> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docsautomator.co/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Google Shared Drive Template Permissions

> Resolve permission errors when using templates from Google Shared Drives

## Problem

When selecting a Google Docs template from a Shared Drive, DocsAutomator checks if your authorized Google account has the necessary permissions. If permissions are insufficient, a red Template Check badge appears.

## Why This Happens

<Warning>
  Google Shared Drive files require **Manager** (Organizer) level permissions for API operations, even if you can view and edit the template manually.
</Warning>

DocsAutomator uses the Google Drive API to read templates and create documents, which necessitates elevated permissions.

## Identifying the Issue

* 🔴 Red Template Check Badge indicates a permission problem
* Hovering shows your Google account email and current role
* Errors appear in both minimized and expanded template sections

## Permission Requirements

| Your Role           | Can Use Template? |
| ------------------- | ----------------- |
| Manager (Organizer) | ✅ Yes             |
| Content Manager     | ❌ No              |
| Contributor         | ❌ No              |
| Commenter           | ❌ No              |
| Viewer              | ❌ No              |

## Solutions

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Option 1: Upgrade Role">
    Contact your Shared Drive Manager to upgrade the authorized Google account to **Manager** status.

    This is the recommended solution if you need ongoing access to templates in the Shared Drive.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Option 2: Switch Accounts">
    1. Disconnect your current Google account in DocsAutomator settings
    2. Reconnect with an account that has Manager permissions

    <Info>
      Verify which account has Manager access before switching.
    </Info>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Option 3: Copy Template">
    1. Open the template in Google Docs
    2. Select **File → Make a copy**
    3. Save to "My Drive"
    4. Select the copied template in DocsAutomator

    <Tip>
      This creates a personal copy you fully control, but you'll need to update it manually if the original changes.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Prevention Tips

* Assign Manager roles to authorized Google accounts for team use
* Store frequently-used templates in personal drives
* Ensure proper Shared Drive permissions before setting up automations

## Troubleshooting

If issues persist after permission changes:

1. Refresh the DocsAutomator page to re-check permissions
2. Verify you selected the correct template
3. Confirm your Google account reconnection completed successfully

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Saving Google Docs" icon="file-lines" href="/features/actions-after-document-generation/saving-google-docs">
    Configure document storage settings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Template Guide" icon="file-lines" href="/docsautomator-basics/google-doc-template-guide">
    Learn template creation best practices
  </Card>
</CardGroup>