DriveScope
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Documentation

Learn how to use DriveScope to visualize, audit, and manage Google Shared Drive permissions.

Quick Start

  1. 1
    Connect with Google: Click "Connect" and authorize DriveScope with your Google account. We only request read-only Drive access.
  2. 2
    Scan your Shared Drives: DriveScope automatically scans all Shared Drives you have access to and builds a permission map.
  3. 3
    Explore permissions: Use the tree view to navigate drives → folders → files. Click any item to see who has access.
  4. 4
    Filter and export: Filter by user or resource, review AI suggestions, and export audit reports.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

  • Google Workspace account with access to Shared Drives
  • Permission to grant OAuth access (drive.readonly scope)
  • Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

First Connection

When you first connect, Google will show a consent screen asking for Drive read-only access. Review the permissions carefully. DriveScope only requests drive.readonly — we cannot modify or delete your files.

Using the Dashboard

Tree View

The left panel shows a hierarchical tree of your Shared Drives. Click to expand folders and see subfolders/files. Each item shows:

  • Icon indicating type (drive, folder, file)
  • Name of the item
  • Permission count badge

Permissions Panel

When you select an item, the right panel shows all users, groups, and links with access. Each permission shows:

  • Principal: User email, group name, or "Anyone with link"
  • Role: Viewer, Editor, or Manager
  • Source: Inherited (from parent) or Direct (on this item)
  • Risk: Flags for external domains or public links

Filtering and Search

Filter by User

Type a user's email address in the search box. DriveScope will show all files and folders that user can access across all Shared Drives. This is perfect for:

  • Offboarding audits (what access to remove)
  • Security reviews (unexpected access)
  • Compliance checks

Filter by Resource

Search for a specific folder or file path. See everyone who has access to that item, including inherited permissions from parent folders.

AI-Powered Insights

DriveScope AI analyzes your permission map and flags potential issues:

External Domains

Users from outside your organization with access

Public Links

"Anyone with link" shares that may be risky

Over-Permissions

Users with Editor/Manager access who might only need Viewer

Least-Privilege Suggestions

AI recommendations to reduce access levels

Exporting Reports

After filtering or reviewing permissions, export your results:

CSV Export

Download filtered results as CSV for Excel or other tools

Google Sheets

Export directly to a new Google Sheet for collaboration

Export includes: file/folder paths, principals (users/groups), roles, source (inherited/direct), and risk flags.

Troubleshooting

Scan Not Completing

Large Shared Drives may take time to scan. If a scan stalls:

  • Check Google API rate limits (we respect these automatically)
  • Try refreshing the page
  • Contact support if issues persist

Missing Permissions

If you don't see expected permissions:

  • Ensure you have access to the Shared Drive
  • Check that OAuth permissions are still valid
  • Re-run the scan to refresh data

Need More Help?

Check our FAQ or contact support.