Google is rolling out an update for Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms app on the web with a major redesign in the way you share the documents with people. The redesign will give you more control over what’s being shared and to whom. There’s also a new way to see who currently has access to the document, making it easier to audit and change permissions.
“These changes will make it easier to share files only with specific people without expanding access beyond what’s needed,” Google wrote in the Gsuite blog.
The new design brings a new task-focused interface with new sharing dialogue options that highlight essential user tasks like sharing a file, changing permissions or giving access. The new interface also separates users who are shared in a group versus those that got a link. You can also clearly see who currently has access to the document.
The changes will take place by default for Gsuite users and will roll out gradually starting April 28, 2020. Users should start seeing the new design in the next 15 days.
The changes can be seen as part of Google's efforts to make work from home easier as more and more employees are collaborating and working on the cloud relying on Google's suite of office apps. Previously, Google also sped up the launch of Google Meet, that now offers more privacy protection and multi-tiled video conferencing support.