How To Download From Google Drive On Mac – Setapp

Google Drive: Your Ultimate Guide to Downloading Files on Mac

Google's pervasive presence in our digital lives is undeniable. From search to email, Google services are deeply integrated into our daily routines. Google Drive, its cloud storage solution, plays a significant role, offering a compelling blend of free storage (15GB with a Gmail account) and affordable paid plans. While convenient for storing various file types, understanding how to efficiently download files from Google Drive to your Mac is crucial for backups and local access.

Why Download from Google Drive?

Regular backups are essential, regardless of your chosen cloud storage provider. They safeguard your data against unforeseen events like server outages, accidental deletions (Google Drive's trash automatically empties after 30 days!), or power failures. This guide explores various methods for downloading files from Google Drive, using your browser, Finder, or third-party apps.

Downloading Files via Browser

Google Drive excels at creating and editing documents (Docs, Sheets, Slides). Downloading these files is straightforward:

1. Open the Google Doc.
2. Click "File" -> "Download" -> Choose your desired format (e.g., Microsoft Excel).

For images and PDFs, simply click the download icon in the top menu. The file will be saved to your Mac's Downloads folder.

To download multiple files or folders, select them (⌘ key), right-click, and choose "Download." Google Drive will zip them into an archive.

For complete data migration or comprehensive backups, use Google's official data download feature:

1. Click your account image (top-right).
2. Select "Manage your Google Account."
3. Go to the "Data & Personalization" tab.
4. Choose "Download your data."
5. Select the services and export type.

Note: This process can take considerable time depending on the data volume. You'll receive an email notification when the archive is ready.

Downloading Files on Mac

While offline access to Google Docs requires the Chrome browser, managing other Google Drive files on your Mac offers several options. While a dedicated Google Drive desktop app is absent, "Backup and Sync from Google" provides Finder integration:

1. Visit google.com/drive/download.
2. Download "Backup and Sync."
3. Install the .dmg file.

This creates a Google Drive folder in your Finder sidebar, syncing files seamlessly. However, it lacks support for multiple accounts.

For enhanced file management, consider Forklift, a powerful file manager offering dual-pane browsing, SFTP access, and easy drag-and-drop functionality between Google Drive and other storage solutions.

Managing multiple Google Drive accounts requires CloudMounter, which mounts each account as an external drive, avoiding local storage consumption and offering selective encryption.

Conclusion

Numerous options exist for downloading Google Drive files, from individual file downloads to complete data archives. Choose the method best suited to your needs, leveraging tools like Backup and Sync, Forklift, or CloudMounter for enhanced functionality and management of your cloud storage. Consider exploring Setapp's trial for access to these and other productivity apps.

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