How to Convert Google Docs File to PDF on Desktop and Phone

How to Convert Google Docs File to PDF on Desktop and Phone

Google Docs is capable enough to let you create files in addition to a simple Word document. Using Google Docs templates, you can create a CV, invoice, flyer, brochure, etc. You won’t want to share such files in the Google Docs default file format when sharing.


Convert google docs file to pdf

You can easily share these Google Docs files in read-only PDF format. Here is how you can convert Google Docs files to PDF on computer and phone.

It looks unprofessional when sharing a resume or Google Docs flyer as the default file format. Instead, you should send it as a PDF file for a better impression. Google Docs offers a default tool for converting an existing file to PDF on desktop and mobile. Let’s check it out in action.

Convert Google Docs File to PDF on Desktop

In the example below, we’ve created a sales quote using a third-party Google Docs template. Before sending it to one of the clients, we will convert it to PDF. Here’s how.

Step 1: Visit Google Docs on the web.

2nd step: Open an existing Google document or create one from scratch.

Step 3: We have opened an existing sales quote template. Edit it with the relevant details with item names, company names, dates etc.

Step 4: After making all the changes, click on File in the menu bar.

Open the file in google docs


Open the file in google docs

Step 5: Select Download from the File menu.

Step 6: Download the Google Docs file in PDF format and it will be saved in the Downloads folder.

Save google docs in pdf format


Save google docs in pdf format

Now you can easily share PDF files via email, Slack, or Teams, whatever platform you prefer.

The ability to convert Google Docs files is not limited to the web-only version. You can easily do this from the Google Docs mobile apps. Let’s start with the Google Docs Android app.

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Google Docs app for Android

Google Docs is provided by default on all Android phones. Unlike other apps, Google Docs uses a different user interface on Android and iPhone. Follow the steps below to do PDF conversion on Google Docs.

Step 1: Open the Google Docs app on Android and select a file.

In the example below, we’ve created a software developer proposal in Google Docs on Android. Now let’s convert it to a PDF file.

2nd step: Tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.

Step 3: Select Share & Export and press Save As.

Select more menu


Select more menu

Select share and export


Select share and export

Step 4: Choose PDF format from the next menu and press ok at the bottom.

Save the google docs document


Save the google docs document

Save the document in pdf format


Save the document in pdf format

Google Docs will convert the file to PDF format and save it to an Android phone. The PDF file is now ready to be shared with others.

Google Docs app on iPhone

If you’re an iPhone, the steps are slightly different from the Android counterpart. Here is how to create PDF file from Google Docs file on iPhone.

Step 1: Launch the Google Docs app on iPhone.

2nd step: Select a file you want to convert to PDF on iPhone.

Step 3: Make changes and tap the More menu at the top.

Step 4: Select Share and export.

Google docs on phone 1


Google docs on phone 1

Share and export a docs file on i Phone


Share and export a docs file on i Phone

Step 5: Tap Send a copy on the next menu.

Step 6: Choose PDF format and press ok at the bottom.

Send a pdf copy to iphone


Send a pdf copy to iphone

Save google docs file in pdf format on i Phone


Save google docs file in pdf format on i Phone

Google Docs will convert the document to PDF format and open the share menu. You can either share the file directly with others or save it in the Files app on your iPhone.

Edit PDFs before sharing them

Did you make a typo or want to make last minute changes to the PDF file? You cannot edit PDF files in Google Docs. You can still convert a PDF file to a Word file and open it in Google Docs to make changes. But it takes time and is not a workable solution.

You can opt for a PDF editor on Mac or Windows to make the necessary changes. For the Mac platform, we recommend the PDFexpert application. It is designed natively for the Mac platform, has a lot of editing features and also allows you to sign a PDF file.

PDFexpert for mac


PDFexpert for mac

Send a Google Docs file in PDF format

Google Docs has a built-in PDF converter tool on desktop and mobile. It is useful in certain types of documents. Go ahead, convert the Google Docs file to PDF and start sharing it with others.

Last updated on November 30, 2021

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