How to Make a Google Drive File/Link Auto-Download in 3 Easy Steps

Offering free resources on your website is crucial to getting leads and growing your mailing list. I’m frequently asked how to deliver the files when a user submits their information. It can easily be done using Google Drive, my go-to cloud storage. You can embed the link on your website or add it to your automated email response. Just follow the instructions below.

Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage platforms, offering easy file sharing and collaboration. But sometimes, you need a Google Drive file to be directly downloadable, so your audience or clients can access it quickly without needing to open Google Drive. Whether you’re sharing a PDF, image, or ZIP file, making a Google Drive link auto-download is incredibly simple.Β 

Here’s how you can do it in just three easy steps.

Step 1: Get Your Google Drive File Shareable Link

First, you’ll need to grab the shareable link for your file:

Go to Google Drive and find the file you want to share.

Click on Share on the top right corner

Make sure the access is set to “Anyone with the link” if you want people outside your organization to access it. If it’s not, adjust the permissions accordingly.

Copy the link provided by Google Drive clicking on the bottom left corner.

Step 2: Modify the Link for Auto-Download

You link will look like this: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MRsoo3E1tEHrRe6g0WA1_4tdZr9vrTxpmADauij8gbc/edit?usp=sharing

Considering that the number after https://docs.google.com/document/d/ is the FILE_ID. You will the replace the content of edit?usp=sharing with the following, according to the file type you’d like to share:

Doc (.docx, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/export?format=doc

Spreadsheet (Will download as a spreadsheet)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/export?format=xlsx

Spreadsheet that will download as a PDF​

https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/export?format=pdf

Presentation (Will download as a presentation) ​

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/FILE_ID/export/pptx

Step 3: Share the Auto-Download Link

Once you’ve modified the link, simply share it with your audience. When someone clicks on it, the file will automatically download to their device instead of opening in Google Drive.

Why Use Auto-Download Links?

Auto-download links are perfect for sharing resources like eBooks, PDFs, or any other files that you want users to have instant access to without needing to navigate Google Drive. It makes the process quicker and more convenient, offering a streamlined experience for your audience.

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