How to share a folder in Google Drive

Google Drive can serve as a handy one-stop storage place that allows multiple people to access the same documents and make changes. For instance, team members can quickly collaborate on a project in real-time without downloading the folder or file. However, this requires you to be able to share a file or folder on Google Drive and to understand the sharing permissions.

Learn moreHow to create a folder on Google Drive

There are several options to share your folder: with a person or group of people; or with anyone who has a hyperlink.

If you want to share the folder with someone specific, enter their name or email address in the search box. The same applies to for Google Groups, type the group’s name in the search bar to share the folder with the multiple group members.

Click the button to choose the way a person can access the folder. Down arrow to the right. ViewersYou can view the folder and access all files in it. The same with CommentatorsHowever, they can also make comments on all files in the folder. Editors have the most freedom — they can edit, delete, or move any files within the folder and add additional files to the folder.

You can modify the permission settings of the files within the folder after sharing it.

Link sharing

You can also share the folder using a unique link. This is the best way to share folders without a Google Account.

First, click Get the Link Select whether the link is restricted to a specific audience or accessible to all. RestrictedThis means that only collaborators can access the folder with the link. Anyone can use the linkThis means that anyone can access the folder from any computer via the Internet if they have the link.

When sharing sensitive information, it’s best to choose Restricted. If you share a folder, with the link, you can modify the permissions settings as described above.

Next, click Copy the link then Done. Lastly, paste the link into an email or any place you want to share it.

How to share folders in Google Drive (iOS & Android)

Next to the folder’s name you want to share, tap the three-dot icon and tap Share.

Type in the person’s name, email address, or Google Group you want to share with. Next, click the “Edit” button to allow a person to view, comment on, or modify the file. DownBelow their names, an arrow.

ViewersCan view the folder, and then open the files contained within it. The same with CommentatorsHowever, they can also make comments on all files in the folder. Editors have the most freedom — they can edit, delete, or move any files within the folder and add additional files to the folder.

Before sending, if you don’t want to notify people that you have sent the folder, tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and tap Don’t notify people.

Finally, tap the SendClick the arrow below to send the folder by email to anyone you shared it with.

Link sharing

You can also share the folder using a unique link. This is the best way to share folders without a Google Account. Click the globe icon at the bottom left to select link settings.

Tap ChangeTo restrict or open the access to the linked site. RestrictedThis means that only collaborators can access the folder with the link. Anyone can use the linkAnyone can access the folder via the link.

Click on the chain-link symbol to copy the link.

How to share files in Google Drive (desktop).

First select the file to be shared, then click the ShareYou will see the button in the upper right. Next, hold ShiftTo select multiple files, click on the keyboard and then click on two or more files.

Next, enter your email address for the person you wish to share it with. By entering its name, you can also share with a Google Group.

You can choose to notify the recipients. Check the box to notify people. Notify people. If you don’t want to notify people, uncheck the box.

You can also change the permissions of others to access your document by clicking the “Edit” button to the right. DownSelect and arrow Viewer, CommenterOr Editor.

ViewersYou can open any files in the folder by looking at it. Likewise, Commentators You can also make comments on all files in the folder. Finally,Editors have the most freedom; they can edit, delete, or move any files within the folder and add additional files to the folder.

Link sharing

Alternatively, you can share the folder with a unique link. This method is optimal for sharing folders with people who do not have a Google account.

First, click Get Link and select whether the link is restricted or open to anyone with the link. Restricted means only people you add as collaborators can open the folder with the link. Anyone with the link means anyone on the internet who obtains the link can view the folder.

When sharing sensitive information, it’s best to choose Restricted. However, you can change the same permissions settings described above via the drop-down menu when sharing a folder with anyone with the link.

Next, click Copy link and then click Done. Lastly, paste the link into an email or any place you want to share it.

How to share files on Google Drive (iOS and Android)

On your Android or iOS device, open the Google Drive app.

Next to the file’s name you want to share, tap the three-dot icon and tap Share.

Type in the person’s name, email address, or Google Group you want to share with. Then, to choose whether a person can view, comment, or edit the file, tap the Down arrow below their name.

Viewers can see the folder and open all files within the folder. Same with Commenters, but they can also add comments to all files within the folder. EditorsThe most freedom is theirs. They can add or delete files, move them, and edit any folder files.

Before sending, If you don’t want to notify people that you have sent the folder, you can tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and tap Don’t notify people.

Lastly, tap the Send arrow to send the folder via email to people you shared with.

Link sharing

You can also share the folder using a unique link. This is the best way to share folders without a Google Account. Tap the globe icon in the bottom left and select the link settings.

Tap Change to select restrict or open access to the link. Restricted means that only people you add as collaborators can open the folder with the link. Anyone can use the link means anyone on the internet who obtains the link can open the folder as either a viewer, commenter, or editor.

Click the chain-link icon to copy the link and paste it into an email or any place you want to share it.

How to unshare a file or folder on Google Drive

If you accidentally shared a file or folder with the wrong person or assigned incorrect permissions settings, don’t worry. You can always change how, and with who your files are shared, after the fact.

To revoke sharing permissions with a specific person, click on the relevant file or folder and click the Share button in the upper right. Then, select the drop-down menu beside the person’s name, and click Remove.

You can also transfer ownership of the file or folder or change their permissions settings between Viewer, Commenter, and Editor from here. Transferring ownership will enable someone else to make these kinds of alterations to the file’s access.

Stop sharing a file or folder

One method to stop sharing a file or folder is to remove access for a specific individual, as listed above. To prevent people from viewing, commenting on, or editing your files or folders, you must permanently delete them. See our guide on deleting files and folders from Google Drive for more instructions. If you want to keep the files for yourself, you should download them beforehand.

You can also limit how your files are shared to prevent others from printing, copying, or downloading your file. To do so, first, click the Settings icon from the Share screen.

Next, uncheck the box beside Viewers and commenters can see the option to download, print, and copy.

Restrict access to a link on Google Drive

To change link-sharing settings, click on the file or folder and click Share.

Then, under Get link, select whether or not the file or folder is restricted or accessible to anyone with the link. For example, when you change a link’s setting to Restricted, only those you have directly shared the file or folder with under the Share with people and groups section can still see it.

Read more: How to delete labels and folders in Gmail

FAQs

Can I share my whole Google Drive?

You can share all files and folders in your Drive at once. First, press Crt + A on the keyboard to select everything in your Drive, then click ShareIn the upper right corner of the screen

Can I share photos through Google Drive?

Google Drive lets you share photos as with any other file.

You can share Google Drive files with non-Gmail users.

A custom link allows you to share files or folders from Google Drive with people without a Gmail account. Choose Get linkWhen sharing the file, To share the link, copy and paste it into an email message or messenger.