Few things cause more accidental data loss or storage quota confusion than the subtle differences between Google Drive's file interaction models. If someone shares a 50GB folder with you, does adding a shortcut use your 15GB quota? If the original owner deletes their file, does your shortcut disappear? What happens when you select "Make a Copy"?
Shared with Me & Shortcuts consume 0 bytes of your personal storage quota because the file remains owned by the original uploader. However, if the owner deletes the file, your shortcut becomes completely dead. Make a Copy duplicates the file into your own drive: it consumes your personal storage quota, but creates an independent asset that survives if the original uploader deletes their copy.
Comparison: The 3 File Models Broken Down
| Action | Uses Your Storage Quota? | Survives Owner Deletion? | Real-Time Updates Reflected? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared with Me | No (0 Bytes) | No (Vanishes) | Yes (Live) |
| Add Shortcut to Drive | No (0 Bytes) | No (Becomes broken pointer) | Yes (Live) |
| Make a Copy | Yes (100% of file size) | Yes (Independent copy) | No (Frozen at copy moment) |