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Google Drive file requests

File requests for Google Drive

Section titled “File requests for Google Drive”

Google Drive doesn’t have a built-in file request feature. Unlike Dropbox or Box, you can’t generate a link that lets people upload files without a Google account. Several workarounds exist though - from third-party tools to Google Forms.

Why Google Drive can’t do this natively

Section titled “Why Google Drive can’t do this natively”

Google requires authentication for all file uploads. Recipients must have a Google account, sign in, and have explicit upload permissions. That’s a problem when you’re collecting documents from clients or vendors who don’t use Google.

Option 1 - Third-party file request tools

Section titled “Option 1 - Third-party file request tools”

These services create upload forms that connect directly to your Google Drive.

FileDrop

Section titled “FileDrop”

FileDrop creates upload forms that save straight to your Google Drive:

  1. Connect your Google Drive

    Sign up and authorize access to your Drive.

  2. Create an upload form

    Add custom fields, instructions, and branding.

  3. Pick the destination folder

    Choose which Google Drive folder receives uploads.

  4. Copy the link

    Grab the form URL and store it in Tallyfy.

  5. Collect files

    Anyone can upload without a Google account.

Pricing: Free tier available with limitations, paid plans for higher volumes.

File Request Pro

Section titled “File Request Pro”

File Request Pro adds features like custom branding, file type restrictions, size limits, email notifications on upload, and metadata collection fields.

Setup: Connect Google Drive, create a request, copy the link to Tallyfy.

Other alternatives

Section titled “Other alternatives”
  • JotForm - form builder with Google Drive integration
  • Formfacade - converts Google Forms to allow file uploads
  • Upload Files to Drive - free Chrome extension

Option 2 - Google Forms with file upload

Section titled “Option 2 - Google Forms with file upload”

Google Forms can collect files, but with significant limitations:

  1. Create a Google Form

    Go to forms.google.com and start a new form.

  2. Add a file upload question

    Click + and select File upload as the question type.

  3. Configure upload settings

    Choose allowed file types, set max file size (1 GB to 10 GB), and specify the max number of files.

  4. Set folder destination

    Files go to a new folder in your Drive - you can’t pick an existing folder.

  5. Share the form

    Copy the form link and add it to Tallyfy.

Critical limitation: Uploaders must sign in with a Google account, which defeats the purpose for most external collection scenarios.

Option 3 - Shared folder with managed access

Section titled “Option 3 - Shared folder with managed access”

When everyone involved has a Google account:

  1. Create a dedicated folder

    Make a new Google Drive folder for uploads.

  2. Open sharing settings

    Right-click the folder and select Share.

  3. Set permissions

    Add specific emails with Contributor access (upload but not delete).

  4. Copy the shareable link

    Click Copy link and set access to Anyone with the link can edit.

  5. Add to Tallyfy

    Store this link in your workflow.

Option 4 - Google Workspace automation

Section titled “Option 4 - Google Workspace automation”

If your organization uses Google Workspace, you can build a custom upload endpoint with Apps Script:

// Sample Apps Script for file upload endpoint
function doPost(e) {
  var folder = DriveApp.getFolderById('FOLDER_ID');
  var blob = Utilities.newBlob(
    Utilities.base64Decode(e.parameter.data),
    e.parameter.mimeType,
    e.parameter.fileName
  );
  folder.createFile(blob);
  return ContentService.createTextOutput('Success');
}

Deploy this as a web app. It requires technical setup but gives you full control over the upload flow.

Comparing third-party solutions

Section titled “Comparing third-party solutions”
FeatureFileDropFile Request ProJotFormGoogle Forms
No account needed✓✓✓✗
Free tier✓✓✓✓
Custom brandingPaid✓✓Limited
File size limits5 GB5 GB1 GB10 GB
Metadata fields✓✓✓✓
Direct to Drive✓✓✓✓

Security considerations

Section titled “Security considerations”

When using third-party tools, keep these in mind:

  • Data flow - files pass through the third-party service before reaching Google Drive, so make sure the service meets your security standards
  • Access scope - review which Google Drive permissions you’re granting and limit to specific folders when possible
  • Compliance - verify the tool meets your industry’s standards (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)

Tips for implementation

Section titled “Tips for implementation”
  • Test the full upload flow before adding it to production workflows
  • Tell uploaders exactly what file types and sizes you’ll accept
  • Set up Google Drive notifications so you know when new files arrive
  • Move processed files to archive folders to keep upload destinations clean
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