Overview
The Google Drive integration allows Alysio to securely connect to a user’s Google Drive account in order to search, retrieve, and analyze file content. Once connected, users can ask Alysio to locate files, view document metadata, generate preview links, export document content, and analyze spreadsheet data using natural language. The integration allows teams to quickly access information stored in documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and PDFs without manually navigating Drive. The integration operates in read-only mode, meaning Alysio can retrieve and export file content but cannot create, modify, or delete files in Google Drive. This ensures that document integrity and security are maintained while still enabling powerful document discovery and analysis capabilities. All actions performed through the integration apply to the connected user’s Google Drive account, including files owned by the user as well as files shared with them.Supported Data and Capabilities
The Google Drive integration provides access to several Drive objects and operations.Files
Users can search and retrieve files stored in Google Drive. Supported operations include: Searching files by name or keywordFiltering by file type or MIME type
Filtering by folder location
Filtering by modified date or timestamp
Retrieving file metadata such as name, size, owners, and modification time
Generating preview links to open files in the browser
Shared Files
Retrieve files that have been shared with the connected user. This allows users to quickly locate documents that collaborators have provided access to.Recently Modified Files
Retrieve lists of files that have been recently modified by the user or collaborators. This capability helps users quickly access documents that were recently edited.Document Content Export
Supported file types can be exported into readable text so the content can be analyzed or summarized within Alysio. Supported formats include: Google DocsGoogle Sheets
Google Slides
PDF files Exported content can then be analyzed, summarized, or referenced during workflows. Exports currently support files up to 5MB in size.
Spreadsheet Data Analysis
Excel files and Google Sheets can be converted into a structured table format that can be analyzed using Alysio’s SQL analysis tools. This enables users to perform queries and data exploration directly on spreadsheet content.Authentication
The Google Drive integration uses OAuth 2.0 authentication. Users connect their Google account through the Alysio Settings → Integrations panel. During the authorization process, the user grants Alysio permission to access Google Drive through Google’s OAuth flow. Once authorized, Alysio receives an OAuth access token that allows it to interact with the Google Drive API on behalf of the user.Credential Handling
OAuth credentials are securely stored within Alysio and automatically refreshed according to Google’s token refresh policies. Each user maintains their own Google Drive connection. All file access and queries operate within the scope of the authenticated user’s Drive account. If the integration is disconnected or access is revoked within Google, Drive functionality will no longer be available until the user reconnects the integration.Required Permissions and Scopes
The Google Drive integration typically requests the following OAuth scope.| Scope | Purpose |
|---|---|
| https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.readonly | Allows Alysio to search files, retrieve metadata, export supported content, and list shared or recent files |
MCP Tools
The Google Drive MCP exposes several tools that allow Alysio to retrieve and analyze Drive content.googledrive_search_files
Searches Google Drive for files using keywords or filters. Example prompts Find PDFs about QBRSearch my Drive for the sales presentation
googledrive_get_file_metadata
Retrieves metadata about a file including name, size, owner, and modification time. Example prompts Show metadata for this fileWhat is the size of this document
googledrive_get_preview_link
Generates a preview link that opens the file directly in the Google Drive interface. Example prompts Give me a preview link for this fileOpen this document in Drive
googledrive_list_shared_with_me
Lists files that have been shared with the connected user. Example prompts What files were shared with me recentlyShow documents shared with me
googledrive_list_recent_files
Lists recently modified files. Example prompts Show the files I edited recentlyList my most recently updated documents
googledrive_export_file_content
Exports readable text from supported file types such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and PDFs. Example prompts Export the content of this documentGet the text from this PDF Exports are limited to files under 5MB.
googledrive_save_excel_file_content
Converts Excel files or Google Sheets into a structured table format that can be queried using SQL. Example prompts Load this spreadsheet so we can analyze itConvert this sheet into a table for analysis This tool is commonly used together with execute_sql_query for data exploration.
App Behavior
Alysio retrieves Google Drive data on demand when users request file information or document content. There is no background synchronization between Alysio and Google Drive. Instead, API requests are executed in real time when users search for files, retrieve metadata, export document content, or analyze spreadsheets. All requests are executed using the user’s OAuth credential and are restricted to the permissions granted during the authorization process.Example Workflow
User asks Find the proposal PDF in my Drive Alysio routes the request to the Google Drive MCP. The MCP sends a request using googledrive_search_files, filtering for PDF files containing the keyword proposal. The Google Drive API returns the matching file list. Alysio displays the results, including metadata and preview links, allowing the user to open or analyze the file.Troubleshooting
Google Drive Not Connected
The integration has not been authorized. SolutionNavigate to Settings → Integrations and connect Google Drive through OAuth.
Authentication Error
The OAuth token may have expired or been revoked. SolutionReconnect the integration in Settings → Integrations.
Insufficient Permissions
The integration may not have the required OAuth scopes. SolutionEnsure the integration is configured with the drive.readonly scope.
Export Failure
Exports are limited to supported file types and files smaller than 5MB. SolutionUse a supported file type such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or PDF. For large spreadsheets, load specific sheets for analysis instead of exporting the entire file.
Spreadsheet Analysis Errors
Spreadsheet analysis requires converting the file to a queryable table. SolutionUse googledrive_save_excel_file_content and then analyze the data with SQL queries.