Automate Recurring PDF Exports for Client Deliverables
Agencies and consultants who produce recurring client deliverables know the routine: finalize the documents, export to PDF, send to the client. The export step can be automated. Schedule an Apps Script to convert the client folder to PDF at the right time, so PDFs are waiting in a Drive folder ready to send when the client communication goes out.
One folder per client
Keep each client's deliverable documents in a dedicated Drive folder. The script exports that folder to PDF on the schedule you set. For multiple clients, write a script that loops through a list of folder IDs and exports each one in sequence.
Sending PDFs to clients via email
Extend the script to email the converted PDFs to each client automatically. Use MailApp.sendEmail() with the PDF file blobs as attachments and the client's email address. For large PDFs, share a Drive link to the PDF folder instead of attaching.
Timing the export before client communication
Set the scheduled trigger to run a few hours before the planned client communication. For example, if you send client reports every Monday morning, schedule the export for Sunday night. The PDFs are ready when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the document is not finalized before the scheduled export?
The script exports whatever version is in the folder at export time. Communicate the document finalization deadline to anyone contributing to the folder before the scheduled run.
Can I run the automated export for a single client on demand without changing the schedule?
Yes. Run the function manually from the Apps Script editor at any time, independent of the scheduled trigger.
Related article
Set up a workflow to 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