Export Data from Google Drive Using Google Takeout

Export Data from Google Drive Using Google Takeout

Introduction



Google Takeout is a useful service provided by Google that allows users to export and download their data from various Google services, including Google Drive. This can be particularly helpful if you wish to transfer your data to an alternative system. Follow the steps below to export your data using Google Takeout.
InfoNote: Google Takeout cannot export data stored on shared drives, as such if you require this data to be exported, you should first move it into a personal drive account if storage limits allow.

Steps to Export Data Using Google Takeout

Access Google Takeout:

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to Google Takeout.
  2. Make sure you are signed in with the Google account from which you want to export data.

Select Data to Include:

  1. By default, all Google services will be selected. To export only Google Drive data, click on "Deselect all."
  2. Scroll down to find "Drive" and check the box next to it.
  3. Optionally, you can click on the "All Drive data included" button to choose specific folders or files within your Drive that you want to export.

Choose Export Settings:

After selecting the data, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Next step."
  1. Choose Send download link via email: You will receive a link to download the data.
  2. Select the frequency of the export. Options include a one-time export or scheduled exports every two months for a year.
  3. Choose the file type and size. The file types available are .zip and .tgz. You can also select the maximum archive size, with larger exports being split into multiple files.

Create Export:

Click on "Create export" to start the process. The time taken to prepare the export depends on the amount of data. Google will notify you via email once the export is ready.

Download Your Data:

  1. Once you receive the notification email, follow the link provided to download your data.

What Happens To My Documents?

Google Takeout converts Google Workspace documents into widely used file formats to ensure compatibility with other applications and systems. Here are the specific formats for each type of Google Workspace document:

  1. Google Docs: Exported as .docx (Microsoft Word) files.
  2. Google Sheets: Exported as .xlsx (Microsoft Excel) files.
  3. Google Slides: Exported as .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint) files.
  4. Google Drawings: Exported as .pdf (Portable Document Format) files.
  5. Google Forms: Exported as .zip files containing a .csv file for responses and a .html file for the form itself.
  6. Google Sites: Exported as a .zip file containing the HTML structure of the site.
These formats are selected to maximise compatibility with other software and systems, allowing users to easily access and edit their documents outside of the Google Workspace environment.

Considerations and Tips

  • Data Size and Internet Connection: Large amounts of data may take considerable time to export and download. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Storage Space: Make sure you have enough storage space on your destination system or device to accommodate the exported data.
  • Data Security: Keep the downloaded files secure, especially if they contain sensitive information. Transfer them to the alternative system promptly and securely.