Tired of sifting through a cluttered Google Drive filled with old Google Docs you no longer need? Fear not, because deleting multiple Google Docs at once is a simple process that can clean up your digital workspace in no time. After reading this, you’ll be able to quickly and efficiently remove unwanted documents with just a few clicks.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete Multiple Google Docs at Once
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why you might want to delete multiple Google Docs. Whether you’re freeing up storage space, decluttering your digital files, or removing sensitive information, deleting unwanted documents can help maintain an organized and efficient drive.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Access your Google Drive where all your documents are stored.
Google Drive is the home base for all your Google Docs. Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account before you start deleting documents.
Step 2: Select the Docs you want to delete
Click on the documents you wish to remove while holding down the ‘Ctrl’ key (or ‘Command’ on Mac).
This step allows you to select multiple documents at once. If you click on a document without holding down the ‘Ctrl’ or ‘Command’ key, you’ll only select that single document.
Step 3: Right-click and select ‘Remove’ or click on the trash icon
After selecting the documents, right-click and choose ‘Remove’ from the drop-down menu or click on the trash bin icon at the top-right corner.
This action will move the selected documents to the trash. They won’t be permanently deleted just yet, but they’ll no longer clutter your Drive.
Step 4: Empty your trash (Optional)
Go to the trash folder and click on ‘Empty trash’ to permanently delete the documents.
If you’re sure you won’t need these documents again, emptying the trash will free up storage space on your Drive. However, once you empty the trash, there’s no going back, so be certain before you do this.
After you complete these steps, your selected Google Docs will be deleted, and your Google Drive will look much tidier. Remember, once you empty the trash, there’s no way to recover those documents, so double-check before taking that final step.
Tips for Deleting Multiple Google Docs at Once
- Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account before you start deleting documents.
- To select all documents, click on the first document, hold down ‘Shift’, and then click on the last document.
- Use the ‘Ctrl’ (‘Command’ on Mac) key to deselect any documents you’ve accidentally selected.
- Double-check the documents you’re deleting to ensure there’s nothing important you might need later.
- Remember that once you empty your trash, those documents are gone forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I accidentally delete a Google Doc?
If you haven’t emptied your trash, simply go to the trash folder and restore the document.
Can I delete Google Docs from a shared folder?
Yes, you can delete Google Docs from a shared folder, but be aware that it will also be deleted for everyone else with access.
Will deleting Google Docs free up space on my Google Drive?
Yes, deleting documents will free up space, especially if you empty the trash afterward.
Is there a way to recover permanently deleted Google Docs?
Once you’ve emptied the trash, there is no way to recover the deleted documents.
Can I delete multiple Google Docs on my mobile device?
The process is similar on mobile, but you might find it easier and quicker to manage multiple documents on a desktop.
Summary
- Open Google Drive.
- Select the Docs you want to delete.
- Right-click and select ‘Remove’ or click on the trash icon.
- Empty your trash (Optional).
Conclusion
Managing your digital files can feel overwhelming, but knowing how to delete multiple Google Docs at once can make the process much simpler. With just a few clicks, you can declutter your Google Drive and create a more organized digital space. Remember to double-check the documents you’re deleting and consider the consequences before emptying your trash. The ability to manage your files efficiently not only keeps you organized but also ensures that your most important documents are easy to find when you need them. Happy decluttering!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.