How to Use Google Takeout

Google Takeout provides a handy way to download your data or move it to another device. It is the simplest way to move your stuff from Google’s digital domain into your own. If this is the first time you’re using Takeout, start with something manageable. We use a photo album as an example in the following instructions.

What Kind of Data Can You Takeout?

Google Takeout lists 51 kinds of data, including contacts, photos, Google Keep notes, Gmail, and bookmarks. For a full list of data types, and to find out how much you have of each, sign in to your Google account, then visit the Google Dashboard.

Why Use Google Takeout?

Google provides cheap and secure storage for digital assets. You can access your files from wherever you have an internet connection. When you need to get to the files, or when a file migration utility doesn’t work as it should, an easy way to download the data can be a lifesaver. Here are a few things you can do with Google Takeout:

Move a collection of images to your laptop for editing.Reseed your Outlook, Apple Contacts, or calendar.Clear space on your Google Drive by archiving old documents to physical media.Create redundant archives of important files to store on other cloud services.