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File List Exporter

by Drive Explorer

Export Google Drive Files & Folder Hierarchy

Select any folder to scan all files and nested subfolders. Export directly to Google Sheets™ or download as a CSV in 1 click.

💡 Tip: Select a folder to list all files inside it and its subfolders recursively. Selecting individual files lists only details about those files.

1,000,000+ Workspace Installs

4.6★ (500+ Verified Reviews)

Client-Side Privacy (Zero Data Stored)

Why Google Drive Doesn't Have an “Export File List” Button

Thousands of Google Workspace users search for this feature every day. Here is why it requires a dedicated scanner.

Google Drive is an ID-based relational graph, not a physical folder system

On desktop OSs, files exist inside physical directories. In Google Drive, folders are simply database records with a folder MIME type. Files merely point to parent IDs, so generating a complete directory hierarchy requires traversing relationships recursively.

Native search is flat and hides directory depth

When you search in Google Drive, results are returned as a flat list. There is no native view that calculates file counts, folder paths, and subfolder allocations simultaneously.

Our in-browser scanner uses recursive breadth-first traversal against Google Drive APIs to reconstruct complete folder paths and file metadata in real time.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

How to Export Files & Folders in 3 Steps

Follow these simple steps to generate a structured spreadsheet inventory of any Google Drive folder without writing code or installing desktop software.

1

Select Any Folder in Google Drive™

Click "Select Google Drive Folders" above to open the secure Google Picker. Choose any folder from My Drive, Shared Drives, or Shared with me.

2

Filter & Refine (Optional)

Optionally filter by MIME type (PDFs, Images, Spreadsheets), date range, or file name, or connect an existing Google Sheet URL for direct write.

3

Inspect, Export to Sheets & CSV

View the files in an interactive table preview with full folder paths. Download the data as a clean CSV or stream directly into a Google Sheet with 1 click.

Capabilities

Why Professionals Use This Exporter

Turn messy, unorganized Google Drive folders into structured, searchable spreadsheet inventories in seconds.

Deep Recursive Folder Traversal

Unlike flat Google Drive search results, this tool crawls every nested subfolder recursively without depth limits. View complete directory paths for every file.

58 Detailed Metadata Columns

Capture essential attributes including File ID, Full Path, Size in Bytes, Human Size, Created Date, Modified Date, Owner, Sharing Status, and Direct Links.

Google Sheets™ & CSV Export

Write file listings directly into an existing Google Sheet with automatic cell formatting, or download a structured CSV file ready for Microsoft Excel.

100% In-Browser Privacy

All authentication and file processing occurs strictly in your browser session using official Google Drive APIs. Your file data and tokens are never stored externally.

DIY Developer Method

Free Recursive Google Apps Script Template

If you have a moderate folder and want to run your own script, paste this into the Apps Script editor (via Extensions > Apps Script in Google Sheets™).

Code.gs (Recursive Google Apps Script)
function exportDriveFilesRecursively() {
  var folderId = "YOUR_FOLDER_ID_HERE"; // Replace with your Google Drive Folder ID
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  sheet.clear();
  sheet.appendRow(["File Name", "File ID", "Folder Path", "Size (Bytes)", "URL"]);

  var rootFolder = DriveApp.getFolderById(folderId);
  traverseFolder(rootFolder, rootFolder.getName(), sheet);
}

function traverseFolder(folder, currentPath, sheet) {
  var files = folder.getFiles();
  var rows = [];

  while (files.hasNext()) {
    var file = files.next();
    rows.push([
      file.getName(),
      file.getId(),
      currentPath,
      file.getSize(),
      file.getUrl()
    ]);
  }

  if (rows.length > 0) {
    sheet.getRange(sheet.getLastRow() + 1, 1, rows.length, rows[0].length).setValues(rows);
  }

  var subfolders = folder.getFolders();
  while (subfolders.hasNext()) {
    var subfolder = subfolders.next();
    traverseFolder(subfolder, currentPath + "/" + subfolder.getName(), sheet);
  }
}

Important Google Quota Limits to Keep in Mind:

  • Strict 6-minute execution limit: Google kills any Apps Script that runs longer than 6 minutes. Folders with over 500–1,000 files will often fail.
  • DriveApp API rate limits: Querying hundreds of individual files and subfolders in succession can trigger “Service invoked too many times” errors.
  • Automated Alternative: Drive Explorer uses optimized client-side batching and streaming to handle folders of any size without 6-minute timeouts.

Is it safe to use with Shared Drives and Work Accounts?

Drive Explorer is fully compatible with Google Workspace Shared Drives. All file metadata processing happens strictly in your browser and never touches third-party servers.

Google Verified

Drive Explorer undergoes recurring security audits by Google to maintain access to Drive APIs. We meet Google's strict security and privacy standards.

No Server Storage

Your file data never touches our servers. We don't collect, store, or transmit any of your Google Drive files or folder information.

Frontend Processing

All operations happen entirely in your browser. Your data stays on your device and is never sent to any external server.

Full Google Workspace™ Add-on

Manage Millions of Files with Drive Explorer

Need to catalog enterprise drives, automate scheduled updates, batch-rename thousands of files, or audit sharing permissions? Upgrade to the full Drive Explorer suite.

Google Drive File List FAQs

Everything you need to know about exporting and cataloging Google Drive files.

Click 'Select Google Drive Folders' in the tool above, connect your Google account, and select any folder. The tool instantly reads your folder's contents and displays an interactive table preview. From there, you can export the full file list directly into an existing Google Sheet or download it as a clean CSV file.

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