How to Send and Share Google Drive Files and Folders Using Google Chat

Quick and easy-to-follow guide for Google Chat users

You can send and share Google Drive files and folders using Google Chat.

How to send and share Google Drive files in Google Chat step-by-step with images

Step 1

In Google Chat https://chat.google.com, if you’re viewing a chat in full-screen, click the third icon (Add Google Drive file) from left to right in the chat message field at the bottom.

If you have minimized the chat, click the + icon on the left in the chat message field at the bottom.

Click the third icon from left to right – Add Google Drive file.

Step 2

Select files to send from Google Drive

The Select an item window shows up.

By switching among the tabs on top, you can look for files in My Drive, Shared drives, Shared with Me, Recent, or Upload a new file.

Below the tabs, you have the search bar, allowing you to find something quickly.

Also, there are two icons on the right of the search bar, allowing you to switch between List or Grid view.

Click an item and then click the Select button.

Step 3

A file preview appears – click the Send button or press the Enter key on your keyboard to send the file. Optionally, you can also type a message and send both at the same time.

Step 4

Share the files to make sure people can access them

If the chat participants don’t have access to the file, you’ll see this message, telling you who doesn’t have access.

You can choose to:

Share (and set the sharing level to the right)
Turn link sharing on (which allows any user in the Google Workspace account to access the file and comment on it using the link)
Alternatively, you can check the box on the bottom left – Don’t give access.

Then click SEND.