What options are available for sharing a file with Google Drive?

Overview

Files, and folders, can be shared in several ways depending upon how broadly you want to make the resource available:

• Share with specific people: This option allows you to specify specific individuals, and what types of access they have to the resource. This option is the most secure. Note that if enter an email address that isn't a Google Account, the recipient will only have access to view the file regardless of which permissions you assigned them.
• Share a link to the file: This option allows you to generate a link (URL) to your file so that anyone who has the link will be able to access it. When you share a link, your name will be visible as the owner of the file.
• Share a file publicly: This option allows you to share your file with anyone. Anyone on the internet will be able to search for, find, and open your file. When you publish your file, your name will be visible as the owner of the file.