Google started to roll out a so-called “simpler” sharing UI for Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. The new UI is now available for most users.

Google tweaks the UI of its services every once in a while, and most tweaks are made to bring a modern design. Just like when the company decided to release the Material You design standards for its apps and services. Now, Google is releasing a simpler UI for its Docs, Drive, and more.

Once you click on the Share button, a banner that says “Sharing is simpler” appears that highlights the new changes. All features you need to share a document with a friend or co-worker are available in the box.

Google’s simpler sharing UI for Drive and Docs rolls out

The sharing box consists of two sections. First, the “People with access” section shows the people who currently have access to the document, plus yourself as the owner. Google says this part is here to “manage access for individuals and groups.”

Another section is the “General access” that lets you “allow or restrict general file access.” If you have a personal Google Account, two options, Restricted and Anyone with the link, appear to change the scope of sharing. Then, you can determine if the person is a Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.

This is the second time in the past two years that Google is redesigning the sharing section of Docs and Drive. Last time, in mid-2020, Google updated the sharing section of Google Drive and the G Suite family to make it “easier to share files only with specific people without expanding access beyond what’s needed.”

Also, through the setting button on the top-right corner, you can determine whether editors can change permissions and share, or viewers and commenters can see the option to download, print, and copy. Google Docs has also recently brought multiple text selection that leads to faster formatting.

Google’s simpler sharing UI makes the sharing process easier and more transparent. You can check your Google Docs, Drive, and G Suite family to see if the new sharing UI is available for you.