Google Drive file requests

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

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

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

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

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

• 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

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

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

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

Feature	FileDrop	File Request Pro	JotForm	Google Forms
No account needed	✓	✓	✓	✗
Free tier	✓	✓	✓	✓
Custom branding	Paid	✓	✓	Limited
File size limits	5 GB	5 GB	1 GB	10 GB
Metadata fields	✓	✓	✓	✓
Direct to Drive	✓	✓	✓	✓

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

• 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

Related articles

File Request Links > Dropbox file requests

Dropbox file requests let anyone upload files directly to your Dropbox folder without needing an account - making them a practical way to collect documents within Tallyfy workflows through unique, unguessable URLs.

Document Management > File request links

File request links let you collect documents from external users by generating unique upload URLs - no account access or system permissions needed.

File Request Links > SharePoint file requests

SharePoint and OneDrive file requests let you collect documents from anyone without requiring Microsoft accounts - generating unique upload links to specified folders with upload-only access, malware scanning, and audit logging.

File Request Links > Box file requests

Box File Request lets you securely collect documents from anyone through configurable upload links with identity verification, email validation, virus scanning and metadata collection - ideal for regulated industries requiring Business plans or higher.

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