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get_drive_file_download_url

Downloads a Google Drive file as a binary file or generates a temporary download URL. Supports exporting native Google files (Docs, Sheets, Slides) to formats like PDF, DOCX, XLSX, CSV, or PPTX.

Instructions

Save a Drive file to disk (or expose a temporary URL).

Side effects: writes a file to the configured attachment storage (stdio mode) or publishes a download URL valid for 1 hour (HTTP mode). For file text content use get_drive_file_content instead; use this when you specifically need the binary file or an export. Google-native files are exported — Docs → PDF or DOCX; Sheets → XLSX, PDF, or CSV; Slides → PDF or PPTX. Other files download as-is. Requires the drive.readonly OAuth scope.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
user_google_emailYesThe user's Google email address (authenticated account).
file_idYesDrive file ID from search_drive_files or a URL like drive.google.com/file/d/<id>/view.
export_formatNoExport target for Google-native files. Docs: "pdf" (default) or "docx". Sheets: "xlsx" (default), "pdf", or "csv". Slides: "pdf" (default) or "pptx". Ignored for non-native files.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description fully covers behavioral traits: writes to storage or exposes a time-limited URL, exports Google-native files with specific formats, requires drive.readonly scope, and has side effects. It is transparent and does not contradict any annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise with front-loaded action, followed by side effects, comparison to sibling, export details, and auth requirement. Every sentence adds value without redundancy, making it efficient and easy to parse.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of an output schema, the description adequately covers purpose, usage guidelines, side effects, auth requirements, export behavior, and differentiation from a sibling tool. It is complete for an agent to correctly select and invoke the tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Input schema coverage is 100% and includes detailed descriptions for all parameters (user_google_email, file_id, export_format). The description adds context about export behavior but does not provide new parameter-specific dimensions beyond the schema, so a score of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool saves a Drive file to disk or exposes a temporary URL, distinctly differentiating it from get_drive_file_content by noting it handles binary files and exports. The verb 'Save' and resource 'Drive file' are specific, and the differentiation from a sibling tool is explicit.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It explicitly directs to use get_drive_file_content for text content and advises using this tool when needing binary files or exports. It also describes behavior in stdio vs HTTP modes and export formats, providing clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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