Connect Google Drive to a Project

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You can connect one Google Drive folder or an entire Google Drive account to your OSF project or component. Different Google Drive folders can be linked to different components within the same project. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will render in your browser via OSF, but cannot be edited directly on OSF. A link about the rendered Doc, Sheet, or Slides will take you to the add-on directly, where you can edit the materials if you have the appropriate permissions.

You can add files and folders to your Google Drive folder and those files will be accessible via the OSF. Likewise, files added to your Google Drive folder in your OSF account will update your Google Drive account with that file. 

The Google Drive add-on allows you to connect external content to OSF. This connection does not store or back up this content on OSF. To back up your content to OSF Storage, consider Registering Your Project.

Connect Google Drive to a project

You can link one Google Drive folder or an entire account to any OSF project, component, or your profile. Different folders can be linked to different components within the same project, but they'll need to be authenticated separately.

Files will render in-browser via OSF, but cannot be edited directly on the platform. Clicking the file title will open the document in Google Drive, where you can edit it (if you have permission).

Setup Google Drive Account

1. Open your project, then click the "Add-ons" tab in the navigation bar.

2. You will be taken to the "Add-ons" page for the project. Select “Additional Storage”.
3. Click “Connect” under Google Drive.

4. The Google Drive terms will appear. Read the terms, then click the "Confirm" button if you agree.

5. You'll be prompted to name your account.

6. Give a unique name account and click "Authorize".

Authorize Access

1. A new tab will open to begin the OAuth process. (OAuth (Open Authorization) is a secure way for one app (like OSF) to access limited information or features from another service (like Google Drive) without needing your password. It lets you grant permission using your existing account, while keeping your login credentials private.)
2. Click "Allow" to authorize your Google account.

3. Select the Google Drive account you want to use.
4. Click "Authorize".

5. Click “Confirm”.

Select a Folder to Connect

1. You’ll be asked to select a folder (e.g., from “My Drive”).
2. Click the main folder you’d like to add.
3. Click "Save".

You have now connected your Add-on to your OSF project and will be returned to the Add-on selection page. Your folder will be connected to your project on the project file page.

Managing Your Google Drive Files via the Files Tab

Once set up, you’ll use the Files tab to interact with your connected Google Drive content.

Adding Folders and Files from Google Drive

Use this to link a file or folder from your existing Google Drive account to your OSF project.

1. Go to the "Files" tab in your project or component.
2. Click the green ➕ button and select Add from Drive.
3. A modal will appear showing the Google File Picker.
4. Select a file or folder from your Drive.

5. Click Select to confirm. The item will now be visible in your OSF Files tab.

Upload a File

Use this to upload a file from your local device to your connected Google Drive folder.

1. In the Files tab, click the green ➕ button and select "Upload File".
2. A system file picker will open (macOS or Windows).
3. Navigate to the file you want to upload and select it.
4. A modal will appear showing upload progress.
5. Once complete, click "Done". The file will be added to your connected Google Drive folder and visible on OSF.

Create Folder

Use this to create a new folder inside your connected Google Drive folder, which will be visible in both OSF and Drive.

1. In the Files tab, click the green ➕ button and select Create Folder.
2. Enter a name for the folder in the modal that appears.

3. Click "Create Folder".
4. The new folder will appear in both OSF and your Google Drive.

This article is licensed under CC0 for maximum reuse.