How to Download Protected/View Only Files from Google Drive

Google Drive Protection

View Only Files

View-only files on Google Drive are designed to prevent unwanted changes. When a file owner shares a document with view-only permission, you can only view the content and not edit, download, print, or copy it. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure and the original file is not modified or distributed without permission.

Knowing Protected Files

In addition to view-only files, Google Drive has options for protected files. Advanced privacy settings and encryption secure these files to keep your data safe. The file owner can control sharing permissions, restrict access, and even set expiration dates for shared files. This provides an added layer of security and allows you to have full control over your data.

Remember that downloading or bypassing the protection of view-only or protected files on Google Drive can breach the terms of service and infringe on the file owner’s rights. Always respect the intended permissions and privacy settings, and only attempt to access or download files you have the proper authorization for.

Preparation Steps

Installing Necessary Software

Before you start downloading protected or view-only files from Google Drive, ensure you have installed the Google Chrome browser on your computer. Chrome has built-in developer tools that are critical in accessing these types of files. You can download and install the browser from the official Chrome website.

Setting Up a Google Drive Account

Ensure you have a Google Drive Account with permission to view the restricted files. If you don’t have a Google account, create one and sign in. After signing in, navigate to Google Drive and locate the protected file you want to download.

Now that your software and account are set up, you can download the view-only or protected files from Google Drive. Please follow the steps in the next section to complete the process. Remember to respect these files’ copyright and legal restrictions and use them responsibly.

Downloading Public Files

Locating the File

To download public files from Google Drive, you need to locate the file you want to download. This can be done by navigating to the shared folder or following the link provided by the file owner. If the file is in a public folder, you can search for it using the search bar in Google Drive.

Using the Download Option

Once you have located the file, you can download it using the “Download” option. To do this, right-click on the file or folder and select “Download” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can open the file and then click on the “File” menu in the upper left corner, followed by the “Download” option.

Google will automatically prepare a copy of the public file for download, depending on the file size, which may take a few moments. Once it’s ready, your browser will prompt you to save the file to your local storage. Choose the destination folder on your computer and click “Save” to download the file.

Remember to respect the file owner’s rights and use the downloaded content responsibly.

Downloading Protected Files

Using Google Docs

To download protected or view-only files from Google Drive, first try requesting access from the file owner. If that’s impossible or you need an alternative method, open the file in Google Docs. Wait until the entire file has loaded. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + C for Windows or Cmd + Shift + C for Mac to open the Developer Console. From there, select the “Console” tab and look for elements containing the file content.

Using Third-Party Tools

Another option is utilizing third-party tools or browser extensions to assist in the process. Keep in mind that using these may come with security risks. Carefully research the tool or extension before using it, and always prioritize protecting your personal information. Only resort to this method if necessary and at your own risk.

Downloading View Only Files

Through Making a Copy

First, open the restricted document in your Chrome browser to download view-only files from Google Drive. Then, click the “File” menu and select “Make a copy.” This will duplicate the document in your Drive, which you’ll have edit access to. Now, you can download the file to your computer by going to the “File” menu, selecting “Download,” and choosing the desired format.

Through Exporting as PDF

Another option to download view-only files is by exporting them as a PDF. Open the restricted document in Chrome and press Ctrl+P for Windows or Cmd+P for Mac to open the print dialogue. Change the “Save as PDF” destination and click “Save.” Your file will be saved as a PDF on your computer. Remember that this method may not preserve the original formatting and might only work for documents, not spreadsheets or presentations.

Respecting Intellectual Property Rights

Adherence to Google Policies

As a user of Google Drive, it’s crucial for you to respect intellectual property rights and adhere to Google’s Terms of Service. Google clearly states that users retain ownership of their intellectual property rights in their content. This means that downloading protected or view-only files without the owner’s permission would violate these terms and could result in consequences, such as account suspension.

Understanding Copyright Laws

In addition to adhering to Google’s policies, it’s essential for you to understand copyright laws that govern the use and sharing of digital content. These laws protect the rights of content creators and define what is permissible in terms of accessing, copying, and distributing files.

Unauthorized downloading or sharing of protected or view-only files from Google Drive could put you at risk of copyright infringement, leading to legal consequences. To avoid these issues, always seek the content owner’s permission before downloading or sharing protected files.

By respecting intellectual property rights and following Google’s policies and copyright laws, you’ll contribute to a more ethical online environment and protect yourself from potential repercussions.

Last Updated : 14 October, 2023