How one can arrange a Mac for Google Workspace

Listed here are 5 methods to configure your macOS system to work with Gmail, Google Drive and different Google Workspace apps.

desktop screen on a Mac with menus open for Google Drive, Internet Accounts and Chrome Remote Desktop — Illustration: Andy Wolber/TechRepublic

Apple’s Mac methods work nicely with Google Workspace apps, comparable to Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides. Every of the 5 choices under allows you to leverage your Google account from macOS, starting from the only setup to the deeper connections that hyperlink information both to Apple’s apps or enable Google Drive entry from the Finder. Many individuals might need to register to a brand new Mac and configure all 5 of the choices coated under.

SEE: iCloud vs. OneDrive: Which is finest for Mac, iPad and iPhone customers? (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

In the event you’re a part of a company, you could have to observe procedures aside from those listed under. Each Google Workspace and Apple Business Manager supply numerous enterprise administration choices that enable an administrator to simplify sign-ins, safe gadgets and management configurations. Verify along with your system administrator for tips particular to your group.

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Use Safari for a streamlined setup

When you end the macOS preliminary setup course of and have put in all accessible system updates, you could begin Safari, go to Gmail after which register along with your Google Workspace account credentials. After you might be logged in, you could 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 allows you to get to work rapidly.

Determine A

Google Applications menu open in Safari — Check in to your Google account in Safari and use Google Workspace apps on-line.

Nevertheless, as of January 2023, Google Workspace apps don’t supply offline entry when utilized in Safari on a Mac. If it is advisable use Gmail, Calendar or Drive in your Mac with out web entry, you’ll need to discover the extra steps under. Nevertheless, in case your Mac at all times 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 enough.

Set up Chrome for full-featured work on the net

Most individuals who plan to work with Google Workspace on a Mac will need to install Chrome (Determine B), then register and use that browser for all Workspace-related actions.

Determine B

Google Chrome home page with a link to Download Chrome — To allow offline work, obtain Chrome for macOS, then configure apps comparable to Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Drive for offline entry. You additionally might sync Chrome settings, comparable to bookmarks and historical past, with Chrome on numerous gadgets.

This method not solely lets you configure and sync information for bookmarks, historical past, passwords and extra throughout each Chrome browser you employ, nevertheless it additionally lets you configure Workspace apps for offline work. You’ll need to regulate just a few permission settings, comparable to permitting entry to the webcam and microphone for Google Meet, with further changes wanted to allow screen-sharing.

Check in with Google to attach information to Apple apps

It’s possible you’ll register along with your Google account and set it to sync Workspace information to Apple’s apps. To do that, choose Apple Menu > System Settings… > Web Accounts > Add Account… > Google, after which proceed by way of the sign-in course of (Determine C).

Determine C

Internet Accounts with the Add Account button highlighted next to a menu of account options with Google highlighted — From Apple Menu > System Settings, choose Web Accounts, then Add Account as proven on the left. Subsequent, select Google, as proven on the precise, and full the authentication course of.

Most often, it would be best to allow the sliders for Mail, Contacts and Calendars, which permits these apps to sync Gmail, Google Contacts and Google Calendar information to every app, respectively. You may additionally need to go to the Google Calendar Sync Settings instrument on the net to pick out particular Google Calendars to sync with iCal.

Including your Google account within the Apple system settings will be helpful for offline information entry in apps in addition to while you need system actions to stay in sync along with your Google account. For instance, while you click on on a “mailto:” hyperlink on an online 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 recordsdata

Obtain and set up Google Drive for desktop (Determine D), then register to your account as a way to entry recordsdata on Google Drive from the Finder. This enables you, for instance, to start out an app in your system and from inside that app open a file saved on Drive.

Determine D

Google Drive Help page with instructions for using Google Drive for desktop — For system entry to Google Drive recordsdata from the Finder, set up Google Drive for desktop.

As an example, you may begin a macOS picture enhancing 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 lets you open and save objects on to Drive on a Mac.

Configure Chrome Distant Desktop for distant entry

It’s possible you’ll need to set up and configure Chrome Distant Desktop to permit distant entry to your system both by different folks while you request it, comparable to for help functions, or by your self, comparable to for a desktop system you want to entry remotely.

To configure Chrome Distant Desktop, it is advisable have put in Chrome in your system. Assuming you do, open Chrome and go to https://g.co/crd/setup to start out the set up and setup course of (Determine E). As soon as accomplished, you’ll be capable to entry your system remotely from Chrome Remote Desktop.

Determine E

Chrome Remote Desktop configuration options to set up remote access — Configure Chrome Distant Desktop to permit distant entry to your system, both for help or to your personal use from one other pc.

What’s your expertise with Google Workspace on macOS?

In the event you use Google Workspace on a Mac, which of the above apps and configurations do you employ? Are you a minimalist who prefers to solely register to Google instruments with Safari? Do you’re employed with Google Workspace solely by way 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 employ in your Mac.