Google Takeout is a free service provided by Google that allows you to export a copy of your data from various Google products. You can download this data to store on your local computer or transfer it to another cloud storage service. The service supports exporting data from a wide range of products, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Calendar, and more.
Remember, log in using your Ohio State username (lastname.#@osu.edu) and password to use the Ohio State managed account.
Key Features and Benefits
- Data Export and Archiving: Google Takeout is primarily used to extract and archive content from your Google account. You can download data from services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and more, allowing you to create a personal backup.
- Customizable Exports: The tool gives you control over what data you export. You can select specific data types to download, and in some cases, even choose which folders, albums, or calendars to include. This allows you to tailor the archive to your specific needs.
- File Format and Delivery Options: Google Takeout downloads your data in compressed archive files, such as .zip or .tgz. You can choose a one-time export or a recurring process that provides updated backups every two months over a year. The service delivers the archive via a download link sent to your email, or it can add the file directly to your Google Drive.
- Accessibility and Control: Google Takeout provides a way to see what personal data Google has collected and reclaim it. This can be particularly useful when you are leaving an organization or school and want to take your data with you.
- No Size Limits: While there are no explicit size limits on the downloads, large datasets may be split into multiple files to make them more manageable.