If you’re like most people, you probably have a file or folder called “files.” This is where you store all of your files, including your photos, videos, and documents. If you want to add descriptions to these files and folders, you can do this in Google Drive by using the File Manager. To open the File Manager, click on the three lines in the top left corner of your screen. Then click on the three lines in the bottom left corner of your screen. Now click on the three lines in the top right corner of your screen and type “file” into one of the fields. Then type “folder” into another field. Finally, type “description” into a third field. You can now drag and drop files and folders into Google Drive. If you want to move a file or folder from one folder to another, just drag it onto one of the blue dots next to each file or folder name on Google Drive.
If you’re an avid Google Drive user, then you likely have plenty of files and folders stored. You might have many files with similar names and perform advanced searches for what you need. This is when adding descriptions can help.
Why You Should Use Descriptions in Google Drive
You can add descriptions to both files and folders in Google Drive. Use them to describe an image, the contents of a folder, what a video shows, and more.
Depending on how you name your files before you save or upload them, you could have many items like images or screenshots with comparable names. This makes it hard to determine which one you need at the time.
Along with getting details for a file or folder before you open it, you can take advantage of descriptions when searching Google Drive. You can look for a word or phrase in the description, and you’ll see that item appear in your search results.
Add a Description in Google Drive
The description field for an item in Google Drive is a bit out-of-the-way; you have to know where to look. Select an item in Google Drive on the web to add its description. Then, either click the View Details icon (small letter “i”) on the top right or right-click the item and pick “View Details.”
This opens a sidebar on the right side. Make sure that the Details tab is selected at the top. Scroll to the bottom of the details for your item until you see the Add a Description field.
Click the pencil icon to the right of the field. When the text box opens, type your item’s description.
You can press Enter or Return or simply click outside of the text box. You’ll see your description saved automatically.
You can close the sidebar using the X on the top right.
Then, simply reopen the sidebar with View Details to see an item’s description or edit it.
Search With a Description
Once you add a description to an item, this makes that item more searchable. When you use the “Search in Drive” box at the top, enter a word or phrase from your description to find that item easier or at least narrow down the results further.
Along with a more helpful way to see what a file or folder consists of in Google Drive, you have another way to find the items you need. Are you going to add descriptions to some of your Google Drive items?
For more, look at how to add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows or how to set it up and use it on your Mac.
