Google Docs: How to export files

Google Docs: How to export files

Google Docs sits at the center of the world of cloud-based productivity. Its success is due, in part, to its accessibility and flexibility. You can write, edit, and format shareable text documents with a free Google account and an internet browser. Plus, you can access more advanced features using an ever-growing range of add-ons. You can invite others to view or edit your documents and collaborate with them in real time. One of the best things about Google Docs is that it’s platform-agnostic. Whether you use an Android phone, Windows desktop, or one of thebest Chromebooks, you can access Google Docs.

Though it’s easy to share a Google Docs file, there are situations where this isn’t appropriate. Many organizations prefer to receive PDFs or work with Microsoft Word. You may need to export or convert your document when submitting documents for job interviews, school projects, or to work offline. Google makes this process straightforward. You can download your document as a PDF or a Microsoft Word file with a few simple clicks. This article tells you all you need to know.

Although you can export Google Docs to several common file formats, you’ll want to exercise caution when doing so. Exported Google Docs files may not render as expected. Exported files, especially longer documents or those that use advanced features, may also contain non-printing characters.

Google Docs file export by platform

The steps to export files from Google Docs differ slightly depending on whether you use a mobile or desktop device. We explain the step-by-step guide for exporting Google Docs files for both device types.

How to export Google Docs files on a desktop browser

Exporting Google Docs files on a desktop is relatively easy and takes only a few clicks. Here’s how to do it.

How to export files from Google Docs on the mobile app for Android or iOS

Now that you know how to download Google Docs files in different formats on a desktop, let’s see how to do it on your phone or tablet.

We used an Android phone for this tutorial, but the process is the same for iPhone and iPad users.

How to download an offline copy of Google Docs files

If you want to download a Google Doc file onto your device in its original format and don’t need to convert it to other formats, follow these quick steps to save an offline copy of your file.

Instead of downloading a different format, this saves the file in Google Docs format, so you can work on it even when offline.

Which formats can you export from Google Docs?

In addition to downloading and exporting files from Google Docs as Google Docs files, you can download and export files in other formats. Whether a job application requires Microsoft Word or you want to show a friend how to download something as a PDF, these formats should do the trick.

Here are the formats that you can export from Google Docs:

Need to add scanned documents for work? We’ve got you covered!

Export and share Google Docs files in other popular formats

Google is great at entering a market with a free tool that competes with traditional paid products and supersedes them. Google Docs hasn’t made traditional word processors obsolete, but it’s siphoned off its share of available users. This has been possible because the UI is simple and familiar.

A potential downside of this simple interface is that some advanced features aren’t immediately apparent to the casual user. To understand its full power and use features like templates, extensions, document outlines, automatic citations,diagrams, and illustrations, click the link to read our favoriteGoogle Docs tips and tricksarticle.

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