How to save Google Docs file as PDF on iPhone and web

Follow these easy steps to export a Google Docs document as a PDF file on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows PC.

iPhone mockup with a Google Docs document on its screen along with the red PDF and iOS Google Docs app icons in the sides

Google Docs automatically saves your work in the cloud or locally on the device at short intervals when you’re working inside its editor. For versatile use cases, like easy file sharing, you can export a Google Doc as a PDF file.

From a Mac or PC

Follow these steps to save a document in Google Docs as a PDF using your computer.

Open the Google Docs document in a web browser or the Progressive Web App.
Click File from the top right.
Next, take your mouse pointer over Download and click PDF Document (.pdf). Google Docs will automatically download your document as a PDF file. Go to your downloads folder to access it.

Screenshot with red highlights showing how to save Google Docs as PDF on a computer

From the iPhone or iPad app

Use these quick steps to export your Google Docs work as a PDF file using its mobile app.

1) Open the Google Docs app and go inside a document.

2) Tap the three dots button from the top.

3) Select Share & export.

Share and export option in Google Docs app

4) Next, choose Send a copy, choose the PDF format, and tap OK.

5) Once PDF is prepared, it will open the iOS Share Sheet. Tap Save to Files to have this PDF in iCloud Drive, locally on your iPhone, or added third-party services. Alternatively, you can send this PDF via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, Slack, or one of the available mediums.

Send a copy of Google Docs as PDF on iPhone

Aside from the above option, you can also look for the desired document on the first screen of the Google Docs app, usually under the Last opened by me heading. From here, tap the three dots button in the bottom right of the document tile, followed by Send a copy > PDF.

Another method to export Google Docs as PDF inside iPhone app

Use the print trick

Finally, another option to export Google Docs as a PDF involves using the iOS print trick. Of course, this also works with several other apps.

Start by tapping the three dots button from a document tile and choose Print. If you open the document, tap the three dots button > Share & export and then pick Print.
On the Print Options screen, put two fingers on the document thumbnail and pinch out.
Select the share icon and choose one of the options from the Share Sheet to save or send the PDF Document.

Use the print tip to download Google Docs document as PDF on iPhone

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