Authors
Samuel Corbeil
Google Workspace Specialist
Google Workspace
Customizing Google Drive share links
Google Workspace is renowned for its simplicity and efficiency. However, beyond its basic functions, it offers advanced sharing options that are often overlooked. In this article, we’ll explore some examples of Google Drive link customizations that can save you time and provide an optimal collaborative experience.
In addition to the standard sharing options (Viewer, Commenter, Editor), you can take advantage of more advanced features for greater control over your shared documents.
URL: The Key to Customization
Each Google Drive file has a unique web address, known as its URL. By modifying this address, you can unlock more advanced sharing options.
Custom Google Drive Link Examples
Create a Google Drive file copy link
If you want a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file to be automatically copied to someone else’s Google Drive account, you can send a copy link instead of a sharing link.
Simply replace /edit with /copy in the URL of any native Google Drive document.
Original link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/edit
Copy link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/copy
Google Docs - Create a Download Link in a Specific Format
If you want a Google Docs file to be downloaded directly in a specific format from the link, simply replace /edit with the command /export?format=, followed by the desired file type.
Allowed export file types include doc and docx (Word), pdf, txt, html, odt (OpenDocument) and epub (ebook).
Original link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/edit
Download Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=doc
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=docx
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=pdf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=txt
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=html
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=odt
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=epub
Google Sheets - Create a Download Link in a Specific Format
If you want a Google Sheets file to be downloaded directly in a specific format from the link, simply replace /edit with the command /export?format=, followed by the desired file type.
Allowed export file types are pdf, csv and xlsx (Excel).
Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/edit
Download Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=pdf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=csv
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export?format=xlsx
Google Slides - Create a Download Link in a Specific Format
If you want a Google Slides file to be downloaded directly in a specific format from the link, simply replace /edit with the command /export/, followed by the desired file type.
Allowed export file types are pdf, pptx (PowerPoint).
Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/edit
Download Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export/pdf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/export/pptx
Google Slides - Create a Download Link to Export a Slide as an Image
With Google Slides files, you have the option to convert a slide to an image file in the PNG format.
Replace /edit by the command /export/ and add png?pageid=p, followed by the slide number.
Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/file_ID/edit
Download Link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/file_ID/export/png?pageid=p1
Create a Preview Link
If you want to share a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file without displaying the full graphical interface, simply replace /edit by the command /preview
Original Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/edit
Download Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/file_ID/preview
Optimize Your Google Drive Document Sharing
Mastering Google Drive sharing links enables you to optimize your collaborations and share your documents more efficiently, tailored to your needs. By utilizing the solutions presented in this article, you will save time and make information more accessible for your collaborators.
We hope these tips will be useful to you! Feel free to bookmark this article for future reference and send it with file -sharing enthusiasts in your network.
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