New Google Drive Shortcut Files to Simplify Sharing and Folder Structure

Beginning April 15th, you will be able to create Google Drive shortcuts for files and folders that have been shared with you. Drive shortcuts are files that act as pointers to other Google Drive files and folders. Drive shortcuts will replace the option to “Add to my Drive” that appears when someone shares a file or folder with you that is stored on their My Drive or Shared Drive.

Drive shortcuts that are added to shared folders or shared drives will be visible as shortcut icons to everyone who has access to the shared folder or shared drive. But shortcuts work a little differently since just because someone can see the shortcut doesn’t mean they can open the actual folder or file it links to. The original file’s permissions doesn’t automatically update or get inherited by the folder permissions when you create a shortcut to it. Remember to check the sharing permissions and give any new users access to the original file.

For help with Google Drive shortcuts, please see the Google Drive help page. (external link)