Whether you’re a student submitting a report, a professional sending an official document, or just someone who values the neatness of a well-formatted PDF, knowing how to save a Google Doc as a PDF is essential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the steps to do just that. Plus, I’ll share an even easier method for those who already have a DOCX file and want to convert it to PDF with just a few clicks.
At PDFtoPDF.io, we’re all about making your digital document life easier. So, whether you’re a tech pro or a complete beginner, you’ll find this guide simple, straightforward, and—dare I say it—enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
Why Convert to PDF?
Before we jump into the how-tos, let’s quickly talk about why you might want to convert your Google Doc to a PDF. PDFs are like the digital version of a printed document—they look the same on any device, they’re easy to share, and they’re hard to edit, making them great for official documents. Plus, you can add password protection if you’re dealing with sensitive information.

So, whether it’s to preserve formatting, protect content, or simply because your professor/boss requires it, converting a Google Doc to a PDF is a smart move.
1. Save Google Doc as a PDF Directly
This is the most straightforward way to save your Google Doc as a PDF, and it’s built right into Google Docs. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Start by opening the Google Doc that you want to convert. If you haven’t created the document yet, go ahead and do that first.
2. Once your document is open, look at the top left of your screen. You’ll see a menu option that says “File.” Click on it.
3. In the drop-down menu, hover over the “Download” option. Another menu will pop up to the side. From here, click on “PDF Document (.pdf).”

4. A window will appear asking where you’d like to save the file on your computer. Choose your desired location, name your file, and click “Save.”
And that’s it! You’ve just saved your Google Doc as a PDF. Simple, right?
2. Convert Google Docs (DOCX) to PDF
Now, let’s say you already have a DOCX file (the file format used by Google Drive and Microsoft Word) and you want to convert it directly to PDF without opening Google Docs. This is where our PDFtoPDF.io DOCX to PDF Converter comes in handy.
Why Use Our Online DOCX to PDF Converter?
Sometimes, you just want a quick and easy conversion without opening additional software. Our tool is perfect for that. It’s fast, secure, and works on any device. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing any formatting in the process.
Here’s how simple it is to convert your Google Doc to PDF online using our tool.
1. Head over to our DOCX to PDF Converter.
2. Click on the “Choose File” button and select the DOCX file you want to convert.

3. Once your file is uploaded, the tool will process and convert your file and prepare it for download.
4. After the conversion is complete, click the “Download” button to save your PDF.

Check Out Our Other Tools:
- PDF Compressor: Reduce the file size of your PDFs.
- PDF Merger: Combine multiple PDFs into one.
- PDF Editor: Make edits to your PDF files online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I convert multiple Google Docs to PDFs at once?
You can’t convert multiple Google Docs to PDFs simultaneously directly in Google Docs. However, you can download each one individually as a PDF or use a batch converter tool if you have many files.
Can I convert a Google Doc to PDF on my phone?
Yes, you can. The steps are similar to those on a desktop. Just use the Google Docs app, go to the menu, and select “Download as PDF.”
Why does my PDF look different from my Google Doc?
This can happen due to complex formatting or fonts that aren’t universally supported. To avoid this, use standard fonts and ensure all elements are properly aligned before converting.
Is it possible to password-protect the PDF after conversion?
Yes, you can. After converting your Google Doc to a PDF, use our Password-Protect PDF tool to add a password.
How do I convert a PDF back to a Google Doc?
You can upload the PDF to Google Drive, open it with Google Docs, and then save it as a Google Doc. Keep in mind that complex formatting may not convert perfectly.
Saving your Google Doc as a PDF is a simple yet essential skill that will save you a lot of headaches down the line. Whether you’re using Google Docs’ built-in options or our handy DOCX to PDF converter, the process is straightforward and quick. So the next time you need to preserve your document’s formatting, you know exactly what to do!
Also Read: