This wikiHow teaches you how to share files from your Google Drive account with other users via email, either through the Google Drive mobile app, or a website.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Via Mobile
Step 1. Tap the green, yellow, and blue triangle icon on a white background to open Google Drive
If you're signed in, you'll see the main Google Drive page.
If you are not logged in, enter your email address and password to continue
Step 2. Tap the file you want to share
If the file is in a folder, tap the folder that contains the file to open it.
Step 3. Tap the button (iPhone) or ⋮
(Android) in the upper right corner of the screen.
You will see a drop-down menu.
Step 4. Tap the Add people option near the top of the menu
The sharing window will open.
Step 5. Enter your email address in the "People" field
This column is near the top of the screen.
As you type your email address, you'll see the appropriate contact below the menu. You can tap on one of these contacts to complete the email address
Step 6. Select the constraint setting by tapping the pencil icon
You will see the following options:
- Edit - Allows recipients to modify files.
- Comment - Allows recipients to view and leave comments on files. This option is not available for photos, videos, or PDFs.
- View - Allows the recipient to view the file, but not edit it.
Step 7. Tap the "Send" icon in the shape of a paper airplane in the upper right corner of the screen to send the file to the recipient
You can also leave a comment in the "Comments" field before sending the file to give the recipient context
Method 2 of 2: Via Desktop
Step 1. Go to https://www.drive.google.com in a browser
If you're signed in, you'll see the main Google Drive page.
- If you are not logged in, click Go to Google Drive, and enter your email address and password.
- You can switch accounts by clicking on your profile photo (or letter) in the top right corner of the page, then selecting the account you want to use.
Step 2. Double-click the file you want to share
Generally, the file will appear in a new window. If the file is in a folder, double-click the folder that contains the file to open it.
If you click on a photo or video, it will appear in the same window
Step 3. Click the blue Share button in the top right corner of the Google Drive window
If you want to share a photo, video or PDF, click the button ⋮ in the top right corner of the page, then click Share from the menu.
Step 4. Enter the recipient's email address in the "Enter names or email addresses" field
Step 5. Select the sharing restriction option
Click the pencil icon, then click one of the following options:
- Can edit - Allows recipients to modify files.
- Can comment - Allows recipients to view and leave comments on files, but not edit them.
- Can view - Allows recipients to view files, but not edit or leave comments on files.
