How to Download Files from Google Drive with a Direct Link
Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage services that lets you store and access your files from any device. You can also share your files with others by creating a shareable link that opens the Google Drive web page where they can view or download your file.
But what if you want to skip the Google Drive web page and make your file download directly when someone clicks on your link? This is where a direct download link comes in handy. A direct download link is a custom URL that bypasses the Google Drive web page and starts the file download immediately. This can save you time and bandwidth, as well as provide a better user experience for your audience.
download drive with link
In this article, we'll show you how to create a direct download link for your Google Drive files, how to use it for various purposes, and what are the benefits and limitations of using it. Let's get started!
What is a Direct Download Link and How Does It Work?
A direct download link is a modified version of the shareable link that you get from Google Drive when you share your file. The shareable link looks something like this:
This link opens the Google Drive web page where you can see the file preview, details, comments, and options to view or download the file. However, if you want to skip this web page and make your file download directly, you need to change some parts of this link.
The direct download link looks something like this:
This link uses the uc parameter instead of the file parameter, and adds the export=download parameter to indicate that the file should be downloaded. It also uses the id parameter to specify the unique file identifier of the file, which you can get from the shareable link.
When someone clicks on the direct download link, the file will start downloading automatically, without opening the Google Drive web page. This can be useful if you want to share your file with others in a quick and easy way, or if you want to embed your file in your website or blog.
How to create a direct download link from Google Drive
How to make a direct download link for Google Drive files
How to download files and folders from Google Drive
How to use Google Takeout to download all files or folders from Google Drive
How to convert a Google Drive file link to a direct download link
How to download a ZIP file from Google Drive
How to download multiple files or folders from Google Drive
How to download a single file or folder from Google Drive
How to download Docs, Sheets, and Slides from Google Drive
How to save files from Google Drive to your smartphone or tablet
How to share a direct download link from Google Drive
How to bypass the web page when clicking a Google Drive file link
How to download large files or folders from Google Drive
How to download files from Google Drive using IDM (Internet Download Manager)
How to download files from Google Drive using wget or curl
How to download files from Google Drive using Python
How to download files from Google Drive using Rclone
How to download files from Google Drive using PowerShell
How to download files from Google Drive using Java
How to download files from Google Drive using C#
How to download files from Google Drive using PHP
How to download files from Google Drive using JavaScript
How to download files from Google Drive using Node.js
How to download files from Google Drive using Ruby
How to download files from Google Drive using Go
How to download files from Google Drive using Swift
How to download files from Google Drive using Kotlin
How to download files from Google Drive using Flutter
How to download files from Google Drive using React Native
How to download files from Google Drive using Firebase Storage
How to download files from Google Drive using Cloud Functions
How to download files from Google Drive using App Script
How to download files from Google Drive using Zapier
How to download files from Google Drive using IFTTT (If This Then That)
How to download files from Google Drive using Dropbox Transfer
How to download files from Google Drive using OneDrive Sync
How to download files from Google Drive using iCloud Link Sharing
How to download files from Google Drive using Bitly URL Shortener
How to download files from Google Drive using TinyURL URL Shortener
How to create a QR code for a direct download link from Google Drive
How to embed a direct download link in an email or website from Google Drive
How to password protect a direct download link from Google Drive
How to track the number of downloads for a direct download link from Google Drive
How to expire a direct download link after a certain time or number of downloads from Google Drive
How to Create a Direct Download Link for Your Google Drive Files
Creating a direct download link for your Google Drive files is not very difficult, but it does require some manual steps. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Upload your file to Google Drive and get the shareable link
The first step is to upload your file to Google Drive, if you haven't already done so. You can do this by dragging and dropping your file to the Google Drive web page, or by clicking on the New button and selecting File upload.
Once your file is uploaded, you need to get the shareable link for it. You can do this by right-clicking on the file and selecting Get link, or by clicking on the Share button at the top right corner of the Google Drive web page.
A pop-up window will appear, where you can change the link settings. By default, the link will be restricted to people who have access to your Google Drive. You need to change this to Anyone with the link, so that anyone who clicks on your link can view or download your file. You can also choose whether you want to allow people to edit or comment on your file, or just view it.
After changing the link settings, click on Copy link to copy the shareable link to your clipboard. You will need this link for the next step.
Step 2: Copy the file ID from the shareable link
The next step is to copy the file ID from the shareable link that you just copied. The file ID is a long string of letters and numbers that identifies your file uniquely on Google Drive. You can find it between /d/ and /view in your shareable link.
For example, if your shareable link is:
Then your file ID is:
1Q7MB6smDEFd-PzpqK-3cC2_fAZc4yaXF
You can copy the file ID by selecting it with your mouse and pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard, or by right-clicking on it and selecting Copy. You will need this file ID for the next step.
Step 3: Replace the file ID in the custom link template
The next step is to replace the file ID in the custom link template that we provided earlier. The custom link template is:
You need to replace FILE_ID with the file ID that you copied in the previous step. For example, if your file ID is:
1Q7MB6smDEFd-PzpqK-3cC2_fAZc4yaXF
Then your custom link will be:
This is your direct download link for your Google Drive file. You can copy this link by selecting it with your mouse and pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard, or by right-clicking on it and selecting Copy. You will need this link for the next step.
Step 4: Test your direct download link
The final step is to test your direct download link and make sure it works as expected. You can do this by pasting your direct download link in a new browser tab or window, and pressing Enter. If everything goes well, you should see a dialog box asking you to save or open your file. This means that your direct download link is working correctly.
If you don't see this dialog box, or if you see an error message instead, there might have made a mistake in creating your direct download link. You can try to troubleshoot the problem by checking the following things:
Make sure you have changed the link settings to Anyone with the link and copied the correct shareable link from Google Drive.
Make sure you have copied the correct file ID from the shareable link and replaced it in the custom link template.
Make sure you have used the correct custom link template and added the uc, export=download, and id parameters.
Make sure your file is not too large or has special characters in its name, as this might cause some issues with the direct download link.
If none of these things work, you can try to search for other solutions online, or contact Google Drive support for help.
How to Use Your Direct Download Link for Various Purposes
Now that you have created your direct download link, you might be wondering how to use it for various purposes. Here are some examples of how you can use your direct download link to share or embed your Google Drive file:
Example 1: Share your direct download link with others via email, social media, etc.
One of the simplest ways to use your direct download link is to share it with others via email, social media, messaging apps, or any other platform that allows you to send links. This way, you can let others download your file without having to open the Google Drive web page. This can be useful if you want to share a large file, a confidential file, or a file that needs to be downloaded quickly.
To share your direct download link with others, you just need to paste it in your message and send it. You can also add some text or description to explain what the file is and why you are sharing it. For example, you can write something like this:
Hi John,
I'm sending you the report that we discussed yesterday. You can download it from this link:
This is a direct download link that will start the file download immediately, without opening the Google Drive web page. This way, you can save some time and bandwidth.
Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback about the report.
Best,
Jane
Example 2: Embed your direct download link in your website or blog
Another way to use your direct download link is to embed it in your website or blog, so that your visitors can download your file directly from your site. This can be useful if you want to offer some free resources, downloads, or samples to your audience. You can also customize the appearance and behavior of your direct download link by using HTML and CSS code.
To embed your direct download link in your website or blog, you need to insert it in an <a> tag that creates a hyperlink. You can also add some text or an image to display as the link. For example, you can write something like this:
<a href=" Report</a>
This will create a text link that says Download Report. When someone clicks on it, they will start downloading your file directly. You can also style your link with CSS code to change its color, size, font, etc.
If you want to use an image as the link, you need to insert it in an <img> tag that displays an image. You can also add some attributes to specify the image source, width, height, alt text, etc. For example, you can write something like this:
<a href=" src="report.png" width="200" height="100" alt="Report Image"></a>
This will create an image link that shows a picture of your report. When someone clicks on it, they will start downloading your file directly. You can also style your image with CSS code to change its border, alignment, margin, etc.
Example 3: Create a QR code for your direct download link
A third way to use your direct download link is to create a QR code for it, so that your users can scan it with their smartphones and download your file directly. This can be useful if you want to print your file or display it on a screen, and let your users access it without typing the link. You can also customize the appearance and behavior of your QR code by using online tools or apps.
To create a QR code for your direct download link, you need to use an online tool or app that generates QR codes from URLs. There are many free and paid options available on the web, such as . You can also search for other tools or apps that suit your needs and preferences.
Once you have chosen a tool or app, you need to paste your direct download link in the input field and click on the generate button. You will see a QR code image that represents your link. You can also adjust some settings to change the size, color, shape, logo, etc. of your QR code. You can then download or save your QR code image to your device.
To use your QR code, you need to print it or display it on a screen, and make sure it is clear and visible. You also need to instruct your users to scan it with their smartphones using a QR code scanner app. There are many free and paid apps available on the web, such as . You can also search for other apps that suit your needs and preferences.
Once your users scan your QR code with their smartphones, they will see a prompt asking them to open the link in their browser. If they agree, they will start downloading your file directly to their device.
Benefits and Limitations of Using Direct Download Links for Google Drive Files
Using direct download links for Google Drive files can have some benefits and limitations that you should be aware of before using them. Here are some of them:
Benefit 1: Save time and bandwidth by avoiding the Google Drive web page
One of the main benefits of using direct download links is that they save you time and bandwidth by avoiding the Google Drive web page. When you use a shareable link, you have to open the Google Drive web page first, which can take some time to load and consume some data. Then, you have to click on the download button, which can take some more time and data. This can be annoying and inconvenient, especially if you have a slow internet connection or a limited data plan.
However, when you use a direct download link, you skip the Google Drive web page entirely and start the file download immediately. This can save you some precious seconds and megabytes, as well as provide a smoother and faster experience for you and your users.
Benefit 2: Provide a better user experience for your audience
Another benefit of using direct download links is that they provide a better user experience for your audience. When you share your file with others using a shareable link, they have to go through the Google Drive web page first, which can be confusing and distracting. They might not know how to view or download your file, or they might get lost in the other options and features of Google Drive. They might also encounter some ads or pop-ups that might annoy them or interfere with their download.
However, when you share your file with others using a direct download link, they don't have to deal with any of these issues. They just click on your link and get your file directly, without any hassle or distraction. This can make them more satisfied and impressed with your file and your service.
Limitation 1: The direct download link only works for files that are publicly shared
One of the main limitations of using direct download links is that they only work for files that are publicly shared on Google Drive. This means that anyone who has access to your link can view or download your file, without any authentication or permission. This can be a problem if you want to share a private or sensitive file that only certain people should see or have.
If you want to share a private or sensitive file using Google Drive, you should not use a direct download link. Instead, you should use the shareable link with the restricted setting, so that only people who have the link and your permission can view or download your file. You can also add passwords, expiration dates, or other security features to your shareable link to protect your file further.
Limitation 2: The direct download link may not work for files that are too large or have special characters in their names
Another limitation of using direct download links is that they may not work for files that are too large or have special characters in their names. Google Drive has some limits and restrictions on the size and name of the files that can be downloaded directly. These limits and restrictions may vary depending on the type of file, the browser, the device, and other factors.
Generally, the direct download link may not work for files that are larger than 100 MB, or have names that contain spaces, symbols, or non-English characters. If you try to use a direct download link for such files, you may encounter some errors or issues, such as:
The file download may not start or complete.
The file name may be changed or corrupted.
The file type may be unrecognized or incompatible.
The file content may be damaged or altered.
If you want to use a direct download link for files that are too large or have special characters in their names, you should try to reduce the size or change the name of your file before uploading it to Google Drive. You can also try to use a different browser, device, or network to download your file.
Conclusion and FAQs
In this article, we have learned how to create and use direct download links for Google Drive files. We have also discussed the benefits and limitations of using them. Here are some key points to remember:
A direct download link is a custom URL that bypasses the Google Drive web page and starts the file download immediately.
You can create a direct download link by uploading your file to Google Drive, getting the shareable link, copying the file ID, and replacing it in the custom link template.
You can use your direct download link to share or embed your file in various ways, such as via email, social media, website, blog, or QR code.
Using direct download links can save you time and bandwidth, as well as provide a better user experience for your audience.
However, direct download links only work for files that are publicly shared, and may not work for files that are too large or have special characters in their names.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback about this topic, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQ 1: How can I make a direct download link for multiple files or folders?
If you want to make a direct download link for multiple files or folders on Google Drive, you need to compress them into a single ZIP file first. You can do this by selecting the files or folders that you want to include, right-clicking on them, and choosing Download. This will create a ZIP file that contains all your selected items. You can then upload this ZIP file to Google Drive and follow the steps above to create a direct download link for it.
FAQ 2: How can I make a direct download link for Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms?
If you want to make a direct download link for Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms on Google Drive, you need to convert them into a different file format first. You can do this by opening the document that you want to convert, clicking on File, and choosing Download. You will see a list of options for different file formats that you can choose from, such as PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. You can then upload this converted file to Google Drive and follow the steps above to create a direct download link for it.
FAQ 3: How can I make a direct download link for files that are not publicly shared?
If you want to make a direct download link for files that are not publicly shared on Google Drive, you need to use a different method that involves using a Google Apps Script. A Google Apps Script is a program that runs on Google's servers and can perform various tasks with your Google Drive files. You can use a Google Apps Script to create a web app that generates a direct download link for your private files, and also authenticates the users who request the link. This way, you can control who can access your files and how they can download them.
To use this method, you need to have some basic knowledge of coding and scripting, as well as a Google account. You can follow the detailed instructions and code examples provided by this to create your own Google Apps Script web app that creates direct download links for your private files.
FAQ 4: How can I make a direct download link for files that are hosted on other cloud services?
If you want to make a direct download link for files that are hosted on other cloud services, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, etc., you need to use a different method that involves using a third-party service or tool. A third-party service or tool is a website or app that connects to your cloud service account and creates direct download links for your files. Some of these services or tools are free and some are paid, and they may have different features and limitations.
To use this method, you need to have an account with the cloud service that hosts your files, as well as an account with the third-party service or tool that you want to use. You can search for various options online, such as . You can also check the reviews and ratings of these services or tools before using them.
Once you have chosen a service or tool, you need to connect it to your cloud service account and grant it permission to access your files. You can then select the file that you want to create a direct download link for, and copy the link that the service or tool generates for you.
FAQ 5: How can I make a direct download link for files that are stored on my computer?
If you want to make a direct download link for files that are stored on your computer, you need to use a different method that involves using a file hosting service or tool. A file hosting service or tool is a website or app that lets you upload your files from your computer to their servers and creates direct download links for them. Some of these services or tools are free and some are paid, and they may have different features and limitations.
To use this method, you need to have an account with the file hosting service or tool that you want to use. You can search for various options online, such as . You can also check the reviews and ratings of these services or tools before using them.
Once you have chosen a service or tool, you need to upload your file from your computer to their servers. You can do this by dragging and dropping your file to their web page, or by clicking on the upload button and browsing your file. You can then copy the direct download link that the service or tool generates for you. 44f88ac181