Google Sheets is part of the Google Workspace suite of products, allowing you to organize large amounts of data. It stands out for many reasons, particularly its collaboration and accessibility features because it is cloud-based. But if a time arises when you need to share the data on your Worksheet with someone who works offline, then you need to know how to download Google Sheets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to download Google Sheets without Microsoft Excel.
Can I Download Google Worksheets without Microsoft Excel?
You can download Worksheets from Google Sheets without Microsoft Excel on your device, and the process is relatively straightforward. People often think they need to install Microsoft Excel to read the Worksheet file they've downloaded. However, if you don't have Microsoft Excel and don't want to download it, the best way to open and read Google Worksheets files is with WPS Office.
The primary difference between Microsoft Excel and WPS Office is price, flexibility, and collaboration. WPS Office is an affordable option that allows you the flexibility to convert the Worksheet between multiple file formats depending on what you deem fit for the project, and it also gives you a top-notch collaboration environment.
How to Download Google Sheets Without Microsoft Excel?
The whole essence of cloud-based software is to keep your projects online. So, why would anyone need to download Worksheets from Google Sheets? Considering that if you need to share the Worksheet, you can always send the Sheet link. Or if you need to analyze the data on the Sheet, you can import it from Google Drive.
But when the data contains sensitive information, you can consider downloading it before sharing it for privacy and security concerns. Similarly, if you are going to a location with little to no internet connection, having your Worksheet saved in your local storage will be best for easy access.
So, whatever your reason for wanting to download Google Sheets without Microsoft Excel on your PC, you've come to the right place. The following section will walk you through the steps to access your Worksheet seamlessly, whether offline or online.
How to Download a Sheet from Google Sheets
If you need a Google Sheet you've been working on offline, rather than copying and pasting it on an Excel processing software, you can easily download it. Copying and pasting the Sheet before saving it is a long process, and during the process, you can lose several formatting tools you used. Rather than going through this long process, use the download button instead.
Download Sheets from Google Sheets offers several advantages, particularly allowing you to download it in different file formats. You can choose the format that suits your needs depending on why you need the Worksheet offline.
Here’s how to download a Sheet from Google Sheets:
From your device, go to the Google Sheets website https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets and sign into your account if you are not already signed in.
Click on the Worksheet you want to download to open it.
Select the File option on the Menu bar on the left side of your screen.
Move your cursor over the download option from the drop-down option to display the side option.
With the cursor, gently trace from the download option to the side option to choose the file format you want to download.
When you click on the file format you want to download, whether it's Microsoft Excel, OpenDocument, PDF, and so on, the download will begin.
How to Open Google Sheet on Desktop Shortcut App Without Microsoft Excel
Suppose you want to download the Worksheet because of the convenience of not having to download Microsoft Excel. Then, you can consider creating a desktop shortcut. This method works by creating a bookmark with the browser app you use to open the website. You can apply this method on almost all browser apps. But for this tutorial, we will be using the Chrome browser.
Here’s how to use open Google Sheets on Desktop Shortcut App:
Launch Chrome on your PC, and open the Google Sheets website.
Click on the three-dot option button at the top right corner of your screen.
Move your cursor over the More Tools option from the drop-down option to display the side options.
From the side options, click on the Create shortcut.
Set a name for the shortcut, click on the open as window, then click the create button.
You can close the Google Sheets tab and then go to the desktop on your PC.
On your PC's desktop, locate the Sheets shortcuts and double-click on them to launch them.
The Google Sheets website will open in a separate window, and you can do whatever you deem fit.
How to Download Google Sheets on Mobile?
Downloading Google Sheets does not only work on PCs but also on mobile devices. Whether using the Google Sheets mobile app or accessing the Google Sheets web version through the browser app on your device, you can still download your Worksheets.
Downloading Google Sheets on a mobile device using the web version works like downloading it on a PC. But using the Google Sheets mobile app, you can download Worksheets on an Android and iPhone using the methods explained below.
Using Android
You can download the Google Sheet app from the Google Play Store if you have an Android smartphone. Using the mobile app offers several advantages, particularly when downloading Sheets. With the mobile app, you can make a Sheet available offline. This option gives you the flexibility to keep your Worksheet in editable format.
However, if you make a Worksheet available offline, it will not be available in your device's local storage. But if you want the Worksheet to be available in your local storage, use the download option instead.
Here’s how to download Sheets on Android:
Launch the Google Sheet app on your Android device.
Check if the Worksheet is in Excel or Sheet format (Excel format doesn’t allow collaboration, whereas Sheet format allows collaboration).
If the file is in Sheet format, open it and click on the three-dot option button at the top right corner of your screen.
Select the Share & Export option from the drop-down option, and then click on the Save As option to choose the file format you want the file as.
Save the file in Excel and then return to the Google Sheet app home page.
Locate the Excel file, click the three-dot option beside its name, and tap the download option.
This will download the Worksheet as an Excel file.
Using iPhone
Similarly, if you use an iOS device, you can download the Google Sheet mobile app from the App Store. With the iOS Google Sheet mobile app, you can download a Worksheet to your local storage or make it available offline.
Note that when using the iOS Google Sheet app, downloading a Worksheet in Excel format will save it to your device in PDF. Whereas if you want to download the Worksheet in other formats, you must first convert it to any other available format before downloading it.
Here’s how to download Google Sheets on iPhone:
Launch the Google Sheet app on your iPhone.
Confirm the format the Sheet is in, whether it is Excel or Sheet.
If it's in the Sheet format, open the Worksheet and click on the option at the top right corner of your screen.
Select the Share & Export option and click the Save As option to select the file format you want to save the Worksheet.
Convert the file to Excel, for example, then go to the Google Sheets homepage and find the converted file you want to download.
Click on the three-dot option beside the name and then click on the download option to start the download.
Why Use WPS Office?
If you find downloading Worksheets from Google Sheets lengthy or want to avoid going through that stress, an alternative solution is to use the WPS Office.
WPS Office is an office suite you can download on your PC or smartphone to get the same functionality as Google Sheets and more. It is the ideal software for people who want the functionality of collaborating with a team on a document and don't have to worry about downloading and installing multiple software to read or edit documents like Worksheet.
Our experience with this software is seamless, and below, we explain the nitty gritty reasons why using WPS Office is better.
All-in-one Office suite
One of the advantages of using the WPS Office suite is that it is an all-in-one software package. This means that all you have to do is get the software, which gives you access to your most used productivity tools. With that WPS Office, you can access a Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF editing tools.
Integrated AI functionality
Using WPS Office also comes integrated with AI functionality. This AI tool provides you with the assistance you need while working on any project. Whether it's developing design ideas, suggesting content ideas, or the best formula to analyze your data, the AI tool will help you work more efficiently.
Rich template store
Another feature that makes the WPS Office suite a must-have is its rich template store. With this massive template store, you don't always have to start every project from scratch. Its template store covers a wide range of free and paid project types, ensuring you can find the best fit for your project.
Lightweight
Whether using a low-end or high-end PC or a smartphone, the WPS Office suite is very lightweight. As such, when you choose to use the WPS Office suite, you don't have to worry about the resources available on your device. The software is about 200MB for PCs and 100MB for smartphones. Also, it works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices with no lags or compatibility issues.
Impressive collaborative functionality
Furthermore, the WPS Office suite allows you to collaborate with a team seamlessly. With its Airpage function, you can upload your documents online for multi-person collaboration. The Airpage functionality offers a clean interface with seamless sharing, ease of operation, and real-time collaboration.
FAQs about Google Sheet Download
Can you download Google Sheets for offline use?
You can download Google Sheets for offline use. However, you must have offline access to the Google Sheets on your signed-in Gmail account. If multiple Gmail accounts are signed into the same device, you cannot use the offline option on all accounts. You must select the account you prefer to use this option with or switch whenever you want.
Can I save it to Google Drive in WPS Office?
You can save documents on Google Drive cloud when working on WPS Office. WPS Office works with different cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, WPS Cloud, and so on.
Summary
If you are working on a Google Sheet document and want to download it, follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to go about it. But after downloading the documents, you need Microsoft Excel to read and open the file. However, if you don't have Microsoft Excel on your PC, an alternative tool you can use is the WPS Office suite.
This tool gives users access to a wide range of functionalities, is easy to download, and allows users the flexibility to work online for seamless collaboration. Also, with WPS Office, you get all the same functionalities of Google Sheets and more.
