How to Export Your Google Drive Files

If you’re switching accounts, backing up your data, or just trying to clear out your digital closet, exporting files from Google Drive is easier than you might think. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to do it—step by step—without wasting time.

Why Export Google Drive Files?

• Backup your files before deleting or moving them.
• Transfer files to another Google account.
• Free up storage space in your Google Drive.
• Work offline or move files to another cloud service.

Method 1: Download Files Directly from Google Drive

This is the fastest way to export a few files or folders.

1. Go to Google Drive
2. Select the files or folders you want to export.
3. Right-click and choose Download.
4. Google will automatically compress multiple files into a .zip file and start the download.

💡 Note: Folders are always zipped. Single files will download in their original format.

Method 2: Use Google Takeout (Best for Exporting Everything)

If you want to export your entire Google Drive—including Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDFs, and more—Google Takeout is your best bet.

1. Visit Google Takeout.
2. By default, everything is selected. Click “Deselect all”.
3. Scroll down and check Drive.
4. Click Next step.
5. Choose:
   • Delivery method (email link, add to Dropbox, etc.)
   • Export frequency (once or recurring)
   • File type & size (choose .zip or .tgz and size limit per file)
6. Click Create export.

Google will package your files and email you a link when it’s ready. Depending on the size, this might take a few minutes to a few hours.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will be converted to Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) or PDFs, depending on your export settings.
• Shared files will be included only if you own them.
• Export limits exist if you’re on a free Google account—plan accordingly.

Wrap-Up

Exporting files from Google Drive isn’t complicated, but knowing which method to use can save you time. If you’re backing up everything, go with Google Takeout. If it’s just a few files, direct download is the way to go.

Got questions or stuck mid-export? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you out.