Eligible FAU users have access to Google Workspace through Owl Apps, which includes Google Drive. Google Drive can be used to store files, create Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms, and share files with others.
Storage limit: FAU Google Workspace accounts are limited to 5 GB of total storage. This storage is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, Google Photos, and other Google apps.
Access note: Active logon activity is required. If an account is inactive for an extended period, Google Workspace access may be removed. Alumni access may also depend on eligibility and account activity.
Access Google Drive ▾
Use Google Drive on the web to access your Owl Apps files from a browser.
- Go to https://drive.google.com.
- Sign in with your FAU Google Workspace account if prompted.
- If redirected, complete FAU single sign-on using your FAUNet ID and password.
- After signing in, you will see My Drive.
My Drive can include:
- Files and folders you upload.
- Files and folders you sync with Google Drive for desktop.
- Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms you create.
- Files or folders you organize in your Google Drive.
Tip: You can also access Google Drive from the Google apps menu after signing in to your FAU Google Workspace account.
Understand the 5 GB Storage Limit ▾
Your FAU Google Workspace storage limit applies across multiple Google services, not just Google Drive.
Items that may use Google Workspace storage include:
- Files in Google Drive.
- Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.
- Files in Google Photos.
- Email and attachments in Gmail or Owl Mail, if available for your account.
- Items in Trash until they are permanently deleted.
Important: If your account reaches its storage limit, you may not be able to create, upload, edit, or store new files. If Owl Mail/Gmail is available for your account, mail functionality may also be affected.
Learn more: Manage your storage in Drive, Gmail, and Photos
Upload or Create Files ▾
You can upload files from your computer or create new files directly in Google Drive.
Upload files or folders
- Go to https://drive.google.com.
- Select New.
- Select File upload or Folder upload.
- Choose the file or folder from your computer.
- Wait for the upload to complete.
Create Google files
- Go to https://drive.google.com.
- Select New.
- Choose the type of file you want to create, such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, or Google Forms.
Work with Microsoft Office files
Google Drive can store Microsoft Office files such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Depending on the file and your browser/app settings, you may be able to preview, edit, download, or convert Office files.
Learn more:
Use Google Drive for Desktop ▾
Google Drive for desktop lets you access and sync Google Drive files from your computer.
Before installing: If you are using an FAU-managed computer, software installation may be managed by OIT. Contact the Help Desk if you need Google Drive for desktop installed or configured.
Google Drive for desktop can be used to:
- Access Google Drive files from File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac.
- Sync selected files or folders between your computer and Google Drive.
- Make selected files available offline.
- Upload files by placing them in the Google Drive folder on your computer.
Note: Your Owl Apps Google Drive is a work or school account. Some Google Drive for desktop options may depend on FAU settings and device management.
Learn more: Use Google Drive for desktop
Share and Organize Files ▾
You can share Google Drive files or folders so other people can view, comment, or edit, depending on the permissions you choose.
Share safely
- Share only with the people who need access.
- Use view-only access when recipients do not need to edit.
- Be careful when sharing folders because people may be able to access files added later.
- Review sharing settings before sharing files that contain university information.
- Do not store or share sensitive or confidential information unless the location and sharing settings are approved for that data.
Find files shared with you
To view files that others have shared with you, go to Shared with me in Google Drive.
Learn more:
Storage Alternatives ▾
If you are close to the 5 GB Google Workspace limit or need to store larger amounts of data, use an approved FAU storage option.
- Microsoft OneDrive: Best for files you own, drafts, or files shared with a small number of specific people.
- Microsoft Teams: Best for active group collaboration, conversations, meetings, and shared team files.
- Microsoft SharePoint: Best for department, project, or long-term shared file storage.
Tip: If you are unsure where a file should be stored, contact the Help Desk before moving or sharing the file.
Troubleshooting ▾
- If you cannot sign in, confirm that you are using the correct FAU Google Workspace account.
- If you are redirected to FAU single sign-on, sign in with your FAUNet ID and password.
- If you are over the 5 GB storage limit, delete unnecessary files, emails, photos, and items in Trash, then try again.
- If you cannot upload or create files, check your storage usage and confirm that your account is active.
- If Google Drive for desktop is not available on an FAU-managed computer, contact the Help Desk for installation or configuration assistance.
- If you cannot access a file that was shared with you, ask the owner to confirm that the file is still shared with the correct account.
- If a file belongs to a department or team, consider moving it to Microsoft Teams or SharePoint instead of keeping it in an individual Google Drive.
Still Need Help?
If you need help with Owl Apps Google Drive, Google Workspace storage, or moving files to another approved storage location, please contact the Help Desk at 561-297-3999 or submit a ticket for assistance.
Submit a Help Desk request