Send a Google Doc as PDF Attachment from Gmail
Sending a Google Doc as a PDF attachment from Gmail is a common workflow for anyone who shares documents externally. Export the doc, then attach the PDF in Gmail. The whole process takes under a minute.
Export and attach workflow
Open the Docs to PDF online converter, pick the Google Doc from your Google Drive, and click Convert. The PDF downloads. Switch to Gmail, compose your email, and click the paperclip icon to attach the PDF from your downloads folder.
Attaching from Drive in Gmail
If you use the Docs to PDF Chrome extension instead, the PDF of a Google Doc is saved straight to Google Drive, and you can attach it in Gmail with the Drive icon without a local download. Navigate to the PDF in Drive from Gmail's compose window and attach it.
Multiple attachments
To send multiple PDFs in one email, batch export all documents first, then attach them all in one step from your downloads folder. Hold Ctrl or Cmd while selecting files in the attach dialog to pick multiple at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a Google Doc as PDF from Gmail without downloading the file?
Yes. If the PDF is saved to Google Drive, use the Drive attachment option in Gmail's compose window.
What is the maximum size of a PDF I can send in Gmail?
Gmail supports up to 25 MB per attachment. Use a file larger than that as a Drive link instead.
Related article
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