A Google Drive file request link anyone can use
A file request is a link you send to someone so they can upload files to you, without seeing anything else you store. Google Drive doesn't have one built in. Here's how to get a Google Drive upload link that works the same way, in a minute.
What a file request link should do
- Upload only. The sender can add files but can't browse, open or delete anything.
- No sign-up. Anyone with the link can use it, with or without a Google account.
- Organized on arrival. You can tell who sent what without renaming files afterwards.
- A notification. You find out when files arrive instead of checking a folder.
Why the usual Google Drive workarounds fall short
Sharing a folder as "Editor"
It works for colleagues, but the sender needs to sign in, and editor access lets them see and change every file in that folder, including what other people uploaded. That's a privacy problem when you collect files from several clients.
Google Forms with a file upload question
Closer, but respondents must be signed in to Google to attach files. People without a Google account, or who don't want to use it, get stuck at the sign-in screen. See Google Forms file upload without sign-in for the details.
Create a Google Drive upload link for your files
- Sign in with Google on FileUploadForm and allow it to create files in your Drive.
- Create a form named after what you're collecting, like "Tax documents 2026".
- Copy the upload link from the form page and send it to whoever needs to upload.
Senders open the link, add their name, email and files, and press send. Files travel directly from their browser to your Google Drive, into a subfolder named with the date and their name, alongside a details.txt with what they typed. On Pro you also get an email straight away.
Tips
- Make one form per purpose so each lands in its own Drive folder.
- Add a required field such as "Client number" to match uploads to your records.
- Close the form when the deadline passes; the link stops accepting uploads but your files stay in Drive.
- Prefer it on your site? On Pro, use the embed code instead of the link.
Create your Google Drive upload form
Free to start. Sign in with Google and your upload page is ready in a minute.
Get notified →Frequently asked questions
Does Google Drive have a file request feature?
No. Google Drive doesn't have a built-in file request link like some other storage services. You can share a folder or use Google Forms, but both require senders to sign in to Google. An upload form connected to your Drive fills the gap.
Can people see other files in my folder?
No. With a FileUploadForm link, senders only see the upload page. They can't browse your folder or see what others sent.
Can I close a file request when I'm done?
Yes. Close the form from your dashboard and the link stops accepting uploads. Reopen it any time.
Will I know when someone uploads?
Every submission shows up in your dashboard and in its own Drive folder. On Pro you also get an email for each one, with the sender's details and a link to the folder.
Can I ask for more than files?
On Pro, yes: add fields such as an order number, a dropdown or a date. Free pages collect the sender's name, email and message.