Introduction

This blog explains how to get a folder ID in Google Drive. The folder ID is a unique string of characters used to identify and access specific folders directly. If you’re sharing a folder, setting up permissions or working with the Google Drive API, knowing how to find the folder ID makes managing your files much easier.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a folder ID is, why it’s useful, and show you a few simple ways to find it. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to extract a folder ID.

What is Folder ID in Google Drive?

A Folder ID in Google Drive is a unique string of letters and numbers that identifies a specific folder in your Drive. Every folder in Google Drive has its own ID that Google uses to keep track of it for the reference.

Example:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1a2b3cD4EfGhiJkLmN0OpQrSTuvWXYz

Why is Folder ID important ?

The Folder ID is important because it’s the unique identifier that tells Google Drive exactly which folder you're referring to. Unlike folder names, which can be duplicated or changed, the folder ID stays the same and always points to the specific folder.

  • Use the folder ID to create direct links to share folders without searching manually.
  • Google uses the folder ID in the link to grant access to the correct folder when sharing.
  • Folder IDs are required when working with Google Drive API for locating and managing folders.
  • Workflow automation tools like xFanatical Foresight need folder IDs to interact with folders.
  • The folder ID remains the same even if the folder name changes, so any links or integrations that use the ID will work without breaking.

Ways to Locate the Google Drive Folder ID

Get Folder ID from URL

This is the most basic way to find a folder ID in Google Drive and works for students, marketers, educators and developers.
Steps to get folder ID: 

  1. Open Google Drive in your browser.
  2. Double-click to open the folder you want.
  3. Locate the folder ID at the address bar at the top of your browser.

    Get Folder ID from URL

Get Folder ID from a Shared Link

If someone has shared a Google Drive folder with you via email,or  chat, you can easily extract the folder ID from that shared link. This method is helpful when you don’t own the folder but still need to reference it in automation tools, scripts or shared documents.

Steps to get shared folder ID: 

  1. Open Google Drive on your browser.
  2. In the left sidebar, click on Shared Drives or go to Shared with me if the folder was sent to you personally.
  3. Click the shared folder link to open it in a new tab. 
  4. Once it’s loaded, check the URL, the folder ID is the long string of characters that appears right after /folders/.
    Get Folder ID from a Shared Link

Find the Folder ID from the Google Drive Mobile App

The Google Drive mobile app doesn’t show the folder ID directly like the desktop version. But there’s a simple way to get it.  Just copy the folder’s shareable link. This trick works on both Android and iOS devices.
Steps are given below:

  1. Open Google Drive on your phone or tablet.
  2. Go to the folder you want to fetch the folder ID.
  3. Tap the Three Dots next to the folder name.
  4. Click Copy link or copy the link from Share > Copy link.
    Folder ID from the Google Drive Mobile App
  5. The folder link will be copied to your clipboard. Simply paste it into a notepad to get the folder ID.

Locate Folder ID Programmatically using Apps Script

Google Apps Script lets you automate tasks in Google Drive using simple JavaScript code. If you want to get a folder ID programmatically, you can write a short script that searches for a folder by name and logs its unique ID. This is useful for building workflows, managing files or integrating with other tools. Since folder names can change but folder IDs stay the same, using the ID keeps your scripts stable. This method is perfect for developers, educators or anyone automating tasks with Google Drive.

Follow the steps: 

  1. You can provide the script with the name of the folder you want to find.
  2. The script searches your Google Drive using the provided name.
  3. If it finds the folder, it shows the folder ID in the log.
  4. The folder ID stays the same even if you rename the folder, so your automation continues to work without issues.
function getFolderIdByName() {
const folderName = "My Folder"; // Replace with your folder name
  const folders = DriveApp.getFoldersByName(folderName);
  if (folders.hasNext()) {
    const folder = folders.next();
    Logger.log("Folder ID: " + folder.getId());
  } else {
    Logger.log("Folder not found");
  }
}

Fetch the Folder ID using Google Drive API

The Google Drive API is a powerful tool for developers who want to manage folders and files through code. If you want to programmatically find a folder ID in Google Drive, you can use the Google Drive API.
Steps to proceed:

  1. Use the files.list method to search for a folder by its name.
  2. Send a GET request to the Drive API with the folder name and folder MIME type.
  3. Authenticate the request using an OAuth 2.0 token.
    • For example: 
      • API endpoint would be GET https://www.googleapis.com/drive/v3/files
      • Use the files.list method with a search query to find a folder by name and retrieve its ID.
      • Make sure to replace YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN with a valid OAuth 2.0 token.
      • Make sure the project name is replaced as per your need.
      • The request will return a response as folder ID and folder name.
curl -X GET \
"https://www.googleapis.com/drive/v3/files?q=name%3D%27Project%20Files%27+and+mimeType%3D%27application%2Fvnd.google-apps.folder%27&fields=files(id%2Cname)&spaces=drive" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN"

Quick Tips to Find Google Drive Folder ID

  1. Starmark the folder first to make it easier to locate later, then open it and copy the folder ID from the URL.
  2. Rename the folder temporarily to something unique, making it easier to find programmatically.
  3. Use browser bookmarks to save frequently used folder IDs for quick access later.
  4. Use browser developer tools (F12) to inspect folder links and extract folder IDs directly from link elements on Drive pages.
  5. If using Google Drive on desktop, right-click the folder and select View on Web, the browser will open the folder with its ID in the URL.
  6. Organize your folder IDs in a spreadsheet or notes app with labels and purposes helpful for managing automations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to find a Google Drive folder ID can save your time and make your digital workflows more efficient. Whether you're sharing folders, setting up automation with tools xFanatical Foresight, the folder ID is a reliable identifier that stays constant, even if the folder name changes. Whether you’re fetching it from the URL or API, there are simple ways to find your Google Drive folder ID.

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