Creating direct Google Drive file links

Google Drive allows you to generate a direct link to your uploaded Google Drive files.

Direct Google Drive links bypass the typical Drive preview interface and exhibit files as regular media content in your browser. Images are instantly displayed, while PDF files are opened directly within your browser’s PDF reader.

Furthermore, this functionality proves particularly advantageous for images, as your Google Drive can be used as an image host, providing the possibility to embed your Drive images directly into platforms like WordPress.

Here’s how to make the most of these direct links in five easy steps:

1. Set Sharing Permissions:
   First things first, make sure the file’s sharing permission in Google Drive is set to “Anyone with the link” This ensures access for anyone using the URL.

2. Copy the File URL:
   Once the permissions are sorted, copy the file’s URL. It usually looks like this:
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/83Pqr6wVXzCIYJeF51Rdpv-mQKSc0bLo/view?usp=sharing

3. Find the File ID:
   Locate the file ID embedded between “d/” and “/view“. In our example:
   83Pqr6wVXzCIYJeF51Rdpv-mQKSc0bLo

4. Create a Direct Link
   Just add the file ID to “https://drive.google.com/uc?id=“, resulting in:
   https://drive.google.com/uc?id=83Pqr6wVXzCIYJeF51Rdpv-mQKSc0bLo

5. Initiate Quick Downloads
   For an immediate download without any preview, insert the file ID after “https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=“,creating the following link:
   https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=83Pqr6wVXzCIYJeF51Rdpv-mQKSc0bLo

With these steps, unlock the power of Google Drive’s direct links.