Converting your Google Doc to PDF is a safe, fast and secure way to lock down the document and share with colleagues, clients and potential employers. PDFs are ideal for sharing files like CVs, contracts and work documents. You can also turn documents created in Google into a PDF as simply as those you create in Word.
Discover how to convert a Google Doc to a PDF in our handy guide.
Converting a Google Doc to a PDF is simple and straightforward. Here’s a quick rundown of the main steps.
1. Getting started. Sign into Google Docs. Open your document or create a new document.
2. Save as PDF. For saving and sharing, click File, then Download and select PDF from the list.
3. Email a PDF. For email, click File > Email, then choose Email This File. Select PDF from the drop-down at the bottom of the box.
4. Access your PDF. Whether saved on your laptop or ready to share via email, you now have your PDF.
So that’s the short version. We’ll now give you the detailed step by step of how to convert a Google Doc to a PDF.
1. Open your Google Docs file.
2. Go File and select Email This File.
3. Select PDF from the drop down menu at the bottom.
4. Type the recipient’s email in the address bar.
5. Write the email copy and subject line.
6. Hit Send.
You may want an actual copy of the PDF you’re creating - perhaps for your digital or paper records or to send to someone in the post. For such cases you need to follow the steps to save a Google Doc as a PDF.
1. Open your Google Docs file or create new one.
2. Ensure the document is finalised.
3. Go the File > Download > PDF.
4. Find the PDF file in your desktop Downloads folder.
5. Save the PDF in the folder of your choice.
There are many benefits of converting Google Docs to PDFs. We’ll briefly cover some key advantages.
Before getting started, check out our frequently asked questions on turning your Google Doc into a PDF.
Electronic signatures are one of the main advantages of PDFs. You can e-sign your PDF in a few simple steps:
1. Open your Google Doc
2. From the menu, select File, then go on Print
3. After choosing your print settings, click Print
Upload the file to Google Drive by clicking New > File Upload and choosing your file. Once the file is uploaded, you need to find it within Google Drive. Next, right-click and select Open With > Google Docs.
You can now edit your file in Google Docs, if you need to. When you’re done, select File > Download > PDF.
After you download the Chrome browser or the Google Drive app on your Mac, you can convert any Google Doc to PDF by following the same steps from this article.
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