Sharing files: Google Drive vs a direct link

Google Drive works well for files you want people to download, and less well for files you want people to simply see. Drive shows a preview wrapper, asks some viewers to sign in, and occasionally blocks access depending on the recipient's account and organisation.

If you want someone to open a file and read it with no friction, a direct link is usually simpler.

Sharing from Google Drive

1. Right-click the file in Drive and choose Share.
2. Under General access, change Restricted to Anyone with the link.
3. Click Copy link.

Sharing as a direct link instead

1. Drag your file onto the upload area at tiiny.host.
2. Choose a link name.
3. Click Publish.

The file opens straight in the browser — no sign-in, no preview wrapper, no permissions to manage. You can also update it later without the link changing.

Video guide

Updated on: 20/08/2026