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Google Sites: Using Files from Google Drive

New Google Sites, 2021. Be aware that different versions of Google Sites will vary in appearance and functionality. Access Google Sites at sites.google.com.

Files stored in Google Drive, such as Docs, Slides, and PDFs, can be embedded directly into the site or linked. Make sure the file is viewable for visitors by adjusting the sharing permissions in Google Drive, otherwise only you will be able to see them.

Expand each section below to see its content.


Adjust the sharing permissions for any embedded or linked-to item from Google Drive.

To adjust sharing permissions:
  1. Navigate to drive.google.com and ensure you're logged in with your PLU account. 
  2. Locate the desired file and right-click it. 
  3. Select "Get link."
  4. If "Restricted" is displayed under "Get Link," click the drop-down and select either:
  • Pacific Lutheran University: visitors will need to be logged in with their PLU ePass in order to see the file. 
  • Anyone with the link: anyone will be able to access the file.
  • Click "Copy link."
  • Click "Done."
  • Proceed to the Embedding or Linking sections below.


    • Google Drive files can be embedded into the site as an interactive object. We recommend embedding files such as presentations or videos. For documents and spreadsheets, we recommend linking instead (see next section).

    To embed a file from Google Drive:
    1. Adjust the sharing permissions of the file in Google Drive, as described in the previous section.
    2. Navigate to the Insert tab from the panel to the right, and click “Drive." A panel will open.
    3. Click the magnifying glass icon to the top-right. 
    4. Enter the name of the file. Use the filters that appear to narrow search results.
    5. Select the file. 
    6. Click "Insert" to the bottom-right.
    The file will be embedded as an interactive element into the page. Enter Preview to see an accurate display of the the embedded file.

    embed


    To link to a file in Google Drive without embedding it:
    1. Adjust the file’s sharing permissions in Google Drive, as described in the first section. 
    2. Navigate to the Insert tab from the panel to the right, and select the “Text box” option. Or, edit an existing one.
    3. Click the link icon in the editing toolbar above the text box.
    4. Enter the desired link text in the "Text" field. For example, "Research 101 Paper."
    5. Paste the copied Google Drive file link in the "URL" field.
    • Right-click the URL field and select "Paste," or use Command+V/CTRL+V.
  • Click "Apply."
    • The Google Drive file will appear as a clickable link.


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    Keywords:
    Google Sites, Google Apps, workshop, Nursing, portfolio, website, Google Drive, embed, guide, web, site 
    Doc ID:
    85327
    Owned by:
    Janelle B. in Pacific Lutheran Univ
    Created:
    2018-08-28
    Updated:
    2023-08-04
    Sites:
    Pacific Lutheran University
    Section dedicated to software supported by PLU