Class File

AI-generated Key Takeaways

Google Drive File objects in DriveApp allow programmatic interaction with files.
The documentation lists various methods for managing file permissions, getting file information, and manipulating file content.
Specific methods exist for managing access, retrieving details like ID and name, and performing operations like copying or moving files.
Shortcut-specific methods provide information about the target of a shortcut file.
Scripts interacting with files require appropriate Google Drive authorization scopes.

A file in Google Drive. Files can be accessed or created from DriveApp.

// Trash every untitled spreadsheet that hasn't been updated in a week.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Untitled spreadsheet');
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  if (new Date() - file.getLastUpdated() > 7 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000) {
    file.setTrashed(true);
  }
}

Methods

Method	Return type	Brief description
`addCommenter(emailAddress)`	`File`	Add the given user to the list of commenters for the `File`.
`addCommenter(user)`	`File`	Add the given user to the list of commenters for the `File`.
`addCommenters(emailAddresses)`	`File`	Add the given array of users to the list of commenters for the `File`.
`addEditor(emailAddress)`	`File`	Adds the given user to the list of editors for the `File`.
`addEditor(user)`	`File`	Adds the given user to the list of editors for the `File`.
`addEditors(emailAddresses)`	`File`	Adds the given array of users to the list of editors for the `File`.
`addViewer(emailAddress)`	`File`	Adds the given user to the list of viewers for the `File`.
`addViewer(user)`	`File`	Adds the given user to the list of viewers for the `File`.
`addViewers(emailAddresses)`	`File`	Adds the given array of users to the list of viewers for the `File`.
`getAccess(email)`	`Permission`	Gets the permission granted to a specific user.
`getAccess(user)`	`Permission`	Gets the permission granted to a specific user.
`getAs(contentType)`	`Blob`	Return the data inside this object as a blob converted to the specified content type.
`getBlob()`	`Blob`	Return the data inside this object as a blob.
`getDateCreated()`	`Date`	Gets the date the `File` was created.
`getDescription()`	`String`	Gets the description for the `File`.
`getDownloadUrl()`	`String`	Gets the URL that can be used to download the file.
`getEditors()`	`User[]`	Gets the list of editors for this `File`.
`getId()`	`String`	Gets the ID of the `File`.
`getLastUpdated()`	`Date`	Gets the date the `File` was last updated.
`getMimeType()`	`String`	Gets the MIME type of the file.
`getName()`	`String`	Gets the name of the `File`.
`getOwner()`	`User`	Gets the file owner.
`getParents()`	`FolderIterator`	Gets a collection of folders that are immediate parents of the `File`.
`getResourceKey()`	`String`	Gets the resource key of the `File` that is required to access items that have been shared using a link.
`getSecurityUpdateEligible()`	`Boolean`	Gets whether this `File` is eligible to apply the security update that requires a resource key for access when it's shared using a link.
`getSecurityUpdateEnabled()`	`Boolean`	Gets whether this `File` requires a resource key for access when it's shared using a link.
`getSharingAccess()`	`Access`	Gets which class of users can access the `File`, besides any individual users who have been explicitly given access.
`getSharingPermission()`	`Permission`	Gets the permission granted to those users who can access the `File`, besides any individual users who have been explicitly given access.
`getSize()`	`Integer`	Gets the number of bytes used to store the `File` in Drive.
`getTargetId()`	`String`	If this is a Shortcut, returns the ID of the item it points to.
`getTargetMimeType()`	`String`	If this is a Shortcut, returns the mime type of the item it points to.
`getTargetResourceKey()`	`String`	If the file is a shortcut, returns the resource key of the item it points to.
`getThumbnail()`	`Blob`	Gets a thumbnail image for the file, or `null` if no thumbnail exists.
`getUrl()`	`String`	Gets the URL that can be used to open the `File` in a Google App like Drive or Docs.
`getViewers()`	`User[]`	Gets the list of viewers and commenters for this `File`.
`isShareableByEditors()`	`Boolean`	Determines whether users with edit permissions to the `File` are allowed to share with other users or change the permissions.
`isStarred()`	`Boolean`	Determines whether the `File` has been starred in the user's Drive.
`isTrashed()`	`Boolean`	Determines whether the `File` is in the trash of the user's Drive.
`makeCopy()`	`File`	Creates a copy of the file.
`makeCopy(destination)`	`File`	Creates a copy of the file in the destination directory.
`makeCopy(name)`	`File`	Creates a copy of the file and names it with the name provided.
`makeCopy(name, destination)`	`File`	Creates a copy of the file in the destination directory and names it with the name provided.
`moveTo(destination)`	`File`	Moves this item to the provided destination folder.
`removeCommenter(emailAddress)`	`File`	Removes the given user from the list of commenters for the `File`.
`removeCommenter(user)`	`File`	Removes the given user from the list of commenters for the `File`.
`removeEditor(emailAddress)`	`File`	Removes the given user from the list of editors for the `File`.
`removeEditor(user)`	`File`	Removes the given user from the list of editors for the `File`.
`removeViewer(emailAddress)`	`File`	Removes the given user from the list of viewers and commenters for the `File`.
`removeViewer(user)`	`File`	Removes the given user from the list of viewers and commenters for the `File`.
`revokePermissions(emailAddress)`	`File`	Revokes the access to the `File` granted to the given user.
`revokePermissions(user)`	`File`	Revokes the access to the `File` granted to the given user.
`setContent(content)`	`File`	Overwrites the content of the file with a given replacement.
`setDescription(description)`	`File`	Sets the description for the `File`.
`setName(name)`	`File`	Sets the name of the `File`.
`setOwner(emailAddress)`	`File`	Changes the owner of the `File`.
`setOwner(user)`	`File`	Changes the owner of the `File`.
`setSecurityUpdateEnabled(enabled)`	`File`	Sets whether the `File` requires a resource key for access when it's shared using a link.
`setShareableByEditors(shareable)`	`File`	Sets whether users with edit permissions to the `File` are allowed to share with other users or change the permissions.
`setSharing(accessType, permissionType)`	`File`	Sets which class of users can access the `File` and what permissions those users are granted, besides any individual users who have been explicitly given access.
`setStarred(starred)`	`File`	Sets whether the `File` is starred in the user's Drive.
`setTrashed(trashed)`	`File`	Sets whether the `File` is in the trash of the user's Drive.

Detailed documentation

`addCommenter(emailAddress)`

Add the given user to the list of commenters for the File. If the user was already on the list of viewers, this method promotes the user out of the list of viewers.

const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  file.addCommenter('hello@example.com');
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addCommenter(user)`

Add the given user to the list of commenters for the File. If the user was already on the list of viewers, this method promotes the user out of the list of viewers.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Adds the active user as a commenter.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  file.addCommenter(Session.getActiveUser());
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addCommenters(emailAddresses)`

Add the given array of users to the list of commenters for the File. If any of the users were already on the list of viewers, this method promotes them out of the list of viewers.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  // TODO(developer): Replace 'cloudysanfrancisco@gmail.com' and
  // 'baklavainthebalkans@gmail.com' with the email addresses to add as
  // commenters.
  const emails = [
    'cloudysanfrancisco@gmail.com',
    'baklavainthebalkans@gmail.com',
  ];
  console.log(file.addCommenters(emails));
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddresses`	`String[]`	An array of email addresses of the users to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addEditor(emailAddress)`

Adds the given user to the list of editors for the File. If the user was already on the list of viewers, this method promotes the user out of the list of viewers.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addEditor(user)`

Adds the given user to the list of editors for the File. If the user was already on the list of viewers, this method promotes the user out of the list of viewers.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addEditors(emailAddresses)`

Adds the given array of users to the list of editors for the File. If any of the users were already on the list of viewers, this method promotes them out of the list of viewers.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddresses`	`String[]`	An array of email addresses of the users to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addViewer(emailAddress)`

Adds the given user to the list of viewers for the File. If the user was already on the list of editors, this method has no effect.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addViewer(user)`

Adds the given user to the list of viewers for the File. If the user was already on the list of editors, this method has no effect.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`addViewers(emailAddresses)`

Adds the given array of users to the list of viewers for the File. If any of the users were already on the list of editors, this method has no effect for them.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddresses`	`String[]`	An array of email addresses of the users to add.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getAccess(email)`

Gets the permission granted to a specific user. The method doesn't support returning permissions for a Google Group or permissions inherited through Google Groups.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`email`	`String`	The email address of the user whose permissions should be checked. Google Groups aren't supported.

Return

Permission — The permissions granted to the user.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getAccess(user)`

Gets the permission granted to a specific user. The method doesn't support returning permissions for a Google Group or permissions inherited through Google Groups.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user whose permissions should be checked.

Return

Permission — The permissions granted to the user.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getAs(contentType)`

Return the data inside this object as a blob converted to the specified content type. This method adds the appropriate extension to the filename—for example, "myfile.pdf". However, it assumes that the part of the filename that follows the last period (if any) is an existing extension that should be replaced. Consequently, "ShoppingList.12.25.2014" becomes "ShoppingList.12.25.pdf".

To view the daily quotas for conversions, see Quotas for Google Services. Newly created Google Workspace domains might be temporarily subject to stricter quotas.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`contentType`	`String`	The MIME type to convert to. For most blobs, `'application/pdf'` is the only valid option. For images in BMP, GIF, JPEG, or PNG format, any of `'image/bmp'`, `'image/gif'`, `'image/jpeg'`, or `'image/png'` are also valid. For a Google Docs document, `'text/markdown'` is also valid.

Return

Blob — The data as a blob.

`getBlob()`

Return the data inside this object as a blob.

Return

Blob — The data as a blob.

`getDateCreated()`

Gets the date the File was created.

Return

Date — the date the File was created

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getDescription()`

Gets the description for the File.

Return

String — the description for the File

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getDownloadUrl()`

Gets the URL that can be used to download the file. Only users with permission to open the file in Google Drive can access the URL. You can use this URL in a browser to download the file, but you can't use to fetch the file with UrlFetchApp. If you want the contents of the file in the script, use getBlob().

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files and logs the download URLs to the console.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  console.log(file.getDownloadUrl());
}

Return

String — The URL that can be used to download the file.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getEditors()`

Gets the list of editors for this File. If the user who executes the script does not have edit access to the File, this method returns an empty array.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Adds the email addresses in the array as editors of each file.
  // TODO(developer): Replace 'cloudysanfrancisco@gmail.com'
  // and 'baklavainthebalkans@gmail.com' with valid email addresses.
  file.addEditors([
    'cloudysanfrancisco@gmail.com',
    'baklavainthebalkans@gmail.com',
  ]);

  // Gets a list of the file editors.
  const editors = file.getEditors();

  // For each file, logs the editors' email addresses to the console.
  for (const editor of editors) {
    console.log(editor.getEmail());
  }
}

Return

User[] — If the user has edit access for this File, returns the list of editors. If the user doesn't have edit access, returns an empty array.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getId()`

Gets the ID of the File.

Return

String — the ID of the File

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getLastUpdated()`

Gets the date the File was last updated.

Return

Date — the date the File was last updated

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getMimeType()`

Gets the MIME type of the file.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files and logs the MIME type to the console.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  console.log(file.getMimeType());
}

Return

String — The MIME type of the file.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getName()`

Gets the name of the File.

Return

String — the name of the File

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getOwner()`

Gets the file owner.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files and logs the names of the file owners to the console.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();
  console.log(file.getOwner().getName());
}

Return

User — The file owner.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getParents()`

Gets a collection of folders that are immediate parents of the File.

Return

FolderIterator — a collection of folders that are immediate parents of the File

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getResourceKey()`

Gets the resource key of the File that is required to access items that have been shared using a link.

Return

String — The resource key of the File.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getSecurityUpdateEligible()`

Gets whether this File is eligible to apply the security update that requires a resource key for access when it's shared using a link.

Drive requires a resource key to access some files or folders that have been shared using a link. This change is part of a security update. The update is turned on by default for eligible files and folders. To turn the resource key requirement on or off for eligible files, use setSecurityUpdateEnabled.

Learn more about the Security update for Google Drive.

Return

Boolean — Whether the resource key requirement can be applied for the File.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getSecurityUpdateEnabled()`

Gets whether this File requires a resource key for access when it's shared using a link. This requirement is turned on by default for eligible files and folders. To turn the resource key requirement on or off for eligible files, use setSecurityUpdateEnabled.

Learn more about the Security update for Google Drive.

Return

Boolean — Whether the resource key requirement is enabled for this File.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getSharingAccess()`

Gets which class of users can access the File, besides any individual users who have been explicitly given access.

Return

Access — which class of users can access the File

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getSharingPermission()`

Gets the permission granted to those users who can access the File, besides any individual users who have been explicitly given access.

Return

Permission — the permissions granted to users who can access the File

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getSize()`

Gets the number of bytes used to store the File in Drive. Note that Google Workspace application files do not count toward Drive storage limits and thus return 0 bytes.

Return

Integer — the number of bytes used to store the File in Drive

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getTargetId()`

If this is a Shortcut, returns the ID of the item it points to.

Otherwise it returns null.

// The ID of the file for which to make a shortcut and the ID of
// the folder to which you want to add the shortcut.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file and folder IDs with your IDs.
const fileId = 'abc123456';
const folderId = 'xyz987654';

// Gets the folder to add the shortcut to.
const folder = DriveApp.getFolderById(folderId);

// Creates a shortcut of the file and moves it to the specified folder.
const shortcut = DriveApp.createShortcut(fileId).moveTo(folder);

// Logs the target ID of the shortcut.
console.log(`${shortcut.getName()}=${shortcut.getTargetId()}`);

Return

String — The target item ID.

`getTargetMimeType()`

If this is a Shortcut, returns the mime type of the item it points to.

Otherwise it returns null.

// The ID of the file for which to make a shortcut and the ID of
// the folder to which you want to add the shortcut.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file and folder IDs with your IDs.
const fileId = 'abc123456';
const folderId = 'xyz987654';

// Gets the folder to add the shortcut to.
const folder = DriveApp.getFolderById(folderId);

// Creates a shortcut of the file and moves it to the specified folder.
const shortcut = DriveApp.createShortcut(fileId).moveTo(folder);

// Logs the MIME type of the file that the shortcut points to.
console.log(`MIME type of the shortcut: ${shortcut.getTargetMimeType()}`);

Return

String — The target item mime type.

`getTargetResourceKey()`

If the file is a shortcut, returns the resource key of the item it points to. A resource key is an additional parameter that you need to pass to access files that have been shared using a link.

If the file isn't a shortcut, it returns null.

//  Gets a file by its ID.
//  TODO(developer): Replace 'abc123456' with your file ID.
const file = DriveApp.getFileById('abc123456');

// If the file is a shortcut, returns the resource key of the file that it
// points to.
console.log(file.getTargetResourceKey());

Return

String — The target item's resource key or null if the file is not a shortcut.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getThumbnail()`

Gets a thumbnail image for the file, or null if no thumbnail exists.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Logs the thumbnail image for each file to the console as a blob,
  // or null if no thumbnail exists.
  console.log(file.getThumbnail());
}

Return

Blob — The thumbnail image for the file.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getUrl()`

Gets the URL that can be used to open the File in a Google App like Drive or Docs.

Return

String — the URL that can be used to view this File in a Google App like Drive or Docs

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`getViewers()`

Gets the list of viewers and commenters for this File. If the user who executes the script does not have edit access to the File, this method returns an empty array.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // For each file, logs the viewers' email addresses to the console.
  const viewers = file.getViewers();
  for (const viewer of viewers) {
    console.log(viewer.getEmail());
  }
}

Return

User[] — If the user has edit access for this File, returns the list of viewers and commenters. If the user doesn't have edit access, returns an empty array.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`isShareableByEditors()`

Determines whether users with edit permissions to the File are allowed to share with other users or change the permissions.

Return

Boolean — true if users with edit permissions are allowed to share with other users or change the permissions; false if not

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`isStarred()`

Determines whether the File has been starred in the user's Drive.

Return

Boolean — true if the File is starred in the user's Drive; false if not

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`isTrashed()`

Determines whether the File is in the trash of the user's Drive.

Return

Boolean — true if the File is in the trash of the user's Drive; false if not

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`makeCopy()`

Creates a copy of the file.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Creates a copy of each file and logs the file name to the console.
  console.log(file.makeCopy().getName());
}

Return

File — The new copy.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`makeCopy(destination)`

Creates a copy of the file in the destination directory.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Creates a copy of each file and adds it to the specified folder.
  // TODO(developer): Replace the folder ID with your own.
  const destination = DriveApp.getFolderById('123456abcxyz');
  const copiedFile = file.makeCopy(destination);

  // Logs the file names to the console.
  console.log(copiedFile.getName());
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`destination`	`Folder`	The directory to copy the file into.

Return

File — The new copy.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`makeCopy(name)`

Creates a copy of the file and names it with the name provided.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Creates a copy of each file and sets the name to 'Test-Copy.'
  const filename = file.makeCopy('Test-Copy');

  // Logs the copied file's name to the console.
  console.log(filename.getName());
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`name`	`String`	The filename that should be applied to the new copy.

Return

File — The new copy.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`makeCopy(name, destination)`

Creates a copy of the file in the destination directory and names it with the name provided.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Creates a copy of each file, sets the file name, and adds the copied file
  // to the specified folder.
  // TODO(developer): Replace the folder ID with your own.
  const destination = DriveApp.getFolderById('123456abcxyz');
  const copiedFile = file.makeCopy('Test-Copy', destination);

  // Logs the file names to the console.
  console.log(copiedFile.getName());
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`name`	`String`	The filename that should be applied to the new copy.
`destination`	`Folder`	The directory to copy the file into.

Return

File — The new copy.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`moveTo(destination)`

Moves this item to the provided destination folder.

The current user must be the owner of the file or have at least edit access to the item's current parent folder in order to move the item to the destination folder.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`destination`	`Folder`	The folder that becomes the new parent.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`removeCommenter(emailAddress)`

Removes the given user from the list of commenters for the File. This method does not block users from access the File if they belong to a class of users who have general access — for example, if the File is shared with the user's entire domain.

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Removes the given user from the list of commenters for each file.
  // TODO(developer): Replace the email with the email of the user you want to
  // remove.
  file.removeCommenter('cloudysanfrancisco@gmail.com');
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user to remove.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`removeCommenter(user)`

// Gets a list of all files in Google Drive with the given name.
// TODO(developer): Replace the file name with your own.
const files = DriveApp.getFilesByName('Test');

// Loops through the files.
while (files.hasNext()) {
  const file = files.next();

  // Removes the given user from the list of commenters for each file.
  console.log(file.removeCommenter(Session.getActiveUser()));
}

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user to remove.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`removeEditor(emailAddress)`

Removes the given user from the list of editors for the File. This method doesn't block users from accessing the File if they belong to a class of users who have general access—for example, if the File is shared with the user's entire domain, or if the File is in a shared drive that the user can access.

For Drive files, this also removes the user from the list of viewers.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user to remove.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`removeEditor(user)`

For Drive files, this also removes the user from the list of viewers.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user to remove.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`removeViewer(emailAddress)`

Removes the given user from the list of viewers and commenters for the File. This method has no effect if the user is an editor, not a viewer or commenter. This method also doesn't block users from accessing the File if they belong to a class of users who have general access—for example, if the File is shared with the user's entire domain, or if the File is in a shared drive that the user can access.

For Drive files, this also removes the user from the list of editors.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user to remove.

Return

File — This File for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`removeViewer(user)`

Removes the given user from the list of viewers and commenters for the File. This method has no effect if the user is an editor, not a viewer. This method also doesn't block users from accessing the File if they belong to a class of users who have general access—for example, if the File is shared with the user's entire domain, or if the File is in a shared drive that the user can access.

For Drive files, this also removes the user from the list of editors.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user to remove.

Return

File — This File for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`revokePermissions(emailAddress)`

Revokes the access to the File granted to the given user. This method doesn't block users from accessing the File if they belong to a class of users who have general access — for example, if the File is shared with the user's entire domain.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	The email address of the user whose access should be revoked.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`revokePermissions(user)`

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	A representation of the user whose access should be revoked.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setContent(content)`

Overwrites the content of the file with a given replacement. Throws an exception if content is larger than 10MB.

// Creates a text file with the content 'Hello, world!'
const file = DriveApp.createFile('New Text File', 'Hello, world!');

// Logs the content of the text file to the console.
console.log(file.getBlob().getDataAsString());

// Updates the content of the text file to 'Updated text!'
file.setContent('Updated text!');

// Logs content of the text file to the console.
console.log(file.getBlob().getDataAsString());

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`content`	`String`	The new content for the file.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setDescription(description)`

Sets the description for the File.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`description`	`String`	the new description for the `File`

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setName(name)`

Sets the name of the File.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`name`	`String`	the new name of the `File`

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setOwner(emailAddress)`

Changes the owner of the File. This method also gives the previous owner explicit edit access to the File.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`emailAddress`	`String`	the email address of the user who should become the new owner

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setOwner(user)`

Changes the owner of the File. This method also gives the previous owner explicit edit access to the File.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`user`	`User`	a representation of the user who should become the new owner

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setSecurityUpdateEnabled(enabled)`

Sets whether the File requires a resource key for access when it's shared using a link. Eligible files and folders are enabled by default.

Learn more about the Security update for Google Drive.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`enabled`	`Boolean`	Whether to enable the resource key requirement for the `File`.

Return

File — This File, for chaining.

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setShareableByEditors(shareable)`

Sets whether users with edit permissions to the File are allowed to share with other users or change the permissions. The default for a new File is true.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`shareable`	`Boolean`	`true` if users with edit permissions should be allowed to share with other users or change the permissions; `false` if not

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setSharing(accessType, permissionType)`

Sets which class of users can access the File and what permissions those users are granted, besides any individual users who have been explicitly given access.

// Creates a folder that anyone on the Internet can read from and write to.
// (Domain administrators can prohibit this setting for users of a Google
// Workspace domain.)
const folder = DriveApp.createFolder('Shared Folder');
folder.setSharing(DriveApp.Access.ANYONE, DriveApp.Permission.EDIT);

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`accessType`	`Access`	which class of users should be able to access the `File`
`permissionType`	`Permission`	the permissions that should be granted to users who can access the `File`

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setStarred(starred)`

Sets whether the File is starred in the user's Drive. The default for new Files is false.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`starred`	`Boolean`	`true` if the `File` should be starred in the user's Drive; `false` if not

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

`setTrashed(trashed)`

Sets whether the File is in the trash of the user's Drive. Only the owner may trash the File. The default for new Files is false.

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
`trashed`	`Boolean`	`true` if the `File` should be moved to the trash of the user's Drive; `false` if not

Return

File — this File, for chaining

Authorization

Scripts that use this method require authorization with one or more of the following scopes:

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive

Class File Stay organized with collections Save and categorize content based on your preferences.

AI-generated Key Takeaways

Methods

Detailed documentation

addCommenter(emailAddress)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addCommenter(user)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addCommenters(emailAddresses)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addEditor(emailAddress)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addEditor(user)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addEditors(emailAddresses)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addViewer(emailAddress)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addViewer(user)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

addViewers(emailAddresses)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

getAccess(email)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

getAccess(user)

Parameters

Return

Authorization

getAs(contentType)

Parameters

Return

getBlob()

Return

getDateCreated()

Return

Authorization

getDescription()

Return

Authorization

getDownloadUrl()

Return

Authorization

getEditors()

Return

Authorization

getId()

Return

Authorization

getLastUpdated()

Return

Authorization

getMimeType()

Return

Authorization

getName()

Return

Authorization

getOwner()

Return

Authorization

Class File

`addCommenter(emailAddress)`

`addCommenter(user)`

`addCommenters(emailAddresses)`

`addEditor(emailAddress)`

`addEditor(user)`

`addEditors(emailAddresses)`

`addViewer(emailAddress)`

`addViewer(user)`

`addViewers(emailAddresses)`

`getAccess(email)`

`getAccess(user)`

`getAs(contentType)`

`getBlob()`

`getDateCreated()`

`getDescription()`

`getDownloadUrl()`

`getEditors()`

`getId()`

`getLastUpdated()`

`getMimeType()`

`getName()`

`getOwner()`

`getParents()`

`getResourceKey()`

`getSecurityUpdateEligible()`

`getSecurityUpdateEnabled()`

`getSharingAccess()`

`getSharingPermission()`

`getSize()`

`getTargetId()`

`getTargetMimeType()`

`getTargetResourceKey()`

`getThumbnail()`

`getUrl()`

`getViewers()`

`isShareableByEditors()`

`isStarred()`

`isTrashed()`

`makeCopy()`

`makeCopy(destination)`

`makeCopy(name)`

`makeCopy(name, destination)`

`moveTo(destination)`

`removeCommenter(emailAddress)`

`removeCommenter(user)`