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Best 5 Free Ways: How to Save Google Doc as PDF [2025 Guide]

August 3, 2023 2.8K views

In today's digital age, Google Docs has become an essential tool for many, providing seamless document creation and collaboration. However, a common challenge arises when it comes to sharing Google Docs as PDF files. If you find yourself wondering how to save Google Doc as PDF, fear not! This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide, offering multiple free methods and step-by-step instructions. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge you need to effortlessly convert your Google Docs into PDF format and share them with ease.

WPS all apps screenshot


Method 1: Convert Google Doc to PDF with WPS Office (A Free Way)

WPS all apps screenshot


Are you looking for a free and versatile solution to save google doc as pdf  format? Look no further than WPS Office. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of using WPS Office's PDF converter tool. With WPS Office, you can enjoy the benefits of converting Google Doc to PDF seamlessly, whether you're using a PC, mobile device, iPhone, or even an online platform. Plus, WPS Office offers support for converting to various other file formats, making it an incredibly versatile option.

1. Install WPS Office: Begin by downloading and installing WPS Office on your device. Visit the official WPS Office website or your device's app store to find the appropriate version for your platform.

2. Open Google Docs: Launch Google Docs and locate the document you want to convert to PDF.

3. Export as DOCX: In Google Docs, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Download" from the drop-down menu. Choose the "Microsoft Word (.docx)" option to export your Google Doc as a DOCX file.

4. Open the DOCX File in WPS Office: Locate the downloaded DOCX file on your device and open it using WPS Office.

5. Access the PDF Converter: In WPS Office, click on the "PDF" tab in the top menu bar to access the PDF converter tool.

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6. Import the DOCX File: Within the PDF converter tool, click on the "Add Files" button and select the previously opened DOCX file from your device.

7. Convert to PDF: After selecting the DOCX file, choose the output format as "PDF."

8. Optionally, you can adjust the settings to customize the PDF conversion process. Once you're ready, click on the "Convert" button to initiate the conversion.

By following these simple steps, you can leverage WPS Office's powerful PDF converter tool to seamlessly save Google Doc into a PDF file. Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of WPS Office, whether you're using it on your PC, mobile device, iPhone, or even through their online platform. Don't limit yourself to just PDF conversions - explore the various other file formats that WPS Office supports, making it an invaluable tool for your document management needs.

Method 2:Direct Download Google Doc as PDF (An Easy Way)

If you're looking for a quick and hassle-free method to download and save Google Doc as a PDF file, we've got you covered. In this guide, we will show you an easy way to directly download your Google Doc as a PDF, without the need for any additional software or converters. This method is accessible on various platforms, including PC, mobile devices, iPhones, and can even be done online.

1. Open Google Docs: Start by opening the Google Docs application or accessing it through your preferred web browser.

2. Select the Document: Locate the specific Google Doc that you want to download as a PDF.

3. Access the File Menu: In the Google Docs interface, click on the "File" option in the menu bar.

4. Choose the Download Option: From the drop-down menu, select the "Download" option. A submenu will appear with various format options.

5. Select PDF as the Format: In the submenu, choose "PDF Document" as the desired format for download. Google Docs will convert the document into a PDF file.

WPS all apps screenshot


6. Save the PDF File: Once you've selected the PDF format, Google Docs will generate the PDF file for you as save google doc to pdf. Depending on your browser and device settings, you may be prompted to choose a location to save the PDF file. Select an appropriate location on your PC, mobile device, or iPhone and save the file.

By following these simple steps, you can easily download your Google Doc as a PDF file directly from Google Docs. This method eliminates the need for any additional software or converters, making it a convenient and time-saving solution. Enjoy the ease and flexibility of downloading your Google Docs as PDF files, whether you're using a PC, mobile device, iPhone, or even accessing Google Docs online.

Method 3:Use Print Trick to Save Google Doc as PDF (A Fast Way)

If you're looking for a fast and efficient method to save your Google Doc as a PDF, the print trick is your answer. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of using the print function to quickly convert your Google Doc into a PDF file. This method is not only fast but also free and accessible on various platforms, including PC, mobile devices, iPhones, and even online.

1. Open Google Docs: Begin by opening the Google Docs application or accessing it through your preferred web browser.

2. Select the Document: Locate the specific Google Doc that you want to save as a PDF.

3. Access the Print Menu: In the Google Docs interface, click on the "File" option in the menu bar, and then select "Print" from the drop-down menu.

Google Docs print menu screenshot


4. Choose the Destination: In the Print menu, you will find the "Destination" section. Click on the drop-down menu and select "Save as PDF" as the desired destination.

5. Customize Print Settings: Before proceeding, you can customize the print settings to ensure the PDF output meets your requirements. Adjust options such as paper size, orientation, margins, and more.

6. Preview and Save: Click on the "Preview" button to get a glimpse of how your PDF will appear. If everything looks satisfactory, click on the "Save" or "Save as PDF" button to generate the PDF file.

Window print menu screenshot


7. Choose a Location and Save: Once you've clicked on the save button, a dialog box will appear, allowing you to choose a location on your PC, mobile device, or iPhone to save the PDF file.

By following these simple steps, you can utilize the print trick to quickly save Google Doc as a PDF file. This method is not only fast but also free, making it a convenient solution for users. Enjoy the flexibility of converting your Google Docs into PDF format with ease, whether you're using a PC, mobile device, iPhone, or accessing Google Docs online.

Method 4: Email a Google Doc as a PDF (A Convenient Way)

Looking for a convenient way to share your Google Doc as a PDF? Emailing the document as a PDF is a simple and effective method. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of emailing your Google Doc as a PDF file. This convenient method allows you to share your document easily with others, and it is accessible on various platforms, including PC, mobile devices, iPhones, and even online.

qOpen Google Docs: Start by opening the Google Docs application or accessing it through your preferred web browser.

  1. Select the Document: Locate the specific Google Doc that you want to email as a PDF.

  2. Access the File Menu: In the Google Docs interface, click on the "File" option in the menu bar.

  3. Choose the "Email as attachment" Option: From the drop-down menu, select the "Email as attachment" option. A new email composition window will appear, with the Google Doc attached as a file.

  4. Customize Email Settings: In the email composition window, you can customize the email settings as needed. Add the recipient's email address, a subject line, and any additional message you want to include.

  5. Select PDF as the Attachment Format: Before sending the email, ensure that the attachment format is set to PDF. If needed, you can also adjust the file name for the PDF attachment.

  6. Send the Email: Once you have filled out the necessary details and verified that the attachment format is PDF, click on the "Send" button to email the Google Doc as a PDF.

By following these simple steps, you can conveniently email your Google Doc as a PDF file. This method allows you to quickly share your document with others, making it ideal for collaboration, distribution, or archiving purposes. Enjoy the convenience of sending your Google Docs as PDF attachments, whether you're using a PC, mobile device, iPhone, or accessing Google Docs online.

Method 5: Save a PDF Version of Google Doc to Google Drive

If you want to have a PDF version of your Google Doc stored in your Google Drive, this guide is for you. We will walk you through the steps of saving a PDF version of your Google Doc directly to your Google Drive. This method is free and accessible on various platforms, including PC, mobile devices, iPhones, and even online.

Save a PDF Version of Google Doc to Google Drive

  1. Open Google Docs: Begin by opening the Google Docs application or accessing it through your preferred web browser.

  2. Select the Document: Locate the specific Google Doc that you want to save as a PDF.

  3. Access the File Menu: In the Google Docs interface, click on the "File" option in the menu bar.

  4. Choose the "Download" Option: From the drop-down menu, select the "Download" option. A submenu will appear with various format options.

  5. Select PDF as the Format: In the submenu, choose "PDF Document" as the desired format for download. Google Docs will convert the document into a PDF file.

  6. Save to Google Drive: Once the PDF version is generated, click on the three vertical dots icon located in the top-right corner of the screen, choose "Save to Drive."

  7. Choose a Location in Google Drive: A window will appear, allowing you to choose a location in your Google Drive where you want to save the PDF file.

By following these simple steps, you can save a PDF version of your Google Doc directly to your Google Drive. This method ensures that you have a convenient and secure storage location for your PDF files, accessible across multiple devices and platforms. Enjoy the flexibility of accessing and managing your Google Docs and PDF files, whether you're using a PC, mobile device, iPhone, or accessing Google Docs online.

4 Reasons with Solutions for not Saving Google Doc as PDF

Saving a Google Doc as a PDF is a common need, but sometimes users may encounter issues or difficulties in doing so. Here are some possible reasons and solutions for not being able to save a Google Doc as a PDF:

4 Reasons with Solutions for not Saving Google Doc as PDF

1. Missing PDF Conversion Option:

If you don't see the PDF conversion option in the "File" menu of Google Docs, it could be due to outdated software or settings.

  • Solution: Update Google Docs: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Google Docs by checking for updates. Refresh the page or restart the application to see if the PDF conversion option appears.

  • Solution: Clear Cache and Cookies: Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help resolve any temporary issues that may be causing the PDF conversion option to be unavailable.

2. Formatting Issues:

Complicated document formatting, such as complex tables, images, or special fonts, can sometimes affect the PDF conversion process. Here's a possible solution:

  • Solution: Simplify Formatting: If the document contains complex formatting elements, try simplifying them. Remove any unnecessary formatting, complex tables, or unsupported fonts. Simplifying the document can improve the chances of a successful PDF conversion.

3. Limited Permissions:

If you don't have sufficient permissions or access rights to save a Google Doc as a PDF, you may encounter difficulties. Consider the following solution:

  • Solution: Check Document Sharing Settings: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to edit and download the document. Check the document's sharing settings to verify that you have the required access rights. If needed, request the document owner to grant you the necessary permissions.

4. File Size Limitations:

Very large Google Docs with extensive content or multimedia elements may exceed the file size limitations for PDF conversion. In such cases, try the following solution:

  • Solution: Divide the Document into Smaller Parts: If the document is too large to convert into a single PDF, consider dividing it into smaller parts. Create multiple Google Docs, each containing a section of the original document, and convert them individually to PDF.

By understanding these potential reasons and implementing the suggested solutions, you can overcome obstacles and successfully save your Google Docs as PDF files. Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of having your documents in PDF format, ready to be shared or accessed across different platforms and devices.

FAQs:

Q1: How do I save a PDF file as a Google Doc?

A1: Converting a PDF to a Google Doc format isn't possible in Google Docs. However, you can use external tools like Adobe Acrobat to convert the PDF to a Word document and then upload it to Google Drive as a Google Doc.

Q2: How to turn a formatted PDF into Google Docs without losing formatting?

A2: Converting a formatted PDF to Google Docs without any formatting loss is challenging. You can try importing the PDF into Google Docs, review the conversion, and manually adjust any formatting discrepancies to closely match the original PDF.

Final Thought on Ways to Save Google Doc as PDF

In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive guide on five free ways for how to save Google Doc as PDF files. We explored various methods, including using WPS Office, direct downloads, print tricks, email attachments, and saving to Google Drive. Each method offers its own advantages, allowing users to choose the most suitable option based on their preferences and needs.

Among the five methods discussed, WPS Office stands out as a particularly noteworthy solution. With its user-friendly interface and powerful PDF conversion capabilities, WPS Office provides a seamless experience for converting Google Doc to PDF format. Additionally, the availability of WPS Templates further enhances the document creation process, offering a wide range of professionally designed templates to choose from.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can easily convert and save their Google Docs as PDF files, enabling seamless sharing, printing, and archiving. Whether you prefer the convenience of direct downloads, the speed of print tricks, the convenience of email attachments, or the integration with Google Drive, these free methods ensure that you can save your Google Docs as PDFs effortlessly. Take advantage of these techniques and elevate your document management experience in 2023 and beyond.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.