Bulk Convert Shared Drive Files to PDF With Viewer Access
You do not need Editor access to export shared drive files to PDF. Viewer access is enough. If you have been added to a shared drive or had individual files shared with you at the Viewer level, the Docs to PDF extension can export those files the same way as files you own.
What Viewer access allows
Viewers can open, read, and export files to PDF. They cannot edit, rename, move, or delete files. The PDF export happens through Google's export API using your existing Drive credentials. The shared drive owner does not see a notification when you export a file.
When export fails despite Viewer access
Some files may fail even with Viewer access if the owner or admin has set 'Prevent viewers from downloading, printing, or copying'. This is an additional restriction on top of Viewer access. Contact the file owner if you need to export a file that has this restriction.
Exporting files shared individually vs drive membership
Files shared directly with you appear in 'Shared with me' in Drive. Files in a shared drive you belong to appear under 'Shared drives'. Both work with the extension. Select the files from wherever they appear and run the batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the shared drive owner know when I export their files to PDF?
No. Google Drive does not notify file owners when someone exports a file they can view.
Can I export files shared with me as Commenter access?
Yes. Commenter access includes the ability to export files to PDF.
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