Google Drive Link Shortener
Google Drive links are long and full of random characters. Turn any Drive file or folder link into a short link you can print, text or put in a bio, and see how many people open it.
Why shorten Google Drive links with URLyte
See who opens your file
Drive does not show you how many people opened a shared link. URLyte counts every click, by day, country and device.
QR codes for printed material
Put a QR code on a flyer, a menu or a presentation slide that opens a Drive file, like a PDF menu or a price list.
Swap the file, keep the link
With a branded link, point the same short link to a new file version. The QR codes you already printed keep working.
Clean, trusted links
A short, readable link like urlyte.com/yourbrand/menu looks better and safer than a long Drive address.
What people use it for
urlyte.com/cafe/menuPrint one QR code and replace the PDF menu in Drive whenever prices change.
urlyte.com/bio101/notesShare a folder of notes with a class using a link students can type.
urlyte.com/ana/portfolioPut a short portfolio link on your CV and see if recruiters open it.
urlyte.com/studio/client-photosSend a clean link to a shared folder and know when the client opens it.
How to shorten a Google Drive link
Set who can open the file
In Google Drive, right-click the file or folder and choose Share. Under General access, choose "Anyone with the link" if the link is public. Otherwise people see an access request page.
Copy the link
Click Copy link in the same dialog.
Paste it into URLyte
Paste the link into the box at the top of this page. You get a short link at once, with no account needed.
Brand it and share it
With a free account, use a name like urlyte.com/yourbrand/menu, download a QR code, and change the destination later if the file changes.
What a Google Drive link looks like
Every Drive link carries a long file or folder ID.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aBcD3eFgH…xYz/view?usp=sharing
- /file/d/1aBcD3eFgH…
- The file ID. A folder link uses /drive/folders/ followed by the folder ID instead.
- /view
- Opens Drive's preview of the file.
- ?usp=sharing
- Says the link came from the Share dialog. It is safe to keep.
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides use docs.google.com links (for example /document/d/ID/edit). The same rules apply: set the sharing first, then shorten the link.
Google Drive vs URLyte for sharing links
| Feature | Google Drive | URLyte |
|---|---|---|
| Short link | No (goo.gl stopped making new links in 2019) | Yes |
| How many people opened the link | No | Yes, by day, country and device |
| Custom name in the link | No | Yes (branded links, free account) |
| Point the link to a new file | No (each file has its own link) | Yes (branded links) |
| QR code | No | Yes, free |
| Who can open the file | Controlled by Drive sharing | Still controlled by Drive sharing |
A short link does not change who can open the file. Drive's sharing settings still decide access.
Common problems with shared Drive links
People see "You need access"
The file is set to Restricted. Change General access to "Anyone with the link", or add the people by email.
Large files show "Can't scan for viruses"
Drive shows this warning for big files. People can still download the file after the warning.
Too many downloads
Very popular public files can hit Drive's download limits for a while. For heavy traffic, host the file somewhere else and point your short link there.
Google Drive is one of the most common destinations for URLyte links: users have shortened 509 Drive links so far (October 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to shorten a Google Drive link?
Yes. Paste the link at the top of this page for a free short link. A free account adds branded links, QR codes and 90 days of click history.
Does a short link make my private file public?
No. The short link only forwards people to the Drive link. Drive's sharing settings still decide who can open the file.
Can I shorten a Google Drive folder link?
Yes. Folder links work the same way as file links.
Can I update the file without changing the link?
Yes, with a branded link. Upload the new file, then change the short link's destination in your dashboard. Old QR codes keep working.
Does it work for Google Docs, Sheets and Slides?
Yes. Any docs.google.com or drive.google.com link can be shortened.
More platform shorteners
Shorten your Google Drive links
Free to start. Branded links, QR codes and click tracking for the files you share.
Create a free account