PDF is one most popular document formats across multiple platforms and no wonder why ‘PDF converter tools’ won’t go anytime soon. Google Docs is a new, online-based text editing software that fortunately lets you export a document from its original format to PDF without the need for a third-party converter tool.
Follow these steps to download Google Docs as PDF. There are two guides shown below, one for the web version, another is for the Android app.
Table of Contents
#1 How to save Google Docs as PDF (web version)
1. Head to Google Docs and open the document you want to save as PDF.
2. Click File > Download > PDF Document.
3. The document will be instantly downloaded and stored in the device.
The document can be viewed from PDF-supported software, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and modern browsers.
Another method to download PDF from Google Docs is by pressing the shortcut CTRL+P. From there, make sure to select Save as PDF as the destination and click Save to start downloading it. This particular trick is quite helpful if you need to change the margins, enable background graphics, or extracting specific pages only without having to modify the document first.
#2 How to save Google Docs as PDF (app version)
1. Get the latest version of Google Docs app, then open the document you need.
2. Head to the upper-right three dots menu and select Save & export.
3. Then select Save as.
4. Choose PDF Document and click OK.
5. A newly created PDF will be downloaded and opened right away.
Similar to the web version. Google Docs app offers saving a document to PDF via its Print menu. It allows you to choose the pages, side, paper size, orientation, and select between color or black & white.
PDF size could be larger than a typical document size. If you find yourself dealing with massive PDF files, learn how to reduce PDF size, offline & free!
Additional Tips for Managing Your PDFs
Optimize Your PDF Files
Large PDF files can be cumbersome to share or store. To tackle this, consider compressing your PDFs without compromising quality. Tools like Smallpdf or Reduce PDF Size are excellent options for offline compression. They allow you to shrink your file size while maintaining readability, making it easier to email or upload your documents.
Convert PDFs Back to Editable Formats
If you ever need to edit a PDF, you can convert it back into an editable format like Word or Google Docs. Free tools like Wondershare PDFelement or online platforms such as HiPDF make this process straightforward. These tools also support batch conversions, saving time when working with multiple files.
Secure Your PDFs
For sensitive documents, adding password protection is a must. Software like Foxit PDF Editor or Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers robust security features, including encryption and digital signatures. This ensures your files remain private and secure when shared.
FAQ
How do I compress a PDF file offline?
You can use tools like the Smallpdf Desktop App or Reduce PDF Size. Simply open the app, select your file, and choose the compression option that suits your needs.
Can I edit a PDF after saving it from Google Docs?
Yes, you can edit PDFs using software like Wondershare PDFelement or Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. These tools allow you to modify text, images, and even the layout of your document.
Is it possible to save a Google Doc as a password-protected PDF?
While Google Docs does not offer this feature directly, you can save the document as a PDF and then use software like Foxit PDF Editor or Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to add password protection.
What should I do if my exported PDF doesn’t look right?
If formatting issues arise, first save the Google Doc as a .docx file and then use a dedicated PDF converter like Smallpdf or Wondershare PDFelement to create the PDF. These tools often preserve formatting better than direct exports.
By incorporating these tips and tools into your workflow, managing PDFs becomes seamless and efficient!
