How to Download a Google Doc as a PDF or Word File
Short Answer
How do you download a document as a PDF or Word file in Google Docs?
Click File › Download and choose PDF Document (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx). The file downloads to your computer. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then F E P.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: File › PDF (.pdf). On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Click File › Download.
- Choose a file type, such as PDF Document (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx).
- The file downloads to your computer.
For a very large document in Chrome, Google suggests File › Print, then Save as PDF next to Destination.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs has no shortcut for this.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press F, E, then P. ShortieCuts runs “PDF (.pdf)”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt FEX | Word (.docx)File key-tips |
| Alt FET | Plain Text (.txt)File key-tips |
| Alt FEO | OpenDocument (.odt)File key-tips |
| Alt FER | Rich Text (.rtf)File key-tips |
| Alt FEH | Web Page (.html)File key-tips |
| Alt FEE | EPUB (.epub)File key-tips |
| Alt FEM | Markdown (.md)File key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Word keeps exporting under File › Export (Alt, F, E). ShortieCuts starts the same way and adds a letter for the format: P for PDF, X for Word.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HFP | Paint FormatBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + C |
| Alt HN | Numbered ListBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 7 |
| Alt PM | Margins |
| Alt HL1 | HeadingsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 |
| Alt H9 | ChecklistBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 9 |
| Alt PO | Landscape |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to download a document as a PDF or Word file in Google Docs?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Docs doesn't include one. Click File › Download and choose PDF Document (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.docx). The file downloads to your computer. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then F, then E, then P.
Does Alt + F + E + P work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + F + E + P there won't download a document as a PDF or Word file. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then F, then E, then P, and ShortieCuts runs its "PDF (.pdf)" command.
How do I download a document as a PDF or Word file in Google Docs on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then F, then E, then P.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.