and three new features in improved search, better sharing and an enhanced PDF viewer that make it easier for users to find, view and share through the app. The update will be rolling out on the Play Store for Android devices over the next several days.

The new search bar in Drive is easier and more predictive at finding content by updating results as each letter is typed into the field. Meanwhile, the app has improved sharing functionality that allows for users to write a custom comment on shared files so that all collaborators know why they sent it.

Additionally, users can turn on link sharing to make a file “public” and set permissions for editing, commenting and viewing. This feature automatically copies a link to the clipboard that can be pasted wherever users want. Last, Drive for Android has an enhanced PDF viewer for finding, selecting and copying text in PDFs right within the app.

The official changelog per the Google Drive Blog:

What’s New

  • Improved Search: the search tool makes it even easier to find the content you’re looking for by updating results as you type each letter into the search box.
  • Better Sharing: Now, you can add a custom message when you share a file so your collaborators know why you sent it—for example,  you can add a note asking for feedback. You can also turn on link sharing to make the file “public” and set access to view, comment, or edit. This automatically copies the link to the clipboard and allows you to paste it wherever you want.
  • Enhanced PDF Viewer: A new PDF viewer lets you find, select and copy text in PDFs, plus, it’s built right into Drive so you don’t need to launch another app.

Google Drive is free on the Play Store for compatible Android devices.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications