# Use shared drives for team files in Google Drive

> Create a shared drive so team files belong to the company, not one person, then add members and choose what each of them can do.
>
> Source: https://docs.officeniaga.com/drive-shared-drives/

A shared drive is a team space in Google Drive. Files in it belong to the company, so they stay put when someone leaves.

## Check that you have shared drives

Shared drives depend on your Google Workspace plan and on your admin's settings.

- Open [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com) and look for **Shared drives** in the left menu.
- If you see it but cannot create one, your admin may have limited who can create shared drives.
- Business Starter includes shared drives, but some admin controls for them, such as default sharing rules, need a higher plan. Compare plans on our [pricing page](https://officeniaga.com/pricing/).

## Create a shared drive

Anyone allowed to create shared drives becomes its first Manager.

1. In Drive, click **Shared drives** on the left.
2. Click **New** at the top left. If you have no shared drives yet, click **Create a shared drive**.

   *(Screenshot: Shared drives page with Shared drives, New and Create a shared drive highlighted)*

3. Enter a name, such as "Accounts" or "Sales team".
4. Click **Create**.

   *(Screenshot: New shared drive box with a sample name and the Create button)*

## Add members & choose their access

You need **Manager** access to add or remove members.

1. Open the shared drive and click **Manage members** at the top.
2. Add names, email addresses or a Google Group.
3. Pick an access level from the dropdown. New members are **Content manager** by default.
4. Click **Send**.

Pick the access level to match what each person needs:

- **Manager**: everything, including adding members and deleting the shared drive.
- **Content manager**: add, edit, move and delete files. Needed to edit files through Google Drive for desktop.
- **Contributor**: add and edit files, but cannot delete them.
- **Commenter**: view and comment only.
- **Viewer**: view only.

Worried about files being deleted by mistake? Give most people **Contributor** and keep **Manager** for one or two people.

## Move files into a shared drive

Moving files in hands them over to the company. **Contributor** access or higher can move files from My Drive; only a **Manager** can move whole folders.

1. In **My Drive**, right-click the file or folder.
2. Click **Organize** > **Move**.
3. Choose the shared drive and folder, then click **Move**.

   *(Screenshot: Move box with Shared drives and the Move button highlighted)*

To share a single file instead, see [share a Google Drive file or folder](/drive-share/).

## Still stuck

WhatsApp our support team at [+60 16-916 3324](https://wa.me/60169163324).

## Common issues

### What happens to shared drive files when a staff member leaves?

They stay. Files in a shared drive belong to the company, so removing or deleting the person's account does not remove them. See what to do when staff leave (/workspace-staff-leaving/) for their My Drive files.

### Why can't I delete or move files in our shared drive?

Your access level is probably Contributor, Commenter or Viewer. Moving files to Trash needs Content manager or Manager. Ask a Manager of the shared drive to change your access.

### Can I add a client or supplier from outside the company?

Only if your admin allows it, and they need a Google Account. Anything they add to your shared drive becomes owned by your company.