Listed below are 5 methods to configure your macOS system to work with Gmail, Google Drive and different Google Workspace apps.
Apple’s Mac methods work nicely with Google Workspace apps, corresponding to Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides. Every of the 5 choices beneath enables you to leverage your Google account from macOS, starting from the best setup to the deeper connections that hyperlink knowledge both to Apple’s apps or permit Google Drive entry from the Finder. Many individuals might wish to sign up to a brand new Mac and configure all 5 of the choices lined beneath.
SEE: iCloud vs. OneDrive: Which is finest for Mac, iPad and iPhone customers? (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
In case you’re a part of a company, it’s possible you’ll have to comply with procedures aside from those listed beneath. Each Google Workspace and Apple Enterprise Supervisor supply varied enterprise administration choices that permit an administrator to simplify sign-ins, safe units and management configurations. Examine along with your system administrator for tips particular to your group.
Bounce to:
Use Safari for a streamlined setup
When you end the macOS preliminary setup course of and have put in all obtainable system updates, it’s possible you’ll begin Safari, go to Gmail after which sign up along with your Google Workspace account credentials. After you’re logged in, it’s possible you’ll entry different Workspace apps both from the app launcher menu (Determine A) or by typing in any Workspace app URL instantly (e.g., https://docs.google.com for Google Docs). Since most Google Workspace options work nicely inside Safari, this method enables you to get to work rapidly.
Determine A
Nonetheless, as of January 2023, Google Workspace apps don’t supply offline entry when utilized in Safari on a Mac. If you could use Gmail, Calendar or Drive in your Mac with out web entry, you’ll wish to discover the extra steps beneath. Nonetheless, in case your Mac all the time has web entry and offline work isn’t a priority for you, then the mix of Google Workspace apps accessed in Safari could also be ample.
Set up Chrome for full-featured work on the net
Most individuals who plan to work with Google Workspace on a Mac will wish to set up Chrome (Determine B), then sign up and use that browser for all Workspace-related actions.
Determine B
This method not solely means that you can configure and sync knowledge for bookmarks, historical past, passwords and extra throughout each Chrome browser you utilize, nevertheless it additionally means that you can configure Workspace apps for offline work. You will have to regulate a couple of permission settings, corresponding to permitting entry to the webcam and microphone for Google Meet, with extra changes wanted to allow screen-sharing.
Register with Google to attach knowledge to Apple apps
Chances are you’ll sign up along with your Google account and set it to sync Workspace knowledge to Apple’s apps. To do that, choose Apple Menu > System Settings… > Web Accounts > Add Account… > Google, after which proceed by means of the sign-in course of (Determine C).
Determine C
Normally, you’ll want to allow the sliders for Mail, Contacts and Calendars, which permits these apps to sync Gmail, Google Contacts and Google Calendar knowledge to every app, respectively. You may additionally wish to go to the Google Calendar Sync Settings software on the net to pick out particular Google Calendars to sync with iCal.
Including your Google account within the Apple system settings could be helpful for offline knowledge entry in apps in addition to whenever you need system actions to stay in sync along with your Google account. For instance, whenever you click on on a “mailto:” hyperlink on an internet web page, the system can open the Apple Mail app and create a brand new e-mail that’s despatched from and synced to your Google Workspace account.
Deploy Google Drive for desktop for system entry to Drive information
Obtain and set up Google Drive for desktop (Determine D), then sign up to your account as a way to entry information on Google Drive from the Finder. This enables you, for instance, to begin an app in your system and from inside that app open a file saved on Drive.
Determine D
As an illustration, you would possibly begin a macOS picture modifying app after which open a picture file saved on Google Drive. Drive for desktop eliminates the necessity to open a browser, obtain a file, work with the file, then add it once more. As a substitute, Drive for desktop means that you can open and save gadgets on to Drive on a Mac.
Configure Chrome Distant Desktop for distant entry
Chances are you’ll wish to set up and configure Chrome Distant Desktop to permit distant entry to your system both by different individuals whenever you request it, corresponding to for help functions, or by your self, corresponding to for a desktop system you need to entry remotely.
To configure Chrome Distant Desktop, you could have put in Chrome in your system. Assuming you do, open Chrome and go to https://g.co/crd/setup to begin the set up and setup course of (Determine E). As soon as accomplished, you’ll be capable of entry your system remotely from Chrome Distant Desktop.
Determine E
What’s your expertise with Google Workspace on macOS?
In case you use Google Workspace on a Mac, which of the above apps and configurations do you utilize? Are you a minimalist who prefers to solely sign up to Google instruments with Safari? Do you’re employed with Google Workspace solely by means of Chrome for macOS? Or do you join your Google accounts to Apple’s Mail, Calendar and Contacts apps and depend on Drive and Distant Desktop, too? Point out or message me on Mastodon (@awolber) to let me know what kind of Google Workspace setup you utilize in your Mac.
