10 Hidden kDrive Features You Need to Know

You use kDrive to store your files, share them, perhaps collaborate on documents. But do you really know all its capabilities? Here are 10 often overlooked features that can transform the way you work.

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1. Versioning: Recover Any Past Version

Did you delete an important paragraph yesterday? kDrive\'s versioning keeps your file history for 90 days (depending on your plan).

How to use it:

1. Right-click on a file
2. Select "Versions"
3. Browse the history and preview each version
4. Restore the desired version or download it

This feature saves the day when someone accidentally overwrites a file or when you regret changes.

2. File Comments

You can add comments to any kDrive file, even PDFs or images. It\'s ideal for leaving instructions for a colleague or noting contextual information.

How to use it:

1. Open the file information panel ("i" icon)
2. Scroll down to the "Comments" section
3. Add your comment

Comments are visible to everyone with access to the file. You can mention people with @name to notify them.

3. Drop Folders (Drop Box)

Need to receive files from external parties (applications, client documents, contributions)? Drop folders allow anyone to upload files without seeing the contents of your kDrive.

How to create a drop folder:

1. Create a folder in kDrive
2. Right-click → "Manage access"
3. Enable "Drop link"
4. Configure options (password, expiration, notification)
5. Share the link

People using the link can upload files but cannot see what others have uploaded. You are notified with each new upload.

4. Advanced Search with Filters

The kDrive search bar is more powerful than it looks. You can use filters to refine your searches:

• type:pdf – Search only for PDFs
• type:image – All images
• modified:today – Files modified today
• modified:week – This week
• from:jean – Files shared by Jean

Combine filters: type:pdf modified:month budget will find PDFs containing "budget" modified this month.

5. Keyboard Shortcuts

Advanced users will appreciate the web interface keyboard shortcuts:

Press ? to display the full list of shortcuts.

6. Sharing with Expiration Date and Download Limits

When you share a file via a public link, you can set:

• An expiration date: the link becomes inactive after this date
• A password: additional protection
• A download limit: the file can only be downloaded X times

These options are available when creating the share link. Use them systematically for sensitive documents.

7. File Previews Without Downloading

kDrive generates previews for many file types, even those you can\'t edit online:

• PDF, Office documents
• Images (JPG, PNG, GIF, RAW...)
• Videos (streaming playback)
• Audio files
• Text files, source code

Simply click on a file to open it in preview. Navigate between files with the arrows. No need to download just to quickly check content.

8. OnlyOffice Integration

kDrive includes a complete office suite via OnlyOffice. You can create and edit:

• Text documents (.docx)
• Spreadsheets (.xlsx)
• Presentations (.pptx)

Editing is collaborative in real time. Multiple people can work on the same document simultaneously, with different-colored cursors and modification history.

Tip: To create a new document, click "+ New" then choose the type. The file is created directly in kDrive.

9. Selective Desktop Sync

The kDrive desktop app can sync your entire kDrive or only selected folders. This is essential if you have many files but limited SSD space.

How to configure:

1. Open the kDrive app preferences
2. Go to "Synchronization"
3. Uncheck the folders you don\'t want to sync locally

Non-synced files remain accessible via the web or mobile app. You can enable/disable folder synchronization at any time.

10. Activity Feed and Notifications

Track what\'s happening in your kDrive through the activity feed:

• Who modified which file
• New files added
• Files deleted
• Shares created or modified

Access the activity feed via the bell icon or the side panel. You can filter by event type or by folder.

Configure notifications to be alerted about important changes: email, mobile push notification, or both.

Bonus: Organization Tips

Use Folder Colors

You can assign a color to each folder for visual identification. Right-click → Edit → choose a color. Useful for distinguishing active projects, archives, personal files, etc.

Create Favorites

Files and folders you use frequently can be added to favorites. They will appear in the "Favorites" section of the sidebar for quick access.

Use Tags

Add tags to your files to find them more easily. A single file can have multiple tags. Then filter by tag in search.

Conclusion

kDrive is much more than simple file storage. Versioning, real-time collaboration, drop folders, advanced search: these features transform kDrive into a true productivity platform.

Take the time to explore these options. Once mastered, they\'ll save you valuable time every day.

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