Web Tools vs Chrome Extensions: Speed
Speed is one of the clearest advantages of a Chrome extension over a web-based tool for Google Docs users. The web tool comparison on speed comes down to how many steps each approach requires and where the processing bottleneck is.
Web tool workflow step count
Web tool workflow for a Google Doc: open the web tool (1), connect or navigate to the upload interface (2), upload the file or connect Drive (3), wait for upload to complete (4), trigger conversion (5), wait for processing (6), download the PDF (7). For one file on a fast connection, this takes one to three minutes including navigation.
Chrome extension step count
Chrome extension workflow for the same file: select it in Google Drive (1), click the extension icon (2). The conversion begins immediately using Google's API. The file is already on Google's servers, so there is no upload. For one file, this takes five to fifteen seconds total.
Batch speed difference
For batches, the speed difference multiplies. A web tool requiring individual uploads for ten documents adds ten upload cycles. A Chrome extension processing ten selected files triggers them all from one click, with no per-file navigation. The time savings for regular batch users are significant over weeks and months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are web tools slower because of their servers?
The main bottleneck is upload time, not server processing speed. Web tools process files quickly once they receive them. The delay is in getting the file to the server, which a Chrome extension avoids by using files already in the cloud.
Related article
Convert Google Docs to PDF fast →Ready to Try It?
Install the free Chrome extension and start converting your Google Docs to PDF in one click.
Install Free Extension