How to Save Google Doc as PDF

Google Docs has been a game-changer to digital document workers. Yet, there comes a time when your digital masterpiece needs to be sent out as a polished, secure, yet shareable document.

Sending out resumes? Presenting reports? Or sharing creative projects? This is where the PDF format comes into play. The PDF lets you seamlessly share unaltered documents that are universally compatible, ensuring they can be viewed on any device or operating system.

And we can help you get your Google Doc into the PDF format. Discover how to accomplish the task quickly with the below methods:

• Make your Google Doc a PDF file
• Save a Google Doc as other files (non-PDF)
• Convert a Google Doc to PDF with Xodo 
• Change PDF back to Google Docs
• Save Google Doc as PDF on your Phone
• Email your Google Doc as PDF

Follow along and learn to convert your Google Doc to PDF with ease. Let's dive in!

How to make a Google Doc a PDF file

To save your Google Doc as PDF is super easy. It only requires a simple file download from Google Docs. Follow the steps below on how to save Google Doc as PDF:

1. Open your file in Google Docs.

2. Click on File > Download.

3. In the menu, select PDF Document (.pdf) as your output format.

4. Save the new PDF file to your computer.

Note that if you’re looking to turn other Google formats into PDF, the same process can be used for converting Google Sheets and Google Slides to PDF. You also can save Google Docs into other files.

How to save a Google Doc as other files

Depending on which Google format you’re working with – Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides, you can download your file as other types of formats.

Using the same steps above through the File menu, you can get a head start on any other digital document tasks that involve the following formats:

• Microsoft Word (.docx)
• Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)
• OpenDocument Format (.odt)
• OpenDocument (.ods)
• OPD Document (.odp)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)
• Comma Separated Values (.csv)
• Tab Separated Values (.tsv)
• PDF Document (.pdf)
• Plain Text (.txt)
• Web Page (.html, zipped)
• EPUB Publication (.epub)
• JPEG image (.jpg)
• PNG image (.png)
• Scalable Vector Graphs (.svg)

How to convert a Google Doc to PDF with Xodo 

An alternative way to create a PDF from your Google Docs is with Xodo. Our online PDF converter can act as a quick go-between to connect your work with Google and PDF documents.

Note that you first need to download your Google Doc as Microsoft Word (.docx) as described in the first section above. Once you have your Google Doc downloaded as an MS Word document, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Xodo’s Word to PDF converter.

2. Upload the DOCX Word document you just downloaded from Google Docs.

3. Click on Convert.

4. Once the conversion is done, save your new PDF file by clicking on Download.

How to convert PDF back to Google Docs

We’ve shown you how to convert Google Doc to PDF. However, if you find yourself needing to convert your PDF back into a Google Doc – don't worry! The process is just as easy.

To get a quick tutorial on the process, head over to our guide that’ll show you how to convert a PDF to Google Docs.

How to save Google Doc as PDF on your phone

Got a work emergency and need to turn your Google Docs into PDF file on the spot? Armed with a mobile phone, you can save your Google Docs as PDF files whenever the situation calls for it.

To do so, follow these steps using the Google Docs App on your phone. The below guide is for Android users. However, the process for how to save Google Doc as PDF on iPhone is similar for iOS devices:

1. Download the app for Android or iOS if you haven't installed it yet.

2. Find and select the Google Doc you want to convert to PDF.

3. Once the document is open, tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen.

4. From the menu that appears, select Share and export.

5. Tap on Save as and choose PDF document (.pdf).This option will automatically save your PDF to your Google Drive.

Alternatively, you can use the Print functionality. From the dropdown menu, select the Google Docs Save as PDF option as your Printer. You can then uncheck whichever pages you don’t want in your final PDF.

After you've confirmed the pages you want, tap on the yellow download PDF button. Select where you wish to save your new PDF and then tap on Done at the bottom of the screen.

Once your Google Doc is converted, you can find your PDF file by going into the folder or location you saved it in.

And your work doesn’t have to end at just creating a PDF. With Xodo mobile apps you can get other tasks done like annotating documents, signing PDF forms and even editing PDFs on your phone.

How to email a Google Doc as PDF

If the reason you want to save your Google Doc as PDF is to email it to someone. You can do it directly.

1. Open your Google Docs file.

2. Go to File > Email > Email This File.

3. Select PDF from the drop-down menu.

4. Enter the recipient’s email.

5. Type up your email message and add in a subject line.

6. Once your email is all set up, click on Send.

Get the most out of your Google Doc and PDF files

As you can see, there are plenty of options to save and email PDFs as well as convert to and from PDF and other formats. And by combining Google Docs with over 30 advanced PDF tools from Xodo, you get the perfect blend of functionality and professionalism.

Whether you’re editing DOCX files, reviewing PDF content, or signing contracts on the go, you can perform all your document tasks online or on your mobile!