La Arrival of Android version 14 It represented a significant advance in the handling and management of multitasking on mobile devices, introducing several functions that optimize productivity and ease of use. One of its major new features is the ability to drag and drop text and objects between applications, a feature that, although already present in other systems, is now integrated more naturally and widely into Android phones and tablets.
This functionality is especially practical when you need to share information or files between apps that are not directly compatible through traditional sharing options. This solves the common limitation of apps that do not allow the sending of certain items, and promotes the multitasking user experience to a higher level, allowing you to take full advantage of the architecture and capabilities of the most modern Android devices.
Step by Step: How to Drag Text and Objects Between Apps on Android
To get the most out of this feature, you need to familiarize yourself with the drag and drop operationHere's a detailed tutorial on how to transfer information between different apps:
- Open the source application containing the text, image, file or any other object you want to move.
- Locate the item to be transferred and hold down on it until it is selected (it will appear highlighted or with a border, depending on the app).
- Without letting go, drag the object to the bottom or top edge of the screen, depending on your navigation system. This may involve moving it to the home icon or using the gesture to bring up/open recent tasks.
- You will see that the object is in the shape of “floating element” on the main desk.
- Open the target application and drag the object to the location where you want to drop it (text field, chat, gallery, etc.). Release your finger and the content will be transferred.
You can also take advantage of the split screen to make this process even more efficient, keeping both applications open simultaneously on the screen and dragging content from one to the other without losing sight of either.
Compatibility, requirements and technical recommendations
To use the function drag text and objects between apps On Android, you should keep these essential aspects in mind:
- OS update: Your device must have Android 14 or laterWithout this version, the native option will be missing, although some brands already integrate this feature into custom layers.
- Supported and updated applications: Not all developments support drag and drop of elements. It is essential to have all apps updated to the latest version, especially those where you usually manage files, text or images.
- Hardware and RAM capacity: The system requires a certain available RAM to multitask flawlessly. Check usage and free up space if necessary using the device's built-in cleaner.
- Display modes: Some full-screen displays may block drag and drop. If an app is in immersive mode or blocking the navigation bar, you'll need to exit that mode before starting the process.
It is worth noting that although Android 14 generalized the functionality, some brands like Samsung (One UI 5.1 onwards) and OPPO already included similar mechanisms in their layers. If your device is from these brands or another manufacturer with customizations, test whether you can drag text/photos between apps directly, even if you have an older Android version.
Types of elements you can drag and drop
The tool It is not limited to text only. It is possible to transfer Images, audio files, PDFs, office documents, contacts, links and even videos, depending on the apps involved. For example:
- Text: From editing fields, chats, notepads, emails, etc.
- Images: Gallery photos, images attached in instant messaging, screenshots.
- Records: Send PDFs, DOCs, or any other supported format from Google Files, Drive, or similar apps.
- Links and contacts: You can drag web addresses or even contact information from a contacts app into a message or email.
The key is to identify which apps support the featureFor example, Files by Google lets you drag files to other apps like Google Drive, Gmail, Google Photos, etc., and the process is especially streamlined when using split screen.
Advantages and benefits of drag and drop on Android
- Saving time and effort: It eliminates the need for classic copy and paste—especially tedious for long texts—and avoids having to save files to storage in order to share them.
- Transfer between incompatible apps: You can move text and images between apps that don't have sharing options.
- Multitasking fluency: Split-screen operation or multitasking with open apps streamlines business processes, content editing, or personal tasks.
- Advanced file management: You can transfer multiple files at once by selecting and moving them together between folders or apps, for example, in Files by Google or Google Photos.
In addition, functions such as Drag and drop links to save them as bookmarks in browsers They offer new utilities that improve daily productivity.
Practical applications and recommended uses in everyday life
The function of drag text and objects It opens up multiple possibilities for both personal and professional life. Below are some specific examples of its use:
- Send documents through multiple apps: You can now move a file directly from Files, Drive, or a gallery to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, or email clients by simply dragging the file to the destination chat or email.
- Task management between office apps: Drag a piece of text or image from a notes app to a word processor or spreadsheet open in split screen.
- Quickly share professional information: If you work with Google Drive, you can move images, PDFs, or other attachments directly into the editing app or email without the need for intermediate downloads.
- Uploading images to social networks: Drag a photo from your gallery or a website opened in Chrome to a social app to share it instantly.
- Copy links or messages between chats: Ideal for intensive instant messaging users who manage groups, projects, or mailing lists.
Drag and drop between files and Google apps: File Manager, Drive, Photos, and Gmail
One of the most frequent scenarios where this functionality is exploited is Move files between the Files by Google app and other Google apps, such as Drive, Photos, and Gmail:
- Open Files by Google and the target app.
- Activate the split screen to view both at the same time (by accessing multitasking and selecting the split screen option for each app).
- Select the file or files in Files by Google and, holding down, drag them to the destination app and drop them into the corresponding folder, email, or album.
This method also works for move files between different folders within Google Files or to send multiple attachments in one move, increasing efficiency in managing digital documents.
Specific tutorial: How to drag and drop text between applications step by step
- Open the app with the text field (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, Google Keep).
- Type or select the desired text not sent yet.
- Press and hold the selected text until it is highlighted.
- With one hand, tap the text again and drag it to the bottom.
- While the text is “floating,” with your other hand, tap the home button and open the target app.
- Place the text in the corresponding field and drop it.
This procedure can be adapted depending on the navigation system (traditional buttons or gestures) and the specific apps, but the logic is always the same: select, drag, switch apps, and drop.
Drag and drop files between Android and PC: Windows integration for Samsung and other manufacturers
In addition to the internal functionality of Android, there are Specific options for Samsung users (through integration with Windows and the “Your Phone” or “Phone Link” tool). This allows, for example:
- Drag photos, text, or files from your phone to a Windows folder (and vice versa), without cables or intermediate steps.
- Move multiple files at once, facilitating the flow of documents and multimedia between devices.
This integration is also implemented by other manufacturers with their own ecosystem apps, although Samsung stands out for its maturity and ease of use for professional and home users.
Limitations, tricks and additional tips
- Not all apps and devices support this feature., although the trend is for compatibility to grow with each update and in newer models.
- If that doesn't work, make sure both apps are in split-screen or floating window mode. If that doesn't work, check for newer versions on Google Play.
- In some cases, Dragging is only possible when the element is selected (for example, text not sent or file not locked).
- Try combinations: Not only between Google apps, but also between third-party apps such as text editors, social networks, storage apps (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.).
- If you have a phone with a stylus, try dragging and dropping using the pen, as the experience can be more precise, especially on larger screens.
Other relevant Android 14 features for multitasking productivity
Android 14 not only brought drag and drop, but added key tools to optimize the multitask:
- Split screen: Allows you to open two apps simultaneously and move items between them.
- Picture-in-Picture: Watch videos or make video calls while browsing other apps.
- Native Screen Recording: Ideal for creating tutorials showing drag and drop or any other multitasking process.
- Advanced lock screen and flash notification management: Make it easy to customize and respond quickly to notifications while working across apps.
- Restricted access to photos: Provides control over which images to share with apps, adding privacy and security.
Drag and drop also in browsers and third-party apps
Google is incorporating Drag and drop files in Chrome for Android, allowing you to move images from your device's gallery to a Google Docs document, an email in Gmail, or between tabs, just like on your desktop. This feature extends file management capabilities between apps and the browser.
Improved file and asset management on Android increases efficiency and flexibility when working, studying, or enjoying digital entertainment, and represents a quantum leap from previous versions.
The capacity of Drag and drop text, images, and files between apps on Android It emerges as a practical and advanced solution for users looking for agility and versatility in your workflows, both personal and professional. With the right requirements, and taking advantage of split screen and integration with the Google ecosystem and other brands, this feature allows you to save time, minimize errors, and boost creativity and daily organization. An essential tool to get the most out of your Android device, wherever you are.
