Can I create a Google Drive link that displays the file by its extension instead of starting an automatic download?
Based on my experience, it is indeed possible to configure a Google Drive link to display the file within the browser rather than triggering an immediate download. The process involves extracting the file ID from the original link and constructing a URL that directs to the preview mode. I’ve found that replacing segments of the URL, such as using ‘/preview’, helps avoid the automatic download behavior. However, bear in mind that this method might not work for all file types, as Google Drive only supports in-browser previews for certain file formats.
I have experimented with various methods to generate Google Drive links that display the file inline without forcing a download. One approach that proved effective in my projects was to manipulate the link parameters after obtaining the shareable URL. Instead of using the default sharing link, I altered it to redirect to the specific preview page. This method, however, depends on whether the file type is supported for in-browser viewing. It’s essential to test the file in device-specific contexts since some file formats may still prompt different behaviors.