Google Drive
Unclaimed verified 15 sept 2026TL;DR
Google Drive is a industry-leading cloud storage and collaboration platform that serves as the backbone of the Google Workspace ecosystem. It allows users to store, share, and co-edit files in real-time, differentiating itself through seamless integration with Google's suite of productivity tools and powerful AI-driven search capabilities.
What Users Actually Pay
No user-reported pricing yet.
Our Take
Google Drive remains the dominant force in cloud storage, primarily because it is far more than just a 'drive'; it is a collaborative environment. Its position is bolstered by the ubiquity of Google accounts, making it the default choice for individuals and a top-tier contender for enterprises. The platform's greatest strength lies in its ecosystem—once a file is in Drive, the transition to editing in Docs or Sheets is frictionless, and the real-time multi-user collaboration remains the gold standard for the industry. However, as a file management system, it faces valid criticism. The 'Shared with me' interface is a perennial pain point, often described as a chaotic dumping ground that lacks robust organizational tools. Furthermore, power users frequently report that the 'Drive for Desktop' client can be resource-heavy and occasionally prone to sync conflicts or 'stuck' uploads, which can be frustrating for those handling large volumes of non-Google native files. From a privacy perspective, Google Drive exists in a complex space. While enterprise versions offer robust security compliance (SOC2, HIPAA), consumer users often express concerns about how their data is indexed for Google's broader ecosystem services. Despite these concerns, the platform's utility is undeniable. Ultimately, Google Drive is best suited for teams and individuals who are already 'all-in' on Google Workspace. For those requiring strict folder-hierarchy management or working extensively with large binary files (like video editors), dedicated solutions like Dropbox or specialized NAS setups might offer a more focused experience, but for general business and personal productivity, Drive is difficult to beat.
Alternatives
Ranked by Revuo score — paid tiers never affect order.
Pros
- + Industry-leading real-time collaboration that allows hundreds of users to edit documents simultaneously.
- + Generous 15GB free storage tier that is shared across Google services, significantly higher than competitors like OneDrive or Dropbox.
- + Deep integration with the Google Workspace ecosystem, including seamless 'save-to-drive' features in Gmail and Chrome.
- + Powerful search functionality that includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to find text within images and PDFs.
- + Robust mobile and offline support, ensuring files are accessible regardless of connectivity.
Cons
- - The 'Shared with me' section is notoriously disorganized and difficult to clean up without manual intervention.
- - Desktop sync client ('Drive for Desktop') is occasionally criticized for high CPU/RAM usage and intermittent sync errors.
- - Privacy concerns regarding data indexing and Google's broader data-collection practices for consumer accounts.
- - Advanced file management features (like deep file tagging or complex metadata) are less developed than specialized enterprise solutions.
Agent Readiness
80/100Google Drive is exceptionally well-suited for autonomous AI agents. It offers a robust REST API with mature OAuth2 authentication and a comprehensive developer sandbox (API Explorer). Notably, Google has recently launched a 'Model Context Protocol (MCP) server' for Drive in developer preview, specifically designed to help AI agents search and manage files securely. Combined with the new Workspace Events API for real-time notifications and deep integration across automation platforms like Zapier and n8n, Drive provides a top-tier infrastructure for agentic workflows.
Last checked Jul 15, 2026
MCP Integrations
5 servers44 tools11,150 total usesSearch Google Drive, upload and download files, create folders, move and rename items, and manage sharing and file permissions.
18 tools
Arcade_ListAppsSee the apps the current caller can act on and whether they are connected. Returns each app's id, name, connected state, and (when connected) the account it is connected as. Call this to answer "what apps do I have?" or when the caller's connection state may have changed since the session started.GoogleDrive_CheckFileAccessCheck whether this app can already read each of several Drive files, in one batched pre-flight call, before attempting to read them. Use this when the user references multiple files so any that are not yet accessible can be granted together in a single picker step, instead of hitting a separate access error and grant prompt for each one. Each input may be a bare file id or a full Google Drive/Workspace URL (documents, spreadsheets, slides, PDFs, images, folders — any type). Returns ``files`` (a per-id list with ``accessible``, the ``title`` and ``mime_type`` when the file was read, and a ``reason`` when not usable), ``all_accessible`` (true only when every id is already accessible), ``connected_account_email`` (the connected Google account, empty when unknown), and a ``grant`` block. ``grant`` is empty when nothing needs granting; otherwise it lists the ungranted ids (``ungranted_ids``) plus, when the inline picker is enabled, a single picker URL covering them all. A ``reason`` of ``not_accessible_or_not_found`` is either a file not granted to this app yet or one that does not exist (indistinguishable here) — the picker resolves the former. ``invalid_reference`` is an input that is not a Drive id or link at all; ask the user to re-check it. ``error`` is a transient server-side failure (a timeout or 5xx) that the picker cannot fix; the same inputs may be retried later.GoogleDrive_CreateFolderCreate a new folder in Google Drive. By default, parent folder paths are resolved in My Drive. For shared drives, use folder IDs or provide shared_drive_id.GoogleDrive_DownloadFileDownload a blob file (non-workspace file) from Google Drive as base64 encoded content. For small files (under ~5MB raw), returns the file content directly in the response as base64. For large files, returns metadata with requires_chunked_download=True - use download_file_chunk to retrieve the file in parts. By default, paths are resolved in My Drive. For shared drives, use file IDs or provide shared_drive_id.GoogleDrive_DownloadFileChunkDownload a specific byte range of a file from Google Drive. Use this for large files that require chunked download (when download_file returns requires_chunked_download=True). Call repeatedly with increasing start_byte values to retrieve the complete file. Returns the chunk content as base64, along with progress information including whether this is the final chunk.GoogleDrive_GenerateGoogleFilePickerUrlGenerate a URL where the user can grant this app access to specific Drive files. Opens Google's first-party Drive picker. The user selects which files to share with this application — it is not a sign-in or credential prompt. By default the picker shows files of all types; pass ``file_types`` to restrict it to specific types. Use this when a prior tool reported that a file was not found or access was denied, and the user expects the file to exist. After the user completes the picker flow, retry the prior tool.GoogleDrive_GetFileTreeStructureGet the file/folder tree structure of the user's entire Google Drive. Very inefficient for large drives. Use with caution.GoogleDrive_ListFilePermissionsList permissions on a Google Drive file or folder. Returns the individual people (and groups) with access and the current General access (link sharing) state. `general_access` is computed across the ENTIRE file regardless of filtering -- so "is this doc public?" is always answered authoritatively. When `roles` is provided, `people` and `total_people` reflect only collaborators whose role matches the filter. Truncated collaborators beyond `limit` are not returned; `has_more` indicates whether truncation occurred.GoogleDrive_MoveFileMove a file or folder to a different folder within the same Google Drive. Can move to a folder (keeping name), or move and rename in one operation. By default, paths are resolved in My Drive. For shared drives, use file IDs or provide shared_drive_id.GoogleDrive_RemoveAllCollaboratorsRemove all user collaborators (and optionally groups) from a Google Drive file. The file owner and the calling user are always preserved. Groups are preserved by default because the Drive API cannot verify group membership -- pass include_groups=True to opt in. Inherited shared-drive permissions are never removable from the file level and are skipped. Use except_people to preserve additional people or groups by email or name. Ambiguous or unmatched except_people entries raise an error to avoid accidentally removing someone the caller meant to keep.GoogleDrive_RenameFileRename a file or folder in Google Drive. By default, paths are resolved in My Drive. For files in shared drives, either use the file ID directly or provide the shared_drive_id parameter.GoogleDrive_RevokeFileAccessRevoke access for specific people or groups on a Google Drive file. Identifies matches by email (exact, case-insensitive) or display name. When an input matches multiple people, the clear matches are still revoked and the ambiguous input is surfaced in the `ambiguous` response field with candidate details so the agent can re-prompt the user for just the uncertain ones. Inputs that don't match any collaborator are returned in `not_found`. Pending-owner matches (mid-ownership-transfer) are skipped and surfaced in `skipped_pending_owner` so the clean revokes in the batch still land. Owner permissions cannot be revoked -- transfer ownership first. When a grantee has both a direct and an inherited permission (e.g., shared-drive member also granted directly on the file), revoking the direct row leaves the inherited access intact. The inherited row is surfaced in `skipped_inherited` so callers don't assume the grantee is fully removed -- inherited access must be adjusted at the shared drive level.GoogleDrive_SearchDriveSearch the user's entire Google Drive, including files they created or received directly in Drive — not only files created through this app. Reads across the user's whole Drive, so it requires broad read access to their files. The provided 'query' should contain only the search terms; the tool builds the full Drive query for you, matching file names and contents.GoogleDrive_SearchFilesSearch for files in Google Drive. The provided 'query' should only contain the search terms. The tool will construct the full search query for you.GoogleDrive_SetGeneralAccessChange the 'General access' (link sharing) setting on a Google Drive file. Idempotent: calling with the same state as the current configuration is a no-op. When access is 'domain', the link is scoped to the caller's email domain -- NOT the file owner's domain. For cross-org collaboration (e.g., editing a file owned by another organization), confirm with the user which domain they intend before calling. Google will reject domain sharing for personal accounts (gmail.com, outlook.com, etc.) -- the tool translates that rejection into a friendly error. The response's `access` and `role` fields report the EFFECTIVE state after the transition, not the requested state. For files on shared drives, inherited link permissions cannot be changed from the file level -- if the request would have required removing an inherited permission, the effective state will reflect the inherited permission that remained. When `skipped_inherited` is non-empty, inspect it to understand why effective state may differ from what was requested.GoogleDrive_ShareFileShare a file or folder in Google Drive with specific people by granting them permissions. If a user already has permission on the file, their role will be updated to the new role. By default, paths are resolved in My Drive. For shared drives, use file IDs or provide shared_drive_id.GoogleDrive_UploadFileUpload a file to Google Drive from a URL. Fetches the file content from the provided URL and uploads it to Google Drive. Supports files of any size - uses resumable upload internally for large files. CANNOT upload Google Workspace files (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides) CANNOT upload files larger than 25MBGoogleDrive_WhoAmIGet comprehensive user profile and Google Drive environment information. This tool provides detailed information about the authenticated user including their name, email, profile picture, Google Drive storage information, the shared drives (and their IDs) the user has access to, and other important profile details from Google services.
Search patents and prior art via Google Patents. No API key required. Data via SerpAPI; Smithery is not affiliated with Google.
1 tool
search_patentsSearch patents and prior-art literature via Google Patents.
Search academic papers, citations, and case law from Google Scholar. No API key required. Data via SerpAPI; Smithery is not affiliated with Google.
1 tool
search_papersSearch Google Scholar for academic papers, books, theses, and citations. Returns organic results with title, authors, snippet, citation count, and PDF links.
Search real flight results from Google Flights. No API key required. Data via SerpAPI; Smithery is not affiliated with Google.
1 tool
search_flightsSearch real flight results from Google Flights. Returns best_flights (top picks), other_flights (alternatives), and price_insights (typical price range, historical pricing).
MCP server for Google Drive API v3 : search, read, create, share, and manage files and folders. ## Features - Search files with powerful query syntax (name, type, folder, date, full-text) - Read text file content and export Google Workspace files (Docs, Sheets, Slides) - Create, copy, rename, move, star, trash, and permanently delete files - Share files with users, groups, domains, or make public with role-based access - Add comments and threaded replies on files, resolve comment threads - Manage shared drives (create, list, delete) - View file revision history and storage quota ## 23 Tools - **Files (10):** search, get metadata, read content, create, update, copy, delete, export, create folder, empty trash - **Permissions (3):** list permissions, share file, unshare file - **Comments (3):** list, create, delete comments - **Replies (2):** list, create replies (with resolve/reopen actions) - **Shared Drives (3):** list, create, delete shared drives - **Revisions (1):** list file revi
23 tools
gd_search_filesSearch and list files in Google Drive. Use the q parameter for powerful search queries: name contains, mimeType, parent folder, trashed status, date filters. Returns file metadata with pagination support.gd_get_fileGet detailed metadata for a specific file or folder by ID. Returns all available metadata fields including size, owners, permissions, timestamps, and links.gd_read_fileRead/download file content. Returns text content for text-based files (txt, csv, json, html, xml, code). For binary files, returns file info. For Google Workspace files (Docs, Sheets, Slides), use gd_export_file instead.gd_create_fileCreate a new file or Google Workspace document (metadata only, no content upload). To create a folder, use gd_create_folder. For Google Docs, set mimeType to "application/vnd.google-apps.document".gd_update_fileUpdate file metadata — rename, change description, star/unstar, move between folders, or trash/untrash. Use add_parents/remove_parents to move files.gd_copy_fileCreate a copy of a file. Optionally specify a new name, destination folder, or description for the copy.gd_delete_filePermanently delete a file or folder. This action is irreversible — the file will NOT go to trash. Use gd_update_file with trashed=true to move to trash instead.gd_export_fileExport a Google Workspace file (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings) to a standard format. Use this for Google-native files; use gd_read_file for regular files. Supported exports: Docs→text/plain,text/html,application/pdf; Sheets→text/csv,application/pdf; Slides→application/pdf,text/plain.gd_create_folderCreate a new folder in Google Drive. Optionally specify a parent folder to create it as a subfolder.gd_empty_trashPermanently delete ALL files in the trash. This action is irreversible. All trashed files for the authenticated user will be permanently removed.gd_list_permissionsList all permissions (sharing settings) for a file or folder. Shows who has access, their role (owner, writer, commenter, reader), and sharing type (user, group, domain, anyone).gd_share_fileShare a file or folder by creating a permission. Share with a specific user (email), domain, or make public (anyone). Set role to control access level.gd_unshare_fileRemove a permission from a file or folder, revoking access for a user, group, or domain. Use gd_list_permissions to find the permission_id first.gd_list_commentsList comments on a file. Returns comment text, author, timestamps, resolved status, and inline replies.gd_create_commentAdd a comment to a file. The comment will be attributed to the authenticated user.gd_delete_commentDelete a comment from a file. Only the comment author or file owner can delete comments.gd_list_repliesList replies to a specific comment on a file.gd_create_replyReply to a comment on a file. Optionally resolve the comment thread with action="resolve".gd_list_drivesList shared drives (formerly Team Drives) that the user has access to. Supports search query for filtering by name.gd_create_driveCreate a new shared drive (requires Google Workspace account). The authenticated user becomes the organizer.gd_delete_drivePermanently delete a shared drive. The drive must be empty (no files) before it can be deleted. This action is irreversible.gd_list_revisionsList revision history for a file. Shows who modified the file, when, file size at each revision, and checksums.gd_aboutGet information about the authenticated user and their Google Drive — storage quota, import/export formats, and capabilities.
Last checked Aug 26, 2026
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