Google Collections is a web browsing tool that reduces the need to comb through your search history. It can save and group links, images, places, and more in virtual folders. Imagine it as a digital scrapbook orPinterest board where you store videosand images or gather things you want to return to later.
If you frequently switch between yourAndroid tablets, phones, and computers, collections sync across your devices, allowing you to access them wherever you are. Here’s how to use the feature for a simpler online experience.
How to access and use Google’s ‘My Activity’ feature
you’re able to quickly manage your data and search activity preferences
What is Google Collections?
Google Collections is a free feature in the Google app, although it cuts across services like Search, Chrome, Maps, YouTube, and more. You can save the following files into groups:
Create a collection from theSavedmenu of the Google app, or store web content directly from the source. After creating your collections, you’ll access simple organization features to reorder, delete, or share them with collaborators. Moving content across collections is also possible.
You need a Google accountto use Collections if you want your preferences, settings, and data to sync across devices. Since the Google app isn’t restricted to the Android ecosystem, you can use it on iPhones and iPads.
Google Collections is accessible to anyone using the Google App, including iOS devices. If you want to add items to your collection from other apps, they must be associated with Google to access the feature. Also, Collections is available in many countries but not in all languages or regions.
How to create a Google collection
Creating a new collection is the same for Android, Apple, and PC devices. The Google app should be installed on Android devices. If you don’t see it, download it from the Google Play Store. iOS or iPadOS uses the Apple App Store. If you use a computer, access theInterests web pagefrom a browser.
When creating a collection, you’ll choose from three options:
Follow the steps below to create collections on the mobile app:
How to add content to existing collections on the Google app
You may want to grow your collection, or you may discover fresh content that shares similarities with the existing ones. Update your collections using the following steps:
How to manage your collections
There are several ways to manage and edit your collections. Editing them allows you to change their names or make them more descriptive. You can also change their appearance from the grid view to a list format. Reordering collections prioritizes frequently accessed content at the top for easy access and moves less important files to the bottom.
You may also move items you added to the wrong collection. If you invite collaborators, you’ll work together to organize content within the collection. You can delete collections you no longer need, including those people shared with you. You can’t delete collections that have view-only access. But with editing or contributing access, you can delete your copy without affecting the original.
Collections that Google made can’t be deleted or renamed. Here’s how to manage your Google collections effectively.
Edit collections on the Google app
Reorder collections on the Google app
Delete collections on the Google app
Invite collaborators to collections on the Google app
How to save content to collections in other Google apps and services
The Google app centralizes your collections. YouTube, Keep, Maps, and other related apps allow tailored curation. Let’s say you’re browsing YouTube for a cooking recipe or dance tutorial. It makes sense to save the video from YouTube rather than open the Google app, search for the videos, and save them.
On most apps and services, you’ll share the content you’re trying to save to the Google app. Find theShareoption. Its location varies depending on the app you use. In Chrome, tap thethree-dot iconin the upper-right corner of the mobile app or web version to expand the menu and selectShare.
Next, select theSavedoption with the Google app logo above it. If you don’t see it, tap anotherthree-dot iconamong the sharing options to view more. The content is saved to a random collection, and you have seconds to edit its location or create a new collection for it before the option disappears. When it does, enter the Google app to modify it.
Need inspiration on arranging your collections? Visit Google’spublic collections page. It’s themed around arts and culture from museums and publications.
Effortlessly categorize your web browsing interests
Give Google Collections a try if you enjoy browsing the internet and saving content for later. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who loves learning new things, this tool is a great way to gather content you find online.
Different Google apps and services provide similar in-app features for more collection options. You canbookmark all tabs, select ones and organize them, or use the Favorites feature in your Chrome browser. Also, the folders in your device’s file manager keep a local copy of content, which you can upload to the cloud anytime.
