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What Grive2 does
Grive2 is a fork of the original Grive project. Its documented workflow downloads Drive files into the current local directory, uploads local changes when you run it again, and transfers new files in either direction. You can also sync a subdirectory rather than the entire Drive. The project README identifies version 0.5.3 and is dated 9 November 2022; that documentation date does not establish which build is newest in every Linux distribution’s package repository. Grive2 project README and repository
Unlike a Drive mount or files-on-demand system, Grive2 is intended to keep files in a local directory. The sources cited here establish its sync workflow, not a comparison of performance or current features against other Linux clients.
How to set up and sync a folder
- Create and enter a local folder: Use your terminal to create a directory for the files and change into it. Grive2’s documented commands operate on the current directory.
- Authorize access: Run
grive -afor the first authorization flow. The README describes using a user-created OAuth client ID and secret; authorization may not succeed for every new user today. See the OAuth section below before depending on this step. - Run the initial sync: In the folder, run
grive. It downloads Drive files and transfers new or changed files according to the project’s documented behavior. - Sync later changes: Run
griveagain when you want it to check for updates and transfer them. Grive2 creates local.griveand.grive_statefiles as part of its operation.
For exact command and configuration details, consult the project README.
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What it can and cannot sync
Partial sync and exclusions
The project documents syncing a subdirectory and using .griveignore patterns to exclude or include files. Shared files and folders do not automatically appear in the local sync: the README says to add them to My Drive through Google Drive’s website first. Grive2 project README
Deletions and recovery
The README says deleted files are moved to a local .trash directory or placed in Google Drive trash, where they can be recovered. Review the project’s deletion behavior and your backup needs before treating a synced folder as your only copy.
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Documented limitations
- No symbolic-link support is listed.
- Google documents are not supported.
These limitations are stated in the project documentation; it does not establish broader compatibility with all Drive file types or shared-drive arrangements. Grive2 project README
Does Grive2 sync continuously?
No. The project README states, “A sync is only performed when you run Grive.” In the ordinary setup, the client does not stay active to monitor local and remote changes. Grive2 project README, version heading 0.5.3, dated 9 November 2022
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The README also describes optional automation using systemd and inotify-tools. Systemd can schedule sync runs, while inotify-tools can trigger runs after local filesystem changes. The project notes that this approach misses almost-instant downloads of remote changes: a scheduled run can pick them up later, but it is not equivalent to a continuously connected official Drive client. Grive2 project README
OAuth: the main uncertainty for new users
The README describes first-run authorization and a user-created OAuth client ID and secret. It also says Grive2 was awaiting Google approval and warns that the supplied client could exceed quota. A 2022 issue reports an access-blocked error during initial authorization, but that single historical report does not establish that the same error persists today. Grive2 project README Grive2 issue #372
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Because the available evidence does not confirm current Google consent or quota requirements, do not assume a fresh installation can authorize successfully. Test the authorization flow and complete a small sync before moving important files or designing a workflow around Grive2.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Installation and project status
The README documents a CMake build and dependencies including yajl 2.x, libcurl, libstdc++, libgcrypt, Boost components, and expat. It includes package-command examples for Debian/Ubuntu/Linux Mint, Fedora, and FreeBSD, but those commands may not match current distribution releases; check the README and your distribution’s package information before installing. Grive2 project README
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The original Grive repository marks that project deprecated and directs users to Grive2. VGrive is a separate project, not another name for Grive2; its repository labels it unmaintained and says it does not work with the newer API. Original Grive repository VGrive repository
Who should consider Grive2?
- A possible fit: Linux users comfortable with a terminal who want to sync a local directory on demand and can accept the documented file and automation limits.
- A poor fit: Users who need a supported graphical client, seamless background sync of remote changes, Google Docs support, or dependable authorization without first testing the OAuth flow.
Grive2 can provide a basic command-line folder-sync workflow, but the manual operation and unresolved present-day authorization question matter more than its ability to transfer files in principle.
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