Skip to main content

How to load Google Docs correctly?

Written by Imran Ahmed

If your Google Document is not loading properly in Pencil Spaces, itā€™s usually due to access permissions, browser settings, or an incorrect link. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve common issues.

Access Not Provided

You may encounter an error in the iFrame if you donā€™t have permission to view the document.
ā€‹

In this case, ask the owner of the Google Document to grant you access, then refresh your Spaces window.

How to Provide Access

  1. Open the Google Document in a separate browser tab.

  2. Click the blue Share button in the top-right corner.

  3. Invite specific people or enable link sharing.

  4. Click Send or Done to save changes.

Note: You must have ownership or editing access to share the document.

Once access is granted, return to Pencil Spaces and refresh or re-add the document.

Not Logged In

Google Docs will not load if you are not logged into your Google account.
ā€‹

  1. Open a new browser tab.

  2. Log in to your Google account.

  3. Return to Pencil Spaces.

  4. Refresh your Spaces window.

Third-Party Cookies Disabled

Google Docs may fail to load if third-party cookies are blocked (especially in Incognito mode or certain browsers).

To resolve this:

  1. Open your browser settings.

  2. Navigate to Cookies and site data.

  3. Enable third-party cookies or select Allow all cookies.

  4. Restart your browser.

  5. Reload Pencil Spaces and try again.

Note: In some browsers or Incognito mode, clicking ā€œEnable third-party cookiesā€ inside the iFrame may not trigger a prompt. You will need to enable cookies manually in your browser settings.

400 Error (Microsoft Edge or Brave)

If you see a 400 error while using Microsoft Edge or Brave, it is likely caused by tracking prevention settings.

Option A: Switch to Google Chrome
Using Google Chrome can avoid this issue entirely.

Option B: Disable Tracking Prevention

  1. Open your browser settings.

  2. Go to Cookies and site data.

  3. Enable Allow sites to save and read cookie data or Allow all cookies.

  4. Restart your browser.

Invalid URL

If you see an ā€œInvalid URLā€ error:

  1. Delete the existing iFrame.

  2. Add a new iFrame.

  3. Paste a valid Google Docs link.

Refused to Connect / Blank Screen

If the document appears blank or shows ā€œRefused to connect,ā€ the link may not be supported.

This often happens when using the Google Docs homepage instead of a specific document.

To fix this:

  1. Close the current iFrame window.

  2. Copy the direct link to a specific Google Document.

  3. Add the document again using the correct link.

Did this answer your question?