Saving a Google Doc as a PDF on your iPad is super easy and only takes a few steps. First, you need to open the Google Docs app and select the document you want to save. Then, use the “Share & export” option to choose “Send a copy.” Finally, select PDF as the format and share it to your desired location. That’s it!
How to Save a Google Doc as PDF on iPad
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure you can easily save your Google Doc as a PDF right from your iPad.
Step 1: Open the Google Docs App
First, open the Google Docs app on your iPad.
Make sure you have the Google Docs app installed on your iPad. If not, download it from the App Store. Once you have it, tap on the app to open it.
Step 2: Select Your Document
Next, find and tap on the document you want to save as a PDF.
Make sure you select the correct document. If you have a lot of documents, you might need to scroll through your list or use the search bar at the top.
Step 3: Tap the Three Dots Menu
Tap on the three dots (also known as the More menu) in the top-right corner of your screen.
This menu gives you access to various options for your document. You’ll find options like “Share & export” and “Print” in this menu.
Step 4: Tap on “Share & Export”
From the menu, tap “Share & export.”
This will bring up more options related to sharing and exporting your document. It’s the gateway to saving your document in different formats.
Step 5: Select “Send a Copy”
Tap on “Send a copy” from the options that appear.
This step is crucial because it allows you to choose the format you want to save your document in. It’s like telling the app, “Hey, I want to make a copy of this, and I’m not picky about how.”
Step 6: Choose PDF Format
Select “PDF” from the list of file formats.
Choosing PDF ensures that your document maintains its formatting regardless of the device or software used to open it. It’s a universal format, which is super handy.
Step 7: Decide Where to Send the PDF
Choose where you want to send the PDF, such as an email, your iCloud Drive, or another app.
You can send your PDF via email, save it to your iCloud Drive, or share it through another app installed on your iPad. Just tap on your choice and follow the prompts.
After completing these steps, your Google Doc will be saved as a PDF and sent to your chosen location. This is super convenient for sharing documents without worrying about format issues.
Tips for How to Save a Google Doc as PDF on iPad
- Make sure your Google Docs app is updated to the latest version for a smoother experience.
- Adjust the document formatting before converting to PDF to ensure it looks exactly how you want.
- Use the search bar in Google Docs if you have trouble finding your document.
- Double-check your PDF by opening it after saving to ensure it converted correctly.
- If you’re sharing sensitive information, consider using a secure method like encrypted email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save a Google Doc as PDF without the Google Docs app?
No, you need the Google Docs app to convert the document to PDF on your iPad.
Does saving a Google Doc as a PDF affect the original document?
No, your original Google Doc remains unchanged after saving it as a PDF.
Can I edit the PDF after saving it?
You can’t edit a PDF directly in Google Docs, but you can use other apps like Adobe Acrobat to make changes.
Do I need an internet connection to save a Google Doc as PDF?
Yes, you need an internet connection to access your Google Docs and convert them to PDF.
Is there a limit to the number of Google Docs I can convert to PDF?
There is no limit as long as you have enough storage space on your iPad and in your Google Drive.
Summary
- Open the Google Docs app.
- Select your document.
- Tap the three dots menu.
- Tap “Share & export.”
- Select “Send a copy.”
- Choose PDF format.
- Decide where to send the PDF.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You now know how to save a Google Doc as a PDF on your iPad. This skill can be a real lifesaver when you need to share documents quickly and in a universally accepted format. PDFs ensure that your document’s formatting stays intact, no matter where it’s viewed.
For further reading, consider exploring how to edit PDFs on your iPad, which can add even more flexibility to your document management. Don’t forget to keep your Google Docs app updated to avoid any hiccups during the process.
So go ahead, give it a try, and make your document-sharing game as smooth as butter!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.