How to Export Google Drive Files Completely

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Exporting Google Drive files completely is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. You can export your files from Google Drive to your computer or another cloud storage service.

To start, you'll need to select the files you want to export. You can do this by checking the boxes next to each file in the Google Drive interface. This will allow you to export a single file or a group of files at once.

Google Drive allows you to export files in several formats, including PDF, Microsoft Word, and Excel. This is especially useful if you need to share files with others who use different software or operating systems.

To export your files, click on the "Download" button in the top right corner of the Google Drive interface. From there, you can choose the file format and location where you want to save your exported files.

Exporting Google Drive Files

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You can download a blob file stored on Google Drive using the files.get method with the ID of the file to download and the alt=media URL parameter. This method tells the server that a download of content is being requested as an alternative response format.

If you have other file formats on Google Drive and want to transfer these files from one Google Drive to another, you can use Google Takeout. This service will convert the files' formats, but you'll need to adjust your upload settings in the new account to convert them back.

To use Google Takeout, select Google Drive (the old account) to export, choose a delivery method, and click on "Create export". You'll then need to download the compressed files, decompress them, and upload all the files to another Google Drive account. Keep in mind that Google Takeout will only download files you've created or uploaded yourself, and files others have shared with you won't be exported.

Credit: youtube.com, Export and Download all of Your Google Drive Files to Your Computer with Google Takeout

Here are some key points to keep in mind when using Google Takeout:

  • Google Takeout will only download files you've created or uploaded yourself.
  • Files others have shared with you won't be exported.
  • If you have a large account (over 10GB) and decide to use Google Takeout, your files will be split into several parts.

You can also use the files.export method with the ID of the file to export and the correct MIME type to export Google Workspace document byte content. This method is limited to 10 MB.

Document

Exporting Google Workspace documents is a breeze, and you have a few options to choose from. You can use the files.export method with the ID of the file to export and the correct MIME type.

Exported content is limited to 10 MB, so keep that in mind when deciding which files to export. The files.export method is a great way to export a Google Workspace document in PDF format using the Drive API client libraries.

To export a Google Workspace document in PDF format, you'll need to declare the export MIME type as application/pdf. This code sample uses the restricted drive scope that allows users to view and manage all of your Drive files.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Import and Export Documents in Google Drive

You can also export Google Workspace document content within a browser using the exportLinks field of the files resource. This will return a link to download the file and its contents in every available MIME type.

If you're exporting files, keep in mind that shared files that have been “Added to Drive” will be copied, but the new file will NOT be shared with collaborators. This is important to note when planning your export.

Here are the export MIME types supported for each Google Workspace document:

  • application/pdf
  • text/plain
  • text/html
  • application/vnd.google-apps.document
  • application/vnd.google-apps.spreadsheet
  • application/vnd.google-apps.presentation

Bulk

Exporting large quantities of files from Google Drive can be a chore, but there are ways to make it more manageable.

You can use Google Takeout to download your files in bulk. This feature allows you to select specific data, file types, and sizes to download.

To get started, visit myaccount.google.com and navigate to Data & privacy, then click on Download your data.

You can customize your download by selecting the data you want to export, which can include files, emails, and more.

Credit: youtube.com, Cool Trick on Google Drive for bulk ownership transfer

Here are the steps to customize your download:

  • Select specific data to download, such as Google Drive files or Gmail emails.
  • Choose the file types you want to include, such as PDFs or images.
  • Select the size of the data you want to download, such as a specific date range or all data.

Once you've customized your download, you can choose how you want the data delivered, such as via email as a download link.

Transferring Files Between Accounts

Transferring files between accounts can be a bit of a challenge, but there are several methods to make it easier.

You can use the "Share" feature with Google Drive to transfer files between accounts, or use Google Takeout to download a copy of your data and then upload it to another account. Alternatively, you can use the "Copy to" feature to copy files from one Google Drive account to another.

If you're looking for a more automated way to transfer files, MultCloud offers several features, including "Cloud Transfer", "Copy to", "Share", and "Team Transfer", which can help you transfer files between Google Drive accounts with ease.

Here are the methods to transfer files between Google Drive accounts:

  • Way 1: Transfer all Google Drive files to another account via "Cloud Transfer"
  • Way 2: Transfer one Google Drive to another with "Copy to"
  • Way 3: Transfer files from one Google Drive to another with "Share"
  • Way 4: Transfer Google Drive to another account outside organization

Additionally, you can use the Desktop App to transfer Google Drive to another account by downloading and installing the Google Drive Desktop Application, linking the source and destination Google Drive accounts, and then dragging and dropping files from one account to the other.

Blob File

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When you need to download a blob file from Google Drive, you can use the files.get method with the file's ID and the alt=media URL parameter. This tells the server that you're requesting a download of the file's content.

The alt=media URL parameter is a system parameter available across all Google REST APIs, so you don't need to worry about setting it manually if you're using a client library for the Drive API.

To download a file using the Drive API client libraries, you can use the files.get method with the file's ID and the alt=media URL parameter, as shown in the code sample.

However, if you want to download the file within a browser, you can use the webContentLink field of the files resource. This will return a link for downloading the file and its contents, as long as the user has download access to the file.

You can either redirect the user to this URL or offer it as a clickable link.

Saving to Mobile

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You can access your files on mobile devices, which is super handy for remote workers or frequent travelers. This allows you to stay productive no matter where you are.

To save files from Google Drive to your mobile device, open the Google Drive app and find the file you need. Tap the three dots and select 'Available offline'. This ensures your files are backed up and accessible across all your devices.

Offline access is as simple as tapping the three dots and selecting 'Available offline' on your mobile device. This makes your files accessible even without an internet connection.

To download files directly to your device, tap the file and press the three dots, then choose 'Download'. The file will save to your device’s storage.

Between Two

Transferring files between accounts can be a bit of a hassle, but it's not impossible. You can use the "Share" feature in Google Drive to share files with another account, but this method is more suitable for sharing specific files or folders, not entire accounts.

Credit: youtube.com, Transfer Google Drive Files to Another Account

If you want to transfer everything from one Google Drive to another, you can use "Cloud Transfer" with MultCloud. This function allows you to transfer all files from one account to another, or you can choose to transfer specific files or folders.

To use "Cloud Transfer", you'll need to create a MultCloud account and add both Google Drive accounts to the platform. You can then select the source and destination accounts, choose the files or folders to transfer, and click "Transfer Now" to start the process.

Alternatively, you can use the "Copy to" feature in MultCloud to transfer files from one Google Drive account to another. This method is similar to "Cloud Transfer", but it allows you to copy files to multiple locations at once.

Here are the steps to transfer files using "Copy to":

  • Open your old Google Drive account on MultCloud and select all files by checking the box next to "File Name".
  • Choose "Copy to" from the top menu to move files from one Google Drive to another.
  • Select the second Google Drive as the destination location and click "OK" to copy the files.

You can also use the "Desktop App" to transfer Google Drive files between accounts. This method involves downloading and installing the Google Drive Desktop Application, linking the source and destination accounts, and then dragging and dropping files between the two accounts.

It's worth noting that you can also use Google Takeout to transfer files from one Google Drive account to another. This method involves downloading a copy of your data, creating an archive, and then uploading the files to the new account.

Using the 'Share' Feature

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You can transfer files from one Google Drive account to another using the "Share" feature. This method is useful when you have Google documents in the Google Drive format and want to export them to another account.

To use this feature, log in to your old Google Drive account, select the files you want to export, and right-click to choose the "Share" button. You can also use this feature to transfer files from one Google Drive account to another with the help of MultCloud.

By adding your new account's email address as a collaborator, you can set the read and write permissions for the file. The files will then be placed under "Shared with me" in your new account.

Share

The "Share" feature is a powerful tool that allows you to transfer files from one Google Drive account to another. You can use it to share private data with friends or family members.

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To use the "Share" feature, you need to add the recipient's email address as a collaborator. This can be done by clicking the "Share" button and entering their email address in the "Add people" field.

The recipient will receive an email with a link to access the shared file. They can then select "Save to Cloud" to move the file to their own Google Drive account.

You can also customize the link password and choose a sharing mode, such as private share or public share. The link password can be customized, and you can also share data with other users via email or social software like Facebook and Twitter.

Here are some options for sharing data with others:

  • Private Share: allows you to share the file with a specific person and set a password
  • Public Share: allows you to make the file publicly accessible
  • Email: allows you to share the file via email
  • Social software: allows you to share the file via social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter

Note that if the recipient doesn't want to save the file to the cloud drive temporarily, they can download the data directly to their local device without creating an account.

Select for Archive

When selecting data to download for an archive, it's essential to choose the right options. Select "Drive" from the list of Google services to back up your files.

Credit: youtube.com, The Quick Share Feature with The Personal Archive Co

To customize your export, you can choose the file formats and the frequency of the downloads, including one-time or scheduled options. You can also specify the type of archive you prefer, such as zip or tgz, and the maximum file size.

For a complete download, including all your files and folders, you can select "All Drive data included." However, be aware that your data file may not include changes made between your request and the archive creation, such as changes to sharing type or permissions of a Drive file.

To include specific files and folders in your download, deselect "Include all files and folders in Drive" and choose your desired folders and file types.

Migrating Files with Automated Solutions

Migrating files from Google Drive can be a daunting task, but automated solutions make it a breeze. You can leverage migration tools to automate the data transfer process, which is essential for transferring significant data volumes between various cloud storage services or from Google Drive to local storage.

Credit: youtube.com, Migrating Your Google Drive To Microsoft 365 - Easy and Free!

These tools can handle large batches of files simultaneously, which is crucial for migrating extensive data sets. They also have options to filter data by type, size, date, or content, letting you precisely select what to transfer.

Using migration tools is the easiest way to download all the files from Google Drive. They automate data transfers at regular intervals to maintain consistent data backups.

Some popular migration tools include Movebot, which supports migrating data to and from Google Drive without any software installation, and MultCloud, a web-based cloud storage manager that allows you to transfer files across cloud drives directly in one interface.

Here are 4 automatic ways to move files from one Google Drive to another using MultCloud:

  • Way 1. Transfer all Google Drive Files to Another Account via "Cloud Transfer"
  • Way 2. Transfer One Google Drive to Another with "Copy to"
  • Way 3. Transfer Files from One Google Drive to Another with "Share"
  • Way 4. Transfer Google Drive to Another Account Outside Organization

Additionally, you can use Takeout Transfer to migrate data, which involves signing in to your school Google account, entering the email address of the destination Google account, and choosing the content you want to copy.

Manual Methods and Limitations

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There are five manual methods to transfer Google Drive to another account, including using the "Share" feature, Google Takeout, and downloading and re-uploading files. These methods can be a bit complicated and require individual steps.

Here are the five manual methods:

  • Way 1. Use the "Share" Feature with Google Drive
  • Way 2. Use Google Takeout for Google Drive File Transfer
  • Way 3. Transfer files between Google Drive accounts via Download and Re-Upload
  • Way 4. Move Files from One Google Drive to Another by "Desktop App"
  • Way 5. Transfer Ownership from one Google Drive to Another Account via Google Admin Console

However, these manual methods come with some limitations, including slow processing times and the need for a stable internet connection and power supply. This means you'll need to keep your computer powered up during the entire process, and any interruptions may prevent files from being transferred.

Limitations of Manual Methods

Manual methods for transferring Google Drive data can be quite complicated and time-consuming. They require you to perform every step individually, which can be frustrating.

The process can run slowly, taking several days or even weeks to complete, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. This is due to the manual nature of the process, which can't be accelerated.

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You'll need to keep your computer powered up during the entire process, as any interruptions can prevent files from being downloaded or uploaded to another account. This means you'll need to be prepared for a long session of constant internet connectivity.

Manual methods can also lead to zip archives being created when downloading multiple files or folders at once. You'll need to unzip them before transferring to preserve the original file or folder structure.

Earlier Browser Version

Exporting Google Workspace document content at an earlier version within a browser is possible using the revisions.get method. This method requires the ID of the file to download and the ID of the revision to generate an export link.

You can use this method to download a file and its contents if the user has download access. A link for downloading the file is returned, which you can either redirect a user to or offer as a clickable link.

To perform this action, you'll need to have the correct IDs for the file and revision. This will allow you to access the export link and download the file's contents at an earlier version.

Monitoring Long-Running Operations

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Monitoring long-running operations can be a challenge, but there's a way to export Google Workspace document content during these times. Use the files.download method with the ID of the file to download and the ID of the revision.

This method is specifically designed for handling long-running operations, as mentioned in the documentation. For more information, see Manage long-running operations.

File Usage

File usage can be a bit tricky when transferring files between Google Drive accounts. You can only download files that you've created or uploaded yourself with Google Takeout.

Files that others have shared with you won't be exported, so you'll need to manually add them from the "Share with me" section to My Drive in your source Google Drive.

If you have a large account over 10GB, Google Takeout might split your files into several parts. This can lead to issues if some of these parts don't generate properly, requiring you to request the archive again.

Return

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If you need to export content from Google Workspace documents, you can use the exportLinks field of the files resource. This will return a link to download the file and its contents for every MIME type available.

You can redirect a user to this URL or offer it as a clickable link. This method is useful for exporting content within a browser.

To export data from Google services, you can use Google Takeout. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  • Select data to download: Choose 'Drive' from the list of Google services.
  • Customize your export: Choose the file formats and the frequency of the downloads (one-time or scheduled), and specify the type of archive you prefer (zip or tgz) along with the maximum file size.
  • Create export: Click on Create export. Google will process this, and you’ll receive an email with a download link once it’s ready.

If you're looking to copy content from Google Drive, you can use the "Google Drive" feature. Here's what you need to know:

  • All content will be copied into a folder labeled with your school account name and the date you initiated the copy process.
  • You will become the owner of ALL the copied files, but this does not change ownership of the original files in your school account that may be shared.
  • Comments are copied, but revision history is not.
  • Permission on copied files will be set to “private”, but you can change the sharing settings if you choose.
  • Not all shared files copy over – only those that you have “Added to Drive”.
  • Content that will NOT copy over: Google Sites, Google Forms, MyMaps & images stored in Google Photos or other third party content in Drive.

Oscar Hettinger

Writer

Oscar Hettinger is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail, he has established himself as a go-to expert in the tech industry, covering topics such as cloud storage and productivity tools. His work has been featured in various online publications, where he has shared his insights on Google Drive subtitle management and other related topics.

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