Skip to content

Export guide

How to export your Google Drive data

Last verified: 2026-10-09 · Menu names change between plans and versions; check the vendor documentation below, and we confirm exact steps with you once you qualify.

Short answer

As a file storage, Google Drive holds documents, shared drives, folders and version history. You run the export yourself, from the app or through its API, after removing personal and confidential details. Nothing leaves your company until you approve it.

Export from the app

  1. Step 1

    Decide scope

    List the My Drive folders or shared drives in scope; leave out personal files, HR material and anything covered by client NDAs.

  2. Step 2

    Download folders directly

    For a small set, right-click a folder in Drive and choose Download; Google zips the contents. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides convert to Office formats in the zip.

  3. Step 3

    Use Google Takeout for a full export

    For a larger or complete export, go to takeout.google.com, select Drive only, pick the folders and choose the file type and delivery (download link, or delivery to your own cloud storage).

  4. Step 4

    Check the file before sharing

    Open a sample of the export, confirm the date range and record count, and flag anything personal or confidential. Don't send anything yet — we review the package together first.

Export through the API

  1. Step 1

    Create a service account

    In Google Cloud console, create a service account with read-only Drive scopes; for workspace-wide access, a super admin grants narrow domain-wide delegation.

  2. Step 2

    List and export files

    Use the Drive API files.list to enumerate files and revisions, then files.export for Google-native formats (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or files.get with alt=media for binary files.

  3. Step 3

    Pull history in batches

    Page through records by date range, respecting rate limits. Save raw JSON to your own storage. Large histories can take several days.

Plan limits and formats#

  • Limits and formats depend on your plan and are confirmed with you after qualification.

What to leave out#

  • Names, emails, phone numbers and addresses of customers and staff
  • Passwords, API keys, tokens and other credentials
  • Payment card and bank details
  • Attachments you haven't reviewed (they often hold IDs or contracts)
  • Records covered by client NDAs, privilege or contracts that limit reuse
  • Anything you mark confidential, such as pricing or strategy

Terms to check first#

  • Your content is usually yours, but plan terms can limit bulk export, API use or automated access.
  • Check whether your plan includes the export or API features you need before starting.
  • Respect API rate limits; large exports may need to run in batches over several days.
  • Don't share admin logins. You run the export yourself, with our guidance.

Vendor documentation

Related

Read why buyers want this data

See if your company qualifies

A short company assessment. No data uploads are needed.

See if you qualify Talk to SourceX
See if you qualify