How to Upload Files from Google Sheets into Google Drive

When you need to upload files to Google Drive and keep a structured record of them in a spreadsheet—for inventory, project tracking, or shared documentation—doing both steps separately is tedious. Manually uploading to Drive and then copying file names, links, and metadata into Google Sheets wastes time and increases errors as the number of files grows. This guide covers two ways to upload files to Google Drive and list them in Google Sheets: using the native Drive upload workflow with manual sheet updates, and using Drive Explorer Pro to upload directly from Sheets with automatic metadata listing. By the end, you will have files in Drive and a corresponding list in your spreadsheet.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following are in place.

• A Google account with access to Google Drive and Google Sheets
• A Google Sheets spreadsheet where you want the file list to appear
• For Method 2: Ability to install add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace

Method 1 — Upload to Google Drive and Manually Add Details to Sheets

This method uses the standard Google Drive web interface to upload files. After uploading, you add file details to your spreadsheet by hand. It works without any add-ons and is suitable when you upload files infrequently or need only a small number of entries.

When to use:

• You upload files occasionally (for example, fewer than 10–20 at a time)
• You prefer not to install add-ons
• You need only basic information in your sheet, such as file names and links

Steps:

1. Upload files to Google Drive: Open Google Drive in your browser and navigate to the folder where you want the files. Click New and select File upload or Folder upload. Select the files from your computer. Wait for the upload to complete.

Image: Google Drive interface with New button and File upload option visible

Alt text: Google Drive web interface showing the New button with File upload and Folder upload options.

2. Copy file links or names: Open the target folder in Drive. Right-click each file and choose Get link or Share to generate a shareable link. Copy the link and paste it into a column in your Google Sheet. Repeat for each file. For file names, you can copy them from the Drive interface or type them manually into an adjacent column.

3. Add metadata manually if needed: If you want columns for file size, type, or last modified date, you will need to obtain that information from Drive and enter it manually. Right-click a file and choose Details or Preview to see some attributes. Copy the values into your sheet.

Result:

• Files stored in your selected Google Drive folder
• A manual list in your sheet with whatever details you entered

Limitations:

• No automatic metadata such as file size, type, or last modified date
• Time-consuming for many files
• Copy-paste errors are possible when handling many entries

Method 2 — Upload Files Using Drive Explorer Pro

This method uses the Drive Explorer Pro add-on to upload files to Google Drive directly from the Google Sheets interface. After upload, file attributes such as name, ID, size, and last modified date are written into the sheet automatically. The workflow keeps uploads and documentation in one place.

When to use:

• You need to upload multiple files and maintain a structured list in the same sheet
• You want file metadata populated automatically
• You manage inventories, project assets, or shared file catalogs in Sheets

Steps:

1. Install Drive Explorer Pro: Open the Drive Explorer Pro Marketplace listing and click Install. Review and accept the required permissions. The add-on needs access to Google Drive and Google Sheets to upload files and update your spreadsheet.

2. Open the add-on in Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheet and go to Extensions → Drive Explorer Pro → Open. The Drive Explorer Pro sidebar opens in the sheet.

Image: Google Sheets with Drive Explorer Pro sidebar open showing upload and list options

Alt text: Google Sheets interface with Drive Explorer Pro sidebar visible, showing upload and list options.

3. Choose the default Drive folder: Use the sidebar to select the Google Drive folder where uploaded files will be saved. You can change this folder at any time before uploading.

4. Select files to upload: Drag and drop files into the upload area, or click the area to pick files from your computer. The selected files appear in the list. For image files, you can enable "Show preview of selected file(s)" to see a preview before uploading. Remove any file from the list if it is not the one you want.

5. Upload files and list in the sheet: Click the blue button Upload files to Drive and list in Sheets. The files upload to your selected Drive folder. After upload, the attributes of each file are written into the sheet. The add-on uses the same attribute configuration as the List Files feature.

6. Configure file attributes (optional): To choose which attributes appear in the sheet, go to the List Files tab and use Select Attributes. You can include file name, ID, size, type, last modified date, and other options. The settings apply to the next upload.

7. Adjust file access settings (optional): Use the Settings tab to control who can access the uploaded files. You can set sharing permissions before or after upload.

Result:

• Files uploaded to your selected Google Drive folder
• File metadata automatically written into the sheet
• Customizable attributes such as name, ID, size, type, and last modified date
• Optional control over file access permissions

Limitations:

• Requires add-on installation
• Subject to add-on and Google Workspace Marketplace availability

For more details on configuration and options, see the Drive Explorer Pro documentation.

Comparison of Methods

The table below summarizes the main differences between the two methods. Use it to decide which approach fits your workflow.

Recommendation

• If you upload rarely and prefer no add-ons → Use the manual method. Upload to Drive, then copy or type file details into your sheet. You will have a basic list with minimal setup.

• If you upload often and need a structured list with metadata → Use Drive Explorer Pro. Upload from Sheets and get automatic file listing with customizable attributes. You will have files in Drive and a matching record in your spreadsheet without manual data entry.

Conclusion

You can upload files to Google Drive and list them in Google Sheets either manually or with Drive Explorer Pro. The manual approach works without add-ons but requires you to enter details yourself. Drive Explorer Pro uploads from Sheets and populates file metadata automatically. Choose the method that fits how often you upload and whether you need automated listing.