Share files from Google Drive

When you share a file from Google Drive, you can control whether people can edit, comment on, or only view the file.

If you use a Google Account through work or school, you may have limits on who you can share your files with.

Note: To edit Microsoft Office files with others, you'll need to convert them to Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.

Step 1: Find the file you want to share

Share a single file

  1. On a computer, go to Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
  2. Click the file you want to share.
  3. Click Share or Share Add people.
Share multiple files
  1. On a computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. On your keyboard, hold Shift and select two or more files.
  3. At the top right, click Share Add people.

Learn how to add files to a folder and share the entire folder.

Send & share Google Forms

Google Forms have different sharing options than other kinds of files.

Step 2: Choose who to share with & how they can use your file

Share with specific people

  1. Under "People," enter the email address you want to share with. 
    • Note: If you share with an email address that isn’t a Google Account, they’ll only be able to view the file.
  2. To choose what someone can do with your file, click the Down arrow Down Arrow.
  3. If you don’t want to send an email people, turn off "Notify people." If you notify people, each email address you enter will be included in the email.
  4. Click Send.
Share a link to the file

You can send other people a link to your file so anyone with the link can use it.

  1. At the top right, click Get shareable link.
  2. Next to "Anyone with the link," click the Down arrow Down Arrow.
  3. Copy and paste the link in an email or any place you want to share it.
Share a file publicly

If you want anyone on the internet to search for, find, and open your file, you can publicly share a file.

  1. Click Get shareable link.
  2. Next to "Anyone with the link," click the Down arrow Down Arrow.
  3. Click More and then On - Public on the web.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Click Done.

People who aren't signed in to a Google Account show up as anonymous animals in your file. Learn more about anonymous animals.

Limit how a file is shared

Choose if people can view, comment, or edit

When you share a file with someone, you can choose what they can do with it.

  • View: People can view, but can’t change or share the file with others.
  • Comment: People can make comments and suggestions, but can’t change or share the file with others.
  • Edit: People can make changes, accept or reject suggestions, and share the file with others.
Change who your link is shared with

When you share a link to a file, you control how widely the file is shared. These options depend on if your Google Account is through work, school, or Gmail.

 
  • On - Public on the web: Anyone can search on Google and get access to your file, without signing in to their Google Account. If you use a Google Account through work or school, you may not see this option.
  • On - Anyone with the link: Anyone who has the link can use your file, without signing in to their Google Account. If you use a Google Account through work or school, you may not see this option.
  • On - Your domain: If you use a Google Account through work or school, anyone signed in to an account in your organization can search for and use your file.
  • On - Anyone at your domain with the link: If you use a Google Account through work or school, anyone signed in to an account in your organization can use the link to your file.
  • Off - Specific people: Only people you share the file with will be able to use it.
How many people you can share with
  • Up to 100 people can edit and comment at the same time.
  • More than 100 people can view a file, though it’s easier to publish the file and create a link. Learn how to publish a file.
  • You can share a file with up to 200 people or groups. If you need to share a file with more than 200 people, add them to a Google Group and share the file with the group.
  • If you share a folder with many people, it could take some time before everyone can use it.

If you want to use a spreadsheet to collect information, learn how to create a Google Form. Read more about how data is collected.

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Evan is a Docs & Drive expert and author of this help page. Leave him feedback below about the page.

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