Use this free online tool to instantly create a Google Spreadsheet direct download link. You can convert any shared Google Sheets link into a direct download link for Microsoft Excel (.xlsx), PDF, CSV, or TSV formats. Share the link or embed it on your website so users can download your spreadsheet with a single click.
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How To Create a Google Spreadsheet Direct Download Link
You can generate a direct download link for any Google Spreadsheet using our online converter above or manually by modifying the URL. This allows users to download the spreadsheet directly to their PC, Mac, or mobile device without opening Google Sheets in a browser.
Step 1. Set Google Sheets General Access Permission
Before a direct download link can work for external users, you must grant view permission to the Google Sheet:
- Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
- Click the Share button in the top-right corner.
- Under General access, change the setting from Restricted to Anyone with the link.
- Ensure the role is set to Viewer.
- Click Copy link and then Done.
Step 2. Generate and Copy the Direct Download Link
Paste your copied share link into the Google Spreadsheets Share Link field in the tool above. Select your preferred file format (Excel, PDF, CSV, or TSV), and the tool will instantly construct the direct download URL.
Step 3. Test Your Download Link
Click the Test Download button or paste the generated URL into a new browser tab. Your spreadsheet will automatically download in your chosen format (.xlsx, .pdf, .csv, or .tsv).
Manual Method: How Google Sheets Direct Download URLs Work
If you prefer to construct direct download links manually, you can simply replace the /edit?usp=sharing part at the end of the Google Sheets URL with the appropriate export parameter:
Standard Share Link:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/edit?usp=sharing
1. Microsoft Excel (.xlsx):https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/export?format=xlsx
2. PDF Document (.pdf):https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/export?format=pdf
3. CSV File (.csv – First Sheet):https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/export?format=csv
4. Specific Sheet/Tab CSV Export:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/export?format=csv&gid=SHEET_ID
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my Google Sheet direct download link say “Access Denied” or prompt for login?
If users see an “Access Denied” or login error, the spreadsheet permissions are set to Restricted. Open your spreadsheet, click Share, and change General access to Anyone with the link set as Viewer.
How do I download a specific tab of a Google Sheet as a CSV or PDF?
To export a specific tab/sheet, append &gid=YOUR_SHEET_ID to the end of the direct export link. For example: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/FILE_ID/export?format=csv&gid=12345678. Our generator tool above automatically detects and includes the gid parameter when present in your share link.
Does the spreadsheet owner get notified when someone downloads the file via direct link?
No, Google Sheets does not send email notifications or alerts to the owner when a user downloads the file via a direct link.
Will the direct download link reflect real-time updates made to the Google Sheet?
Yes. Every time someone clicks the direct download link, Google generates a fresh export containing the latest live data from your spreadsheet.
Conclusion
Creating a Google Spreadsheet direct download link is a great way to share datasets, templates, and reports with your audience or clients. Whether you want to share Excel workbooks or CSV files, this tool simplifies the process. If you want to build or manage your site, check out our guide on how to start a blog.
