Apps Script PDF Conversion is Free
Apps Script is included with every Google account at no cost. The PDF export it performs uses the same Drive API that powers Google's own export UI. You pay nothing for the script runtime, the API calls, or the Drive storage, within standard Google account quotas.
What is included for free
Every Google account gets Apps Script execution time, UrlFetchApp calls, Drive API quota, and MailApp email sends included in the free tier. For most individual and small-team workflows, these limits are more than sufficient. The free tier supports hundreds of conversions per day before you approach any quota.
Quota limits to watch
The main limits to be aware of: 6-minute maximum execution time per script run, 20,000 URL fetch calls per day, 100 emails per day via MailApp (higher for Workspace), and Drive read/write quotas. Converting a moderate folder of documents in a daily trigger runs well within all of these.
When to consider alternatives
If you need to convert thousands of documents per day or build a production service that other people depend on, the free Apps Script tier may not be enough. In that case, the Google Drive API with a service account and billing-enabled project gives you higher quotas. The Docs to PDF extension is better for ad-hoc work where you want a visual interface rather than code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using Apps Script for PDF conversion cost anything?
No. Apps Script and the Drive API are free within standard usage quotas. You do not need a billing account or a credit card.
Are there higher quotas available if I need them?
Google Workspace accounts have higher Apps Script quotas than personal accounts. For very high volumes, enabling the Drive API in a Google Cloud project with billing unlocks higher rate limits.
Related article
Bulk convert Google Docs to PDF →Ready to Try It?
Install the free Chrome extension and start converting your Google Docs to PDF in one click.
Install Free Extension