Preview client-side encrypted PDF and image files directly

Preview client-side encrypted PDF and image files directly in Google Drive, now available in beta

Client-side encryption (CSE) provides organizations control over access to their confidential data, with customer controlled encryption keys and data that is indecipherable to third-parties, including Google. Google Drive now supports direct file previewing for CSE files. Previously, users needed to download encrypted non-native files to their local devices to view the contents. With this capability, authorized users can immediately preview encrypted content in their web browser without leaving Drive.

This feature streamlines productivity and bolsters security by eliminating unnecessary downloads. At launch, preview is supported only on Drive, and for:

Encrypted PDF documents
Encrypted Image file formats

Admins with eligible Workspace licenses can sign up for the beta program, which provides access to the feature.

Preview of an encrypted PDF, accessible in Drive

Getting started

Admins: Admins with eligible Workspace licenses can sign up for the beta program. We’ll provide more information on how to get started if you’re accepted.
End users: This feature is ON for users in domains that have registered for the beta program.

Availability

Enterprise: Enterprise Plus
Education: Education Standard and Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Plus, Assured Controls, Assured Controls Plus

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: About client-side encryption
Beta Application: Registration form

Google Workspace Updates: Preview client-side encrypted PDF and image files directly in Google Drive, now available in beta

Google Drive now supports direct file previewing for Client-Side Encrypted (CSE) files in a newly launched beta program. Previously, users had to download these heavily protected non-native files to their local devices just to view what was inside. [1]

With this update, authorized users can immediately view the content securely inside their web browser. [1]

Key Highlights of the Update

Supported Formats: At launch, the beta program exclusively supports previews for encrypted PDF documents and encrypted image file formats. [1]
Enhanced Productivity & Security: Eliminating local downloads speeds up regular workflows and significantly reduces data leakage risks by keeping confidential files within the browser. [1]
Control: Organizations maintain total control over their data using customer-managed encryption keys, meaning the files remain completely indecipherable to outside parties—including Google itself. [1]

How to Get Access

For Admins: If your organization has an eligible Google Workspace license, you can sign up for the active beta program. Google will provide onboarding instructions once your domain is accepted. [1]
For End Users: The feature will turn on automatically for your account only if your domain administrator registers and gets accepted into the beta. [1]