> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.samstudio.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Share SAM Script Projects via Google Drive or Email

> Share SAM Script projects by exporting a .samscript file and sending it via Google Drive, Google Classroom, email, or your school LMS.

SAM Script uses a straightforward file-based sharing workflow: you save your project as a `.samscript` file, share that file through the tools your class already uses — Google Drive, Google Classroom, email, or your school's LMS — and the recipient opens it directly in SAM Studio. It only takes a moment once you know the steps.

## How sharing works in SAM Script

Because SAM Script is a local, file-based environment, sharing a project means sharing the `.samscript` file itself. The general flow looks like this:

1. **Export** — save your project as a `.samscript` file using the **Save** icon in the toolbar.
2. **Distribute** — upload or attach the file through Google Drive, Google Classroom, email, or your school's LMS.
3. **Open** — the recipient downloads the file and opens it in SAM Studio using **File > Open** or the **Open** button.

<Note>
  Sharing via a shareable link is not natively supported in SAM Script beta. Until that feature is available, file-based sharing through Google Drive or your LMS is the recommended approach.
</Note>

## For teachers: distributing a starter project

Sharing a template or starter file with your class is a great way to give every student the same starting point for a lesson or challenge.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Build and save your starter project">
    Create your project in SAM Script, then click the **Save** icon (floppy disk) in the toolbar. Give the file a clear name that students will recognise, such as `Starter-Lesson4-Variables.samscript`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload to your sharing platform">
    Upload the `.samscript` file to Google Classroom as an assignment material, to a shared Google Drive folder, or to your school's LMS. Make sure students have permission to download or view the file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Instruct students to open the file">
    Ask students to download the file, then open SAM Studio, click **Open** (or **File > Open**), and select the downloaded `.samscript` file. Their project will load with your starter code ready to go.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  In Google Classroom, attach the `.samscript` file directly to the assignment and set it to **"Make a copy for each student."** That way every student gets their own editable version and you can collect completed files in the same assignment.
</Tip>

## For students: submitting your work to a teacher

When you're ready to hand in a project, follow these steps to export and submit your `.samscript` file.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Save your project">
    Click the **Save** icon (floppy disk) in the SAM Script toolbar. Make sure your project is named clearly — for example, `YourName-Lesson4-Complete.samscript` — so your teacher can identify it easily.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload or attach the file">
    Submit the `.samscript` file through whichever method your teacher has set up:

    * **Google Classroom** — attach it to the assignment and click **Turn in**.
    * **Google Drive** — upload it to the shared folder your teacher provided.
    * **Email** — attach the file and send it to your teacher's school email address.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm submission">
    Double-check that the file uploaded successfully before closing the tab. In Google Classroom you'll see a confirmation message; for Drive or email, verify the file appears in the sent or shared location.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## SAM Script vs. SAM Space and SAM Blockly

If you've used SAM Space or SAM Blockly, you may be used to sharing projects with a single in-app link. SAM Script currently works differently:

| Feature             | SAM Space & SAM Blockly | SAM Script                 |
| ------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Auto-save           | ✅ Cloud auto-save       | ❌ Manual file save         |
| In-app sharing link | ✅ Supported             | ❌ Not yet available (beta) |
| File-based sharing  | —                       | ✅ `.samscript` file        |

<Info>
  SAM Script is currently in beta, and new features — including expanded project sharing — are actively being developed. Keep an eye on SAM Studio release notes for updates.
</Info>