- Getting Started with Google Drive
- Installing Drive on Your Smartphone, Tablet, or Computer
- Collaborating on and Sharing Files?Even in Real Time
- Connecting Apps to Drive for Added Functionality
- Explore Drive Chrome Extensions
- Summary
Connecting Apps to Drive for Added Functionality
A variety of third-party apps are available that extend the power of Google Drive and Google Apps. For example, there are apps that enable you to convert to PDF, create a mind map, design print collateral, and much more.
To find potential apps while in Drive, select My Drive, New File, Connect More Apps and then view the available apps in the Connect Apps to Drive window. You can search for apps by name or keyword or view apps by category (see Figure 5).
Here are some apps you might want to check out:
- CloudConvert—an online conversion tool that enables you to convert more than 100 file formats including audio, video, document, image, and spreadsheet files. PDF conversion is one popular use for this app.
LucidPress Layout and Design—a design tool that enables you to create newsletters (both print and digital), flyers, brochures, reports, and more, even if you don’t have design skills (see Figure 6).
- MindMup—an online mind mapping tool that offers real-time collaboration.
- Obvibase—an online database that lets you attach files to database records, create multiple choice dropdowns, insert checkboxes, and more.
- RealTime Board—an online whiteboard for project management and collaboration.
Although most of these apps are free, some offer fee-based premium features.