by Drive Explorer
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.
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
Follow these simple steps to generate a structured spreadsheet inventory of any Google Drive folder without writing code or installing desktop software.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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™).
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:
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.
Everything you need to know about exporting and cataloging Google Drive files.
Everything you need to audit, organize, migrate, and optimize your Google Workspace storage.