> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sync.wiki.mksdtech.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sync.wiki.mksdtech.com/collaboration/collaborate/collaboration-storage/google-drive.md).

# Google Drive

Keep the central file in Google Drive and collaborate from anywhere.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2FaHjwWBNOSip4ybxeh6Ff%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=694be9b7-173d-4d7f-b444-78f49653d0d0" alt="Google Drive logo" width="96"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use Google Drive when your team works from different places.

## Set up the file

1. Upload the central `.3dm` file to Google Drive. A shared drive works well for teams.
2. Share the file, or its folder, with every teammate as **Editor**.

Rhino Sync can only open Google Drive files that you pick yourself. Every teammate picks the central file the first time they collaborate.

## Collaborate on a Google Drive file

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Choose Google Drive

Click **Collaborate**, then **Google Drive**. Your browser opens.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Sign in

Sign in to your Google account. Review the access request and click **Allow**.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2FrvYXEjalMuYOgMGU7F8p%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=48f42638-38c2-4f9b-8405-61c53e281ce6" alt="Google asks to allow Rhino Sync access"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Rhino Sync asks only for the Google Drive files you open with it. It can't see the rest of your Drive.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Pick the central file

The Google Drive picker opens. Find the central file in your Drive or in a shared drive and click **Select**. Only `.3dm` files are accepted.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2FddUgPoJ32ztmIJ9Z6pWp%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=65533451-2b0d-4673-bff4-6962f752a201" alt="Google Drive file picker"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Return to Rhino

The page confirms **File selected**. Close the tab and go back to Rhino. Rhino Sync downloads the file and opens your local copy.

<figure><img src="https://2088031227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMFZITZJW4MHLYhDLac3k%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5a0fe5bb307971c968776adfc9aaa77972faed84%2Fmock-google-picked.png?alt=media" alt="File selected page in the browser" width="752"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Finish sign-in and picking within 5 minutes. Otherwise Rhino Sync stops waiting and you have to click **Collaborate** again.

Next time, Google usually skips the sign-in step.

{% hint style="warning" %}
On macOS, Safari can't show the Google Drive picker. If Safari is your default browser and Google Chrome is installed, Rhino Sync asks to open sign-in in Chrome. Click **Yes**.
{% endhint %}

## Tips

* You can rename or move the central file inside Google Drive. The session follows the file.
* Don't upload a new copy of the central file to replace it. A new upload is a different file and starts a new session.
* Your internet speed decides how long **Collaborate**, **Reload** and **Synchronize** take.

## Sign out

Open **Settings**. Under **CLOUD STORAGE**, click **Sign out** next to **Google Drive**. You can only sign out when you aren't collaborating.

See [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting.md#google-drive) if sign-in fails.