How to Schedule PDF Conversion with Apps Script
Apps Script is the built-in automation tool for Google Workspace. A time-based trigger in Apps Script can run your PDF export function automatically on any schedule without any external service.
Step 1: Write the conversion function
Open script.google.com, create a new project, and write a function that exports a Google Doc to PDF. Test it by running it manually from the editor first. Confirm the PDF appears in your target Drive folder before adding the trigger.
Step 2: Add the trigger
In the Apps Script editor, click the clock icon to open Triggers. Click Add Trigger. Select your conversion function, choose 'Time-driven' as the event source, and configure the interval. Save the trigger. It is now active and will run at the next scheduled time.
Step 3: Monitor and maintain
Check the execution log in the Triggers panel after the first few runs to confirm the script is working. Set up error notification emails in your Apps Script project settings so you are alerted immediately if a run fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple scheduled triggers for different conversion jobs?
Yes. Create a separate trigger for each function. You can have a daily trigger for one folder and a weekly trigger for another, all in the same Apps Script project.
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