Loading Images into Mindmup Maps Saved to Google Drive
The way images are added to Mindmup maps saved in Google Drive has changed. This article explains what’s different, why the change was necessary, and what it means for users and administrators.
From Photos to Drive
Previously, Mindmup allowed you to load images directly from Google Photos into your maps. That’s no longer possible. Going forward, you can load images stored in your Google Drive instead.
Images added this way are embedded directly into the map. This makes sharing easier, since the images travel with the map. However, unlike Google Photos (which only stored image links), embedded images increase the size of your map. As a result, larger maps may take slightly longer to load or save.
Any images previously added from Google Photos should continue to work.
Why Is This Changing?
Google has removed support for accessing Google Photos through the picker widget used by third-party apps. Because of this, it’s no longer technically possible for Mindmup to continue offering direct access to Google Photos.
Security Implications
The next time you try to load an image into a map, Google may ask you to grant additional permissions to Mindmup.
Previously, Mindmup only required access to files created by the Mindmup application. To display image thumbnails in the Google Drive picker and load them into a map, Google now requires permission for Mindmup to download files from Drive.
What If You Don’t Want to Grant Additional Permissions?
We understand that granting broader access to Google Drive may not be ideal for everyone. Unfortunately, the Google Drive picker does not display images with more restrictive permissions.
If you prefer not to grant these permissions, you can use Mindmup storage instead. This allows you to upload images directly from your device without relying on Google Drive access.
Administrative Requirements
If your organization uses Google Workspace authentication with Mindmup, administrators may need to grant the new permissions centrally. This prevents individual users from being prompted to approve access.
To grant access:
- Open https://admin.google.com and sign in as a Google Workspace administrator.
- Select Apps.
- Select Google Workspace Marketplace apps.
- Select Mindmup 2 for Google Drive.
- Click Grant access.
If you have questions or need help, contact us at contact@mindmup.com.