1. Home
  2. Google Drive API
Google Drive API

Data Migration Alert: Unsupported Files with Specific Permissions

This document details the limitations of the Google Drive API and how they impact the Cigati Google Drive Migration Tool. These API restrictions define the extent to which the Google Drive Migrator can access and back up files from Google Drive. Please review the following points to understand these limitations and their potential effects on backup operations.

Note: These limitations originate from restrictions within the Google Drive API itself and are not directly related to limitations of the Cigati Solutions software.

Compatibility with Shared Drives and Individual Drives

  • Cigati Google Drive Migration Tool can back up files from Shared and individual Google Drives.
  • For shared files, if the file owner has not granted explicit read or write permissions to the user, our tool cannot access or back up these files.
  • Ensure that necessary permissions are provided for shared files before initiating a backup to include them successfully.

Exclusion of Zero-Byte Files

  • Files with a size of 0 bytes (empty files) are automatically excluded from backup.
  • Empty files will not be included in backup operations, as they contain no data.
  • Only files with actual content will be processed. Users should ensure that important files are not empty if they need them to be included in the backup.

Restrictions on Download and Edit Permissions

  • Files with restricted download or edit permissions will not be backed up.
  • If the file owner has disabled download or edit capabilities, the software will skip backing up that file, as the API cannot bypass these restrictions.
  • To back up specific files, ensure that download or edit access is temporarily allowed by modifying permissions as needed.

Export Limit for Large Files

  • When exporting Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides through the API, there is a maximum file size limit of 10 MB.
  • Files larger than 10 MB cannot be exported directly via the API, resulting in an error and exclusion from the backup. Users can only migrate files that are 10 MB or smaller.
  • For files larger than 10 MB, consider using the export links field in the API response. It provides alternative links to download the file in smaller segments or different formats (e.g., PDF, ODP).

The Cigati Google Drive Migration Tool functions within these API limitations. As a result, users may need to adjust file permissions, verify file sizes, and organize folder structures to optimize backup results.