Google Workspace will now save you from making any embarrassing file-sharing mistakes

Google Workspace cartoon promotional image
(Image credit: Google)

Accidentally sharing a file with the wrong set of co-workers or contacts could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a new Google Workspace update.

The platform is changing how users contact others who have collaborated on a Google Workspace file, hopefully making it less likely you'll share an item with the wrong people.

The change will make it more obvious who users have already shared a document or folder with, adding a new icon that allows them to write an email to fellow collaborators.

Easier Google Workspace file sharing

Google Workspace new file sharing collaboration email options

(Image credit: Google Workspace)

In a Google Workspace updates blog post announcing the feature, the company notes the change builds on existing abilities aimed at making online collaboration more straightforward.

Users can already “notify” someone when they’ve been added to view, comment on, or edit a file - but now file owners and editors can quickly email any fellow collaborator, which could be useful if there have recently been a number of updates, or asking a specific question about the file.

On the "Share" pop-up menu, users will now see a new email icon next to the "people with access" header, where they can select the email recipients and add a custom message.

The feature is rolling out now, and is available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.

The update is the latest is a series of changes announced for Google Workspace in recent weeks as the company continues to boost the user experience.

This includes adding Gemini AI tools to help users draft and write emails on their mobile devices, with an upgrade for the existing "Help me write" feature adding a new "Polish" feature aimed at tidying up drafts or rough notes into the perfect message.

The company also recently confirmed the general availability of Gemini as a new side panel across popular apps including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive - however only paying Google Workspace customers can access it for the time being.

More from TechRadar Pro

Mike Moore
Deputy Editor, TechRadar Pro

Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK's leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he's not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.

Read more
Google Docs on smartphone laptop
Your Google Docs work may be about to be more beautiful than ever before
Google Gemini AI
Google now lets anyone use Gemini to analyze their work docs, adds Deep Research to Workspace
Google Meet on phone
Google Meet will now use Gemini to suggest "next steps" after your team meetings
Gemini AI for all Workspace plans
Google Workspace opens up Gemini for all - but you'll have to pay more
A phone with the Google Photos logo on the screen
Google Photos is getting a handy Quick Edit tool for sharing images, and I don’t know why nobody thought of this sooner
Google Sheets
Google Sheets is getting faster and more effective, and I can't wait to ditch Excel for good
Latest in Pro
An abstract image in blue and white of a database.
Planning ahead around data migrations
Cloud, networking and internet
Under the hood of data sovereignty
A business woman looking at AI on a transparent screen
Businesses are facing an "AI Divide" - which could be the difference between success and failure
Apple Vision Pro with Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform
Dassault Systèmes teams up with Apple to use Vision Pro headsets to bring spatial CAD to life
A graphic showing fleet tracking locations over a city.
Lost & Found tracking site hit by major data breach - over 800,000 could be affected
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he signs an executive order to create a US sovereign wealth fund, in the Oval Office of the White House on February 3, 2025, in Washington, DC.
US set to pause cyber-offensive operations against Russia - but CISA says it won't stop
Latest in News
Google Gemini iPhone Lock Screen
You can now access Gemini from your iPhone's lock screen
Michelle, Keats, and Doctor Amherst looking unimpressed and worried in The Electric State
Netflix drops trailer for The Electric State, and I'm getting serious District 9 vibes
YouTube TV
YouTube TV might be planning a big Netflix update that puts the best streaming services first
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Here are the 7 best Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 features landing in March’s Pixel Feature Drop
Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Saint Laurent Rive Droite Edition
Bang & Olufsen's latest reworked turntable is a masterpiece of retro revival, in a breathtaking wooden presentation box
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveils new Apple Watch bands – here's what's in the Spring 2025 collection