Google Docs is a popular document editing and sharing platform. It allows real-time collaboration between multiple users. However, a common question is – can you share Google Docs with someone who doesn’t have a Gmail account? The good news is – yes, you can share Google Docs with non-Gmail users. Here are the main ways to do it:
Create a Google Account Using Any Email
To access Google Docs, you don’t need specifically a Gmail account. Any email account can be used to create a Google account [1]. So if the person you want to share with has an Outlook, Yahoo, organization email, or other account – ask them to create a Google account using that email.
Once they confirm their Google account, you’ll be able to share Google Docs with them normally.
Share via Email Attachment
If the non-Gmail user doesn’t want to create a Google account, you can still share Google Docs by emailing it as an attachment [5].
To do this:
- Open the Google Doc you want to share
- Go to File > Email as attachment
- Enter the non-Gmail user’s email address
- Click Send
The user will receive the Doc as a file attachment which they can then view or edit locally.
Publish to the Web
Another way is to publish your Google Doc publicly on the web[21]. When you publish a doc, anyone with the link can view (and edit if you allow it).
To publish a doc:
- Open the Google Doc
- Click File > Publish to the web
- Click Publish and copy the web link
- Send the link to the non-Gmail user
The user can then view or edit that doc online through the browser without needing a Google account.
Use Third-Party Apps
You can also use third-party apps like MultCloud [18] to share Google Drive folders with non-Gmail users. Such apps don’t require the recipient to have a Google account.
The process allows:
- Upload files/folders to the app
- Generate a shareable link
- Send that link to the non-Gmail user via email
- User views files directly within browser
Share with Restrictions
When sharing docs with non-Google users, be a bit cautious about permissions [13]. Since anyone with the link can access with “anyone with link” permissions, consider:
- Using view-only permission for sensitive docs
- Require email confirmation to view docs
- Revoke access if link is forwarded inappropriately
This balances access with security.
Tips for Sharing Google Docs
Here are some additional tips when sharing Google Docs:
- Preview first: Before sharing, preview how it will look for the recipient
- Check permissions: Don’t allow editing access unless required
- Share files < 10 GB: Google Drive allows sharing files up to 10 GB size
- Notify user: Check this option so user knows the doc is shared
Conclusion
Sharing Google Docs with non-Gmail users is easy. Ask users to create a Google account with their existing email, share docs via email attachments, publish docs publicly, or use third-party apps. Restrict permissions when required and follow other tips. This opens up collaboration with anyone regardless of the email service they use.
