How to Send Google Sheet in Email (2025 Guide)

Sharing spreadsheets through email is a common business need, but many users struggle with the best way to share Google Sheets. This guide will show you two simple methods to send Google Sheets via email and compare it with Peony's secure document sharing features.

Two methods to send Google Sheets via email

Method 1: Create and share a link

Open your Google Sheet:

• Go to sheets.google.com
• Open the spreadsheet you want to share
• Make sure you're signed into your Google account

Create a shareable link:

• Click the "Share" button in the top-right corner
• Click "Get link"

Choose access permissions:

• "Restricted" (specific people)
• "Anyone with the link"

Set viewer permissions:

Choose the access level:

• Viewer

• Commenter

• Editor

• Copy the link

• Paste it into your email

Method 2: Send directly from Google Sheets

Access the email feature:

• Open your Google Sheet
• Click "File" in the menu
• Select "Email" → "Email this file"

Configure email settings:

• Enter recipient email addresses
• Add a subject line and message

Choose the file format:

• Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)

• Click "Send"

Why consider Peony for spreadsheet sharing?

When you share a spreadsheet that contains revenue projections, employee salaries or other sensitive data, "view only" is rarely enough. You need to know who is looking, what they can do with the file and when access should end. Peony turns any spreadsheet into a secure, read-only viewer that gives you that level of control without forcing recipients to create an account.

Key benefits of using Peony

• Viewer-specific watermark: Every sheet is stamped with the recipient's email, IP address and timestamp, discouraging screenshots or leaks.
• Link controls: Add a password, set an expiry date or restrict access to an IP allow-list in one click.
• Granular permissions: Disable downloads, printing or forwarding while still allowing view access.
• Real-time engagement analytics: See who opened your sheet, which tabs they viewed and how long they spent on each.
• Branded experience: Share from your own domain and logo for a professional look.
• Version locking: Recipients always see the latest version—no more emailing updated files.

Want to watermark directly inside Google Sheets? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to add a watermark in Google Sheets.

Google Sheets vs Peony for spreadsheet sharing

Try Peony for secure spreadsheet sharing

Best practices for sharing spreadsheets

Choose the right sharing method:

• Use direct email for one-time sharing
• Use link sharing for ongoing collaboration
• Use Peony for sensitive financial data

Set appropriate permissions:

• Restrict editing access when sharing final versions
• Use view-only mode for sensitive data
• Consider time-limited access for temporary sharing

Maintain security:

• Always verify recipient email addresses
• Double-check sharing permissions
• Use password protection when available
• Consider using Peony for confidential data

Conclusion

While Google Sheets provides convenient options for sharing spreadsheets via email, businesses handling sensitive data should consider more secure alternatives. Peony offers enhanced security, tracking, and professional presentation features that make it ideal for sharing financial documents and sensitive spreadsheets.

FAQ

Can I password protect a Google Sheet when sharing via email?

Google Sheets doesn't offer native password protection when sharing via email. For sensitive data, consider using Peony which provides password protection, expiry dates, and granular access controls.

How do I know if someone viewed my shared spreadsheet?

With Google Sheets, you can see basic activity in the "Activity" panel, but detailed analytics are limited. Peony provides comprehensive analytics showing who opened your sheet, which tabs they viewed, and how long they spent on each section.

Can I revoke access after sending a Google Sheet?

Yes, you can change sharing permissions or remove access entirely by clicking the "Share" button and modifying the access settings or removing specific users.

What's the best format to send a Google Sheet via email?

For maximum compatibility, send as Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format. This ensures recipients can open the file even if they don't have Google Sheets access.

Can recipients edit my spreadsheet if I share it via email?

It depends on the permissions you set. You can choose "Viewer" to make it read-only, "Commenter" to allow comments only, or "Editor" to allow full editing access.

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Ready to share your spreadsheets securely? Try Peony today and get professional-grade security and analytics for all your document sharing needs.