What Happens When You Send a Google Drive Link: A Complete Guide

Quick Tips

• When you share a Google Drive file or a folder, you can invite a specific user or allow anyone with a link to access it.
• You can only let users view or comment on the file/folder or edit it.
• You can also prevent users with access from copying, downloading, or printing the document.

Understanding Google Drive File Sharing Settings

Sharing a Google Drive link allows users to access the file or a folder. Whether they can view, edit, or modify the file depends upon the permissions you’ve granted. There are three ways to share a file or a folder on Google Drive:

• Viewer: With this setting, people can only view the file or folder on Google Drive.
• Commenter: This setting allows people to post text comments under the file or folder.
• Editor: This allows users to edit the shared Google Drive Folder or File.

Any sharing permissions you set for a folder will automatically apply to all the files inside. However, you can change the sharing permissions for individual files within the folder, applying different settings to each file if needed.

How to Provide Access to a File or Folder for Specific Users Only

On Web

Step 1: Click on the three dots icon next to a file or folder you want to share on Google Drive > click on Share.

Step 2: Click on the drop-down menu next to the name > choose the access type > tap on Send.

The user will receive a link to access the file/folder on their email address.

• To change or revoke access – Go to the Share menu for the file/folder and click on the drop-down menu next to the user with access. You can change the type of access, revoke the access, or transfer the ownership of the document to them.

• Click on the settings (gear) icon at the top right corner of the share window to prevent users from changing the permissions or printing/downloading the document.

Tip: You can always use the Copy link button to quickly share, and let the invited user access the document.

On iPhone/Android

Step 1: Click on the three-dots icon next to a file or folder, and select Share.

Step 2: Enter the email address of the person you want to provide access to. Then, tap on the drop-down menu below the name and choose the type of access.

• To revoke or modify access, tap on the three-dots menu icon in the share screen and tap on Manage Access.
• Tap on the user to select how you want to modify the permissions or remove them from accessing the file or folder.

Also Read: Google One vs. Google Drive: What’s the difference?

How to Provide Access to a File or Folder for Anyone With a Link

On Web

Step 1: Click on the three dots icon next to a file or folder you want to share on Google Drive. Click on Share.

Step 2: Tap on Restricted and change it to Anyone with the link.

Step 3: Click on the drop-down menu next to it and select the permissions. You can then Copy the link to the file or folder and share it with users.

To prevent users from downloading or printing the file, tap on the Settings icon at the top right corner of the share menu and uncheck the box for it.

On iPhone and Android

Step 1: Click on the three-dots icon next to a file or folder > select Share.

Step 2: Tap on the three-dots icon > select Manage Access.

Step 3: Tap on Restricted > change it to Anyone with the link.

Step 4: Tap on the drop-down menu next to Viewer and modify the access. Then, you can use the copy link icon at the top right and share the file or folder with users.

Also Read: How to fix Google Drive not downloading files on Android and iPhone