If your workplace is governing which you use, you probably don't have a choice. Which file sharing service you want to use likely depends on whose ecosystem you're already in: Google Workspace (formerly called G Suite) or Microsoft 365. (Make sure you check out our comparison of the best cloud storage services of 2021, too.) How to choose a file sharing service: Google Drive vs. Here, we'll walk you through how to choose which cloud file sharing service is best for you, how much it costs to use, and how to actually share files with others. It's easy to send almost anything to co-workers, family members and friends online - and often for free.Įnter two of the most popular options for sharing files, photos and videos: Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. This is the unique file ID for your Google Drive file.Need to share a big file, or photos or videos that won't fit in an email? Never fear. From this link, copy the text that’s between d/ and /view.
Your copied link should look something like the following. On the same “Share with People and Groups” window, from the “Get Link” section, select “Copy Link.” This copies the link to your Google Drive file. RELATED: How to Share Folders, Files, and Documents on Google Drive Or, to allow anyone on the internet to download your file, click the “Change to Anyone with the Link” option at the bottom of this window. If you’d only like select people to be able to download your file, share your file with them. Right-click your file and select “Share” from the menu.Ī “Share with People and Groups” window will open. On the site, find the file for which you want to make a direct download link. Start by opening a web browser on your computer and accessing the Google Drive site. RELATED: The Best Web Browsers for Speed, Battery Life, and Customization We’ll use a desktop web browser for the demonstration. You can use this method on all your devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, and Android. This workaround uses your shared file’s ID in a custom link to enable direct download for your file. Convert a Google Drive File Link to a Direct Download