How to Embed a Google Doc in Confluence (Fast, Secure, and Always Up-to-Date)

Embedding a live Google Doc inside a Confluence page is one of the easiest ways to keep your team aligned without switching tabs or dealing with outdated files. Whether you’re documenting requirements, drafting content, sharing meeting notes, or collaborating on internal policies, a Google Doc embedded directly in Confluence keeps everything visible, editable, and always synced.

In this guide, you will learn the most reliable ways to embed Google Docs in Confluence, from the old iframe method to the modern and secure approach using the Google Docs for Confluence app by ikuTeam. You will also understand how permissions work, how real-time updates sync automatically, and how to choose the best method for your team’s workflow.

Why Embed Google Docs Inside Confluence Pages?

Embedding Google Docs directly into a Confluence page gives teams a smoother, clearer, and more collaborative way to work with shared documents. Instead of juggling tabs, searching for links, or wondering whether the file in the issue is the latest version, the document simply lives where the conversation happens.

Here’s why teams rely on this workflow:

Keep documentation and discussions in one place

Requirements, meeting notes, drafts, and project updates stay visible on the same Confluence page where teams comment, plan, and decide. No extra steps, no context switching.

Reduce browser tab overload

Teams jump between tools less. Instead of editing in Google Docs and documenting in Confluence, everything is done from a single page.

Maintain a single source of truth

Because the embedded Google Doc is the real document from Google Drive, there are no duplicate uploads or conflicting versions. What you see in Confluence is always the latest version.

Live updates, synced instantly

Edits made in Google Drive appear immediately inside Confluence. Edits made from within Confluence sync back to the original Google Doc in real time.

Increase visibility across teams

Instead of hiding behind links or attachments, the document is displayed directly on the page, making it easier for product managers, developers, designers, and leadership to stay aligned.

Common examples where embedding shines

• Requirements documents and product specs

• Meeting notes and collaborative agendas

• Policies and internal guides

• Shared writing and content drafts

• Project briefs and proposals

Embedding Google Docs in Confluence turns static pages into dynamic, real-time collaboration hubs while preserving the structure and organization Confluence is known for.

The Main Ways to Embed a Google Doc in Confluence

When teams want to embed a Google Doc in Confluence, they usually fall into one of three approaches. Each method works, but they vary widely in security, ease of use, and long-term maintainability.

Here’s the quick overview:

1. Paste the Google Doc link (quickest, but not embedded)

• Fastest method: just paste the URL into a Confluence page

• Confluence converts it into a clickable link

• Document opens in a new tab

• Not an actual embed

2. Publish to Web + HTML / iframe macro (manual workaround)

• Uses Google’s “Publish to web” feature

• Requires iframe or HTML macro

• Embeds the doc visually, but with major security drawbacks

3. Google Docs for Confluence app by ikuTeam (recommended)

• Paste the Google Doc URL

• The app embeds a live Google Doc directly in Confluence

• All permissions remain managed by Google Drive

• No HTML, no iframes, no public sharing

• The only secure and scalable method for daily use

Below, we dive into each method so you can choose the one that fits your workflow.

Method 1: Paste a Google Doc Link (Simplest, but Not Embedded)

The most basic option is simply pasting the Google Doc URL into a Confluence page.

How it works

• Go to your Google Doc

• Copy the URL

• Paste it into the Confluence page editor

• Confluence automatically turns it into a hyperlink

Pros

• Extremely simple

• Zero configuration

• Fully respects Google Drive permissions (users only see it if they have access)

Cons

• No embedded view

• Opens the document in a new browser tab

• Breaks page flow and context

• Poor for collaboration visibility

When to use

• Quick internal references

• Temporary documents

• Links you don’t need visually embedded

If you need the Google Doc to actually appear inside Confluence, this method isn’t enough.

Method 2: Publish to Web and Embed with HTML or Iframe

This is the old-school workaround teams used before secure integrations existed. It works, but it comes with significant limitations and important security concerns.

Step 1: Publish the Google Doc to the Web

Inside Google Docs:

1. Go to File → Share → Publish to web

2. Select Embed

3. Copy the generated <iframe> code

Important warning: Publishing a Google Doc to the web makes it publicly accessible to anyone who has the link or can load the embed. This bypasses Google Drive permissions entirely.

For most teams, this is a deal-breaker.

Step 2: Embed Using Iframe or HTML Macro

In the Confluence page editor:

1. Type /iframe (iframe macro)
   or
   Type /html (HTML macro, often restricted by admins)

2. Paste the iframe embed code

3. Adjust iframe parameters, such as:

   • width="100%"

   • height="600"

   • frameborder="0"

This creates a static embedded view of your Google Doc.

Pros and Cons of Iframe Embeds

Pros

• Works without installing any add-ons

• Creates a visible, inline embedded document

• Fully customizable HTML/iframe sizing

Cons

• Requires HTML macro (often disabled for security)

• Publishing to the web exposes your document publicly

• No control over toolbars or UI elements

• Manual maintenance if the embed code changes

• Cannot enforce Google Drive permissions

• Not suitable for confidential or internal documents

If your team needs a secure, permission-aware, and reliable way to embed Google Docs in Confluence, the iframe method is not recommended. The next method solves all these issues.

Method 3: Embed Live Google Docs with the Google Docs App for Confluence by ikuTeam

If you want a secure, modern, and fully supported way to embed a Google Doc in Confluence, the Google Docs for Confluence app by ikuTeam is the most reliable choice. Unlike links or iframes, this approach gives you a real, live Google Docs embed inside Confluence with proper authentication and enterprise-level security.

This method removes every limitation of traditional embeds:

• No iframe code

• No HTML macro

• No publish-to-web

• No public access

• No security exposure

• No manual maintenance

Instead, you get a direct and fully synced Google Docs embed, supported natively through a secure macro.

The workflow is simple:

1. Install the app from the Atlassian Marketplace

2. Paste the Google Docs URL inside Confluence

3. Confluence renders the live document instantly

4. Each user authenticates with their own Google account

5. Google Drive permissions remain fully enforced

This is the only method that provides a truly embedded Google Doc with real-time editing while keeping your organisation’s security, governance, and access controls fully intact.

How the Google Docs for Confluence App Works

The app is built to behave exactly the way modern teams expect. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. The macro wraps your live Google Doc

When you paste the URL, the app automatically creates a macro that renders the document directly inside Confluence.

This is a real Google Doc, not a screenshot, not a static embed.

2. Users authenticate with their Google account

Each viewer must be logged into Google in their browser.
The app uses their Google identity to retrieve the doc.

Meaning:

• If they have view access → they can view in Confluence

• If they have edit access → they can edit in Confluence

• If they are not authorized → they cannot see the document

Exactly the same behaviour as Google Drive.

3. Permissions stay in Google Drive, not Confluence

No copied files.
No stored versions.
No exposure through “publish to web”.

All access control continues to be managed by your Google Drive settings.

4. Real-time sync

Any edit made:

• in Google Docs

• in Confluence

• or directly in Google Drive

appears instantly for everyone.

Nothing is stored in Confluence; the app acts as a secure viewer/editor linked to your Drive.

5. Built on Atlassian Forge

Because the app runs on Forge:

• No file content is stored anywhere outside your Google Drive

• Data compliance follows Atlassian’s strict platform rules

• Nothing leaves your environment except permissions-validated requests

In short: This is the safest, fastest, and most accurate way to embed a Google Doc in Confluence.

Step-by-Step: Embed Google Docs in Confluence Using the App

Once you use the Google Docs for Confluence app, embedding a live Google Doc becomes a simple, secure, and fully integrated workflow. Here’s the complete step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Install Google Docs for Confluence

You’ll find the app on the Atlassian Marketplace.

1. Open the Marketplace listing for Google Docs for Confluence

2. Click Try it free

3. The app installs instantly, it’s Forge-based, secure, and fully GDPR/CCPA compliant

There’s nothing to configure. It works immediately across your Confluence environment.

Step 2: Paste Your Google Doc URL

Embedding a document takes only a few seconds:

1. Open the Google Doc in your browser

2. Copy the URL from the address bar

3. Go to your Confluence page and enter Edit mode

4. Paste the URL directly into the editor

The app automatically transforms the link into a live Google Docs macro and begins rendering the preview.

You don’t need to use iframes, the HTML macro, or publish anything to the web.

Step 3: Authenticate with Your Google Account

Every user must authenticate with Google before they can view or edit the embedded document.

• If the user is already signed in, the document displays immediately

• If not, the app prompts them to sign in with their Google account

• The app respects Google Drive sharing rules

This ensures:

• Only authorized users can see the embedded Google Doc

• Editing follows the exact permissions defined in Google Drive

• No public links, no exposure, no bypassed security

Step 4: Adjust Layout Options

You can fine-tune how the Google Doc appears on your Confluence page.
Select the macro → click Edit to open layout controls.

Available Options

Width

• Set to 100% for a full-width experience

• Or specify a fixed pixel width for tighter layouts

Height

• Adjust to control the visible area before scrolling

Hide preview on load

• The document loads but stays collapsed

• Perfect for pages with multiple embedded docs or long reports

Show toolbars

• Enable or disable the Google Docs toolbars

• Useful for choosing between a clean viewer mode or an editable workspace

Show headers/document interface

• Toggle visibility of title, headers, and interface elements

• Ideal when you need a minimalist embed for documentation pages

Examples of common layouts

• Full-width policy document → Width 100%, toolbars on

• Compact meeting notes → Fixed width, minimal toolbars

• Dashboard with multiple docs → Hide preview on load for each macro

Step 5: Publish and Collaborate

Once you click Publish, your Google Doc appears instantly inside Confluence.

• Edits made in Confluence update in real time

• Edits made in Google Docs update in real time

• The document always reflects the single source of truth in Google Drive

• Multiple embedded docs? Just paste each URL, and every document becomes its own macro with its own layout settings

This method gives your team a seamless blend of Confluence structure and Google Docs collaboration, without duplicating files or breaking permissions.

Comparison: Which Embed Method Should You Use?

When embedding a Google Doc in Confluence, you have two main options: the classic HTML/Iframe macro approach or the modern, secure method using the Google Docs for Confluence app by ikuTeam. Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose the right method for your team. 

Conclusion: The App Is the Safest and Simplest Choice

If your goal is to embed Google Doc content in Confluence securely, cleanly, and without breaking permissions, the Google Docs for Confluence app is the clear winner. You avoid public exposure, eliminate messy code, and gain a real editing experience directly inside Confluence with seamless Google Drive integration.

For modern Confluence spaces, especially in Google Workspace environments, the app is the enterprise-ready solution.

Troubleshooting Embedded Google Docs in Confluence

Even with the correct setup, a few common issues can affect how embedded Google Docs appear or behave inside Confluence. Here’s how to quickly diagnose and fix them.

1. The embedded Google Doc shows a blank area or an error

Most common cause: The viewer is not authenticated or lacks Google Drive access.

How to fix:

• Make sure the user is signed into the correct Google account in the same browser.

• Verify the file’s Google Drive permissions (View, Comment, or Edit).

• Confirm that the user has access to the folder where the document lives.

2. The toolbar isn’t displayed in Confluence

Cause: The toolbar may be disabled in the macro settings.

Fix:

• Enter Confluence edit mode

• Select the Google Docs macro

• Click Edit

• Enable Show toolbars

This restores the familiar Google Docs formatting and editing menus inside your Confluence page.

3. The document looks cut off or too small

Cause: The width or height settings need adjustment.

Fix:

• Open the macro’s layout options

• Increase Width (100 percent for full-width pages works best)

• Increase Height for longer documents

• Optional: Use full-width Confluence layout for maximum viewing space

This ensures the entire document is properly displayed.

4. The embedded Google Doc is not loading at all

Cause: Your Confluence instance may be blocking external embeds.

Fix:

• Ensure https://docs.google.com/ is added to the Confluence allowlist (admin setting)

• Confirm firewall or security tools aren't blocking Google Docs

• Refresh after authentication prompts

5. I pasted the URL, but nothing appeared

Cause: The app may not have rendered yet, or you pasted a non-standard link.

Fix:

• Ensure you’re pasting the full document URL from the browser bar

• Wait a moment for the automatic macro creation

• Try reloading the page editor

6. Other users can’t see the document I embedded

Cause: Google Drive permissions restrict access.

Fix:

• Google controls visibility, not Confluence

• In Google Drive, confirm the user has at least View access

• Avoid “restricted to myself” settings when collaborating in Confluence

Still Having Issues?

Check the app documentation or reach out via the Atlassian Marketplace support link. ikuTeam support can help diagnose authentication, permissions, or layout problems quickly.

FAQ: Confluence Embed Google Doc

1. Do Google Docs update automatically in Confluence?

Yes. When you embed a Google Doc using the Google Docs for Confluence app, any changes made in Google Drive update instantly inside the Confluence page. There is no need to re-embed or refresh links.

2. Who can see the embedded Google Doc in Confluence?

Visibility is controlled entirely by Google Drive permissions.
Users must have access to the document in Google Drive and must be authenticated with their Google account in the browser. If they can open the doc in Google Drive, they can view it in Confluence.

3. Do I need a Google account to view an embedded Google Doc?

Yes. Every viewer must sign in with a Google account so the app can verify permissions.
Confluence does not bypass or override Google Drive security settings.

4. Can I embed multiple Google Docs on the same Confluence page?

Absolutely. Each time you paste a Google Docs URL, the app creates a new macro. You can embed multiple documents, each with its own layout settings.

5. Is publishing to the web required to embed a Google Doc?

No. Publishing to the web is only required for iframe/HTML embeds, and that method makes documents publicly accessible. With the ikuTeam Google Docs for Confluence app, you only paste the URL, and permissions remain private and secure.

6. Does Confluence store my Google Doc?

No. The document stays in Google Drive. The app shows a live embedded version, but never stores or copies the file inside Confluence. This ensures full compliance with your organization’s storage and governance policies.

7. Can users edit the Google Doc directly inside Confluence?

Yes, if they have edit permission in Google Drive. The embedded view includes optional toolbars so editors can write, comment, and format content right inside the Confluence page.

Conclusion: The Best Way to Embed Google Docs in Confluence

Embedding Google Docs inside Confluence is one of the strongest ways to keep documentation, collaboration, and decision-making in a single shared space. But not all embedding methods deliver the same security, speed, or reliability.

Here’s the quick recap:

Link only: the simplest, but not really embedded

Pasting the Google Docs URL is fast and permission-safe, but it opens in a new tab and doesn’t display inside the Confluence page. Good for quick references, but not ideal for real collaboration.

Iframe/HTML macro: outdated and risky

It works, but only if your admin enables HTML.

It also requires publishing the Google Doc to the web, which makes the file publicly accessible, meaning a major security downside for most teams.

Maintenance is manual, layout control is limited, and the experience is inconsistent.

Google Docs for Confluence app by ikuTeam: the clear winner

The dedicated ikuTeam app provides the cleanest and most modern workflow:

• Paste a URL, and it embeds instantly

• No publish-to-web required

• Google Drive permissions fully enforced

• Real-time editing directly inside Confluence

• Layout controls for width, height, toolbars, headers, and more

• Zero storage inside Confluence (file stays in Google Drive)

For teams who want the safest, fastest, and most future-proof way to embed Google Docs in Confluence, the Google Docs for Confluence app is the recommended approach.

If your team relies on Google Workspace and wants a unified workflow for Docs, Sheets, and Slides, all embedded, editable, and permission-safe inside Confluence, we strongly recommend reading: Confluence + Google Drive Integration: The Practical Guide to Working from One Source of Truth