Set default Drive files permissions to 'Viewer'

Problem

Users have questions on how to manage sharing Drive files to users outside the organization. They would like their new Drive files to default to Viewer, permissions instead of Editor, permissions.

Environment

  • Google Drive

Solution

  1. Go to Google Drive.
  2. Select the file you want to share.
  3. Click Share or Share.
  4. Under General access click the down arrow.
  5. Choose Anyone with the link.
  6. To decide what role people will have, select Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.
  7. Click Copy link.
  8. Click Done.
  9. Paste the link in an email or any place you want to share it.