Connections
A connection links DriveWidget to a Google Drive folder. Every widget and API key is scoped to a connection.
Types of connections
OAuth (Recommended)
Sign in with your Google account and pick any Drive folder you own. Works with personal Gmail and Google Workspace accounts.
Best for: Most users. Takes 30 seconds to set up.
Service Account
Upload a Google service account JSON key. Files are uploaded as the service account, not as you.
Best for: Google Workspace admins, automated pipelines, when you don't want to grant personal account access.
How to create a service account:
- Open Google Cloud Console
- Create a project → Enable Google Drive API
- Go to IAM & Admin → Service Accounts → Create
- Download the JSON key
- Share your Drive folder with the service account email (with Editor access)
- Upload the JSON key in DriveWidget → New Connection → Service Account
DriveWidget Managed Storage
We host your files on secure storage — no Google account needed on your end. Files are accessible via our API and dashboard.
Best for: Developers who want zero setup, and users who don't have Google Drive.
Connection limits by plan
| Plan | Max connections |
|---|---|
| Free | 2 |
| Starter | 5 |
| Growth | 10 |
| Pro | 20 |
| Business | 100 |
Connection settings
Each connection has these configurable options:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Label shown in your dashboard |
| Target folder | Which Drive folder files land in |
| Allowed types | Restrict file MIME types (e.g., only PDF, JPG) |
| Max file size | Override the plan default for this connection |
| Rate limit | Max uploads per minute from the public |
| Retention days | Own Drive: custom days (Starter+). Managed Storage: fixed by plan. |
| Public | Whether the connection accepts public uploads |
File retention
Own Drive connections (Starter+)
Set a custom number of retention days per connection — files older than that are auto-deleted daily.
Go to Connection → Settings → Retention Days and enter any value (e.g. 90 for 3 months).
Deleted from Google Drive permanently — not recoverable. Useful for GDPR compliance or keeping your Drive tidy.
Managed Storage connections
Retention is fixed by plan — you cannot change it:
| Plan | Retention |
|---|---|
| Storage Free | 7 days |
| Storage 10GB | 30 days |
| Storage 25GB | 60 days |
| Storage 50GB | 90 days |
| Storage 100GB | 180 days |
Upgrading your plan extends the retention window going forward.
Revoking a connection
Deleting a connection from the dashboard does not revoke Google Drive access — it only removes the connection from DriveWidget. To fully revoke:
- OAuth: Go to myaccount.google.com/permissions and remove DriveWidget
- Service Account: Delete or disable the service account in Google Cloud Console
Next steps
- Embed Widget → — Add a file upload form to your website
- Client Portals → — Group multiple upload widgets for one client
- Webhooks → — Trigger automations when files arrive
- REST API → — Manage files programmatically