Computer Expert, Mobile Device Noob

[davoid]

The Android Gmail app only shows menu options for attaching pictures or video, but installing a file manager will allow you to find and 'share' any desired file via Gmail.

That definitely rings true. Similar to the way you need a file manager installed in order to choose your own ringtone outside of the provided system sounds, as the option does not appear, otherwise.

 

[wisnoskij]

I am not sure, and do not have the device in front of me, but just whatever pure stock right now for 4.4.

And yes it is possible to get around this, but stock has completely disabled the option. But do the file managers manage files on google Drive? Because that is really your main storage, at least that is what I am finding.

 

[Goodspike]

I would imagine the Google Drive app manages files on Google Drive--at least that's how it works on Dropbox. With Dropbox the file isn't even on your device unless you ask for it, so there would be no way for a file manager to deal with it (unless it too can access the actual cloud drive).

 

[wisnoskij]

I would imagine the Google Drive app manages files on Google Drive--at least that's how it works on Dropbox. With Dropbox the file isn't even on your device unless you ask for it, so there would be no way for a file manager to deal with it (unless it too can access the actual cloud drive).

Yes, but unless something like ES Exploring can manage my Drive files that will not help me adding spreadsheets and documents from drive to emails. because as it stands right now all of those files are greyed out.

 

[Goodspike]

Yes, but unless something like ES Exploring can manage my Drive files that will not help me adding spreadsheets and documents from drive to emails. because as it stands right now all of those files are greyed out.

You can send links to the file from Dropbox via an email. That's even better than attaching the file because you can send a link to a very large file. Not sure how Google drive works. I only use that on my netbook.

You might have to send more than one email to send multiple files--I don't know.

 

[Slug]

as it stands right now all of those files are greyed out.

Something's not right then, because even 'unknown' files in my Drive e.g. those with no default app associated with them can be long-pressed and "sent" to Gmail ready for addressing from my own Android devices.

p.s. some file management apps are 'cloud-aware', yes.

 

[wisnoskij]

Ah, great.

But I specifically meant that I could not attach the files to a email, or pick them using the OS file picker even for other applications, not that the drive app disabled "send by email" for specific types.

 

[Slug]

I specifically meant that I could not attach the files to a email, or pick them using the OS file picker even for other applications

Here's how I attach files to emails on my devices:

1. Open Drive
2. Select file by long-press
3. Select Send from the pop-up menu
4. Select Gmail from the list
5. Gmail opens a new email with the file attached

not that the drive app disabled "send by email" for specific types.

Well, you said

that will not help me adding spreadsheets and documents from drive to emails. because as it stands right now all of those files are greyed out

which made it sound like you are unable to do anything with those Drive files.