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How to Embed Google Drive Files in Notion: Storage Integration

Sarah Chen
9 min read
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Table of Contents


Introduction

Google Drive holds your team's files, and embedding Google Drive in Notion brings that content into your workspace. From PDFs to images to videos, access your storage without switching tools.

Embeddable File Types

Full Embed Support

File TypeDisplay

PDFsFull document viewer
ImagesImage preview
VideosVideo player
Google DocsDocument embed
Google SheetsSpreadsheet embed
Google SlidesPresentation embed

Link/Preview Only

File TypeDisplay

ZIP filesDownload link
AudioMay redirect
Unknown formatsFile preview

Embedding Guide

Individual Files

  • Open the file in Google Drive

  • Click "Share"

  • Set access (Anyone with link)

  • Copy link

  • Paste in Notion → Create embed

    • Using Preview URL

    For direct embed:

  • Get the file ID from URL

  • Create preview URL:

    • https://drive.google.com/file/d/FILE_ID/preview

  • Use in Notion embed block

    • PDF Embedding

    PDFs embed well:

  • Upload PDF to Drive

  • Share with link access

  • Copy share link

  • Embed in Notion

  • Scrollable PDF viewer appears

    • Image Embedding

    For images:

  • Right-click image in Drive

  • Get shareable link

  • Embed in Notion

    • Or use direct image URL:

    https://drive.google.com/uc?id=FILE_ID

    Folder Access

    Folder links create bookmarks, not embeds:

  • Share folder with link

  • Paste in Notion

  • Creates clickable bookmark

    • Folder Contents

    To show folder contents:

  • Embed individual files

  • Use Notion Embed for folder views

  • Or link to folder with description

    • Sharing Permissions

    Required Settings

    Sharing LevelEmbed Works?

    PrivateNo
    People in orgLimited
    Anyone with linkYes
    PublicYes

    Setting Access

  • Right-click file/folder

  • Click "Share"

  • Click "General access"

  • Select "Anyone with the link"

  • Choose Viewer (recommended)

    • Use Cases

    Document Library

    <h1 id="team-documents">Team Documents</h1>
    <h2 id="policies">Policies</h2>
    [Embedded PDF: Employee Handbook]
    [Embedded PDF: Security Policy]
    <h2 id="templates">Templates</h2>
    [Embedded Google Doc: Proposal Template]
    [Embedded Google Sheet: Budget Template]
    <h2 id="assets">Assets</h2>
    [Embedded folder link: Brand Assets]

    Project Resources

    Centralize project files:

  • Specifications (PDF)

  • Mockups (images)

  • Presentations (Slides)

  • Data (Sheets)

    • Client Portals

    Share deliverables:

  • Embedded final files

  • Version history links

  • Approval documents

    • Knowledge Base

    Reference materials:

  • Research PDFs

  • Training videos

  • Process documents

    • Best Practices

    Organization

  • Create logical Drive folder structure

  • Mirror structure in Notion

  • Add descriptions to embeds

  • Keep permissions updated

    • Performance

  • Embed key files, link to others

  • Limit embeds per page

  • Use Notion Embed for optimization

    • Security

  • Audit sharing regularly

  • Use minimal permissions

  • Consider who accesses Notion pages

    • Drive vs Notion Storage

    When to Use Drive

  • Large file storage

  • Team file sharing

  • External collaboration

  • Compliance requirements

    • When to Use Notion

  • Quick attachments

  • Inline files

  • Notion-native workflow

  • Smaller files

    • Hybrid Approach

  • Store in Drive

  • Embed in Notion

  • Best of both worlds

    • Troubleshooting

    File Won't Embed

  • Check sharing permissions

  • Use preview URL format

  • Try different file types

  • Use Notion Embed

    • Wrong File Displaying

  • Clear browser cache

  • Re-copy share link

  • Verify file ID in URL

    • FAQ

    Can I embed private Drive files?

    No, files must be shared with at least "Anyone with the link" access.

    Do embedded files update when I edit them?

    Yes, edits in Drive appear in the embedded version automatically.

    Can I download files from the embed?

    Depends on sharing settings. If download is enabled in Drive, viewers can download.

    Are embedded files counted in Notion storage?

    No, embedded files stay in Google Drive. Only Notion uploads count.

    Conclusion

    Embedding Google Drive in Notion creates a unified document experience:

  • Share files properly for embedding

  • Use preview URLs for reliable embeds

  • Organize logically in both platforms

  • Use Notion Embed for enhanced features

    • Start integrating your Drive today!

    Enhance your Drive embeds →

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    Related: Google Docs Embed | Google Sheets Embed

    SC

    Sarah Chen

    Content Creator at Notion Embed. Passionate about helping people share their knowledge with the world.

    View all posts →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I embed private Drive files?

    No, files must be shared with at least "Anyone with the link" access.

    Do embedded files update when I edit them?

    Yes, edits in Drive appear in the embedded version automatically.

    Are embedded files counted in Notion storage?

    No, embedded files stay in Google Drive. Only Notion uploads count.

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